Our health and Climate Change
Our mental and physical health and wellbeing are closely linked to our environment, and the changing world around us.
We can aim to have more control over our lives, improving our health and that of our environment in many ways
Clean air
Cleaner air reduces chest conditions such as asthma. We can improve the quality of our air by driving less, stop idling when parked (especially outside schools), having traffic free street events, keeping our green environment, e.g., by tree planting( e.g by the Climate Action Group), and not burning unseasoned (undried wood) either in our homes or gardens.
Grow and eat local
It is a pleasure to be able to grow your own food, flowers, herbs whatever size of space you have. House plants purify the air. Locally grown food tends to be fresher, have more nutrients, tastes better, is often cheaper, has fewer pesticides and herbicides, reduces packaging and transport costs and emissions.
Being outside provides you with essential Vitamin D from sunlight and gives you important exercise in your ‘green gym’. Being outside boosts our mental health within 5 minutes.
Eating meat only once or twice a week will allow farmers to rear animals in more sustainable and humane ways, reduce carbon emissions and make you healthier too.
Exercise
Not using a car is good for our health, by breathing fresh air, being out in nature, taking more exercise, and having more social interactions. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions it makes us feel good too!
The Walk Ride Group is working on ways to reduce speeding, prevent the blocking of pavements and help people feel safer cycling
The Age Friendly group installed benches to have a rest while exercising.
Chemicals
Reducing the use of chemicals both within our homes, gardens, and community Is good for our health and the environment. Chemicals washed into water courses and environment can aggravate eczema, allergies and asthma, affect our fertility and damage fish and other creatures.
The Whalley Rangers, in partnership with the City Council, have undertaken to remove unwanted weeds from pavements, instead of spraying harmful herbicides.
Welcoming everyone
Whalley Range has a long history of welcoming people to play their part in developing the city, resulting in a diverse community. From the workers who moved into the city from the surrounding rural areas in the 1800s, through to people fleeing the effects of war, famine, and climate change.
Some buildings and organisations link to this fascinating history and reflect our diverse community and offer a range of health and wellbeing activities.
Mental health
We have many supports to good mental health e.g. lovely parks, sports clubs. The CELEBRATE festival and other local events, bring uplifting music, neighbourly connection and encourage people to get involved with things. Joining a club, or group, along with volunteering is a powerful protector of good mental health. Young people are supported by WRYOA, and Community on Solid Ground who provide activities . During Covid a network of mutual aid groups were set up linking people with their neighbours using technologies new and old.
Parks and open spaces
Our parks are vital for health…green spaces are calming and rejuvenating, allowing access to exercise, sports, volunteering, interactions, events, and clean air. Sunlight exposure improves our vitamin D levels (vital for strong bones muscles and good immunity) .Trees are valuable stores of carbon and help to reduce climate change. In built up areas our parks are vital for wildlife.