Category Archives: Environmental Health

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Respecting the environment and understanding the human connection to nature. Living in and contributing to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Tips for Minimalism and Thrifting in Lowell

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By: Sydney Shea, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-Being Leader 

College life can be chaotic between classes, work, and social life. Coming home after a long day to a cluttered room is the last thing you need. An organized space can help create a calm and focused mind by reducing distractions. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve it! Thrifting is a budget-friendly way to find stylish storage solutions, cool pieces, and unique decor that can transform your space without breaking the bank. When your space is tidy, your brain doesn’t have to process visual chaos, making it easier to relax, concentrate, and be productive.

Declutter First

Before you go out thrifting for new stuff, look through what you have! As you’re organizing your items, ask yourself these questions: 

  • “Do I use this regularly?”
  • “Does it add value to my life?”
  • “Would I choose this over similar items I already own?”

If an item is just sitting in your closet taking up space, donate it! 

Surrounding yourself with belongings that have meaning and a story behind them can be a great way to practice minimalism and declutter your space. That’s why I love thrifting; each item has its own history and unique characteristics.

Thrifting is a simple, yet powerful way to live more sustainably. It reduces textile waste, lowers your carbon footprint, and gives clothes a second life instead of sending them to landfills. Since producing new clothing requires tons of water and energy, thrifting can help conserve resources while slowing down the harmful effects of fast fashion.

Beyond the environmental impact, thrifting can help you save money and support local communities through charity-based stores.

My Go-to Spots for Thrifting:

I’ve been an avid thrifter my whole life, and over the years, I’ve discovered some amazing secondhand spots in and around the Lowell area. 

Here’s a list of a few of them:

1. Saint Vincent de Paul – Lowell, MA

This is my favorite thrift store in the area! It’s a hidden gem filled with affordable items, from clothing and shoes to knickknacks. Plus, shopping here supports local outreach efforts, making it a win-win.

2. Goodwill Outlet – Hudson, NH
If you’re up for some hunting, the Goodwill Outlet (aka “the bins”) in Hudson, NH is worth the trip. Unlike regular Goodwill stores, this outlet sells items by the pound, making it one of the most budget-friendly places to thrift. 

3. Savers – Nashua, NH
Savers is a thrifting classic, and the Nashua location never disappoints. It’s well-organized, making it a great spot if you prefer a less chaotic shopping experience.

Whether you’re new to thrifting or a pro, Lowell and its surrounding areas offer great spots to check out. Next time you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or living space, consider giving pre-loved items a second chance!

Volunteering for Wellness

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By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-Being Leader

As a college student, managing academic stress, social life, and personal growth can be overwhelming. One often overlooked method of improving mental well-being is volunteering. Engaging in community service has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve self-esteem. By giving back, students can find a sense of purpose, build connections, and develop valuable life skills.

UMass Lowell is recognized as a top research institution with R1 Classification, signifying its excellence in research and innovation. This commitment to knowledge and impact extends beyond academics, as the university also prioritizes community engagement and service-learning. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in Lowell or beyond, UMass Lowell provides numerous volunteer opportunities that allow students to engage with the community while boosting their own well-being.

How Volunteering Improves Mental Health

  1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety – Acts of kindness can release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of bonding and reduces stress levels.
  2. Increases Happiness – Helping others can stimulate the production of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation.
  3. Enhances Social Connections – Volunteering can build a sense of belonging and help students form meaningful relationships.
  4. Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence – Contributing to a good cause can create a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
  5. Provides a Sense of Purpose – Helping others allows students to gain perspective and develop gratitude for their own lives.

Ways UMass Lowell Students Can Volunteer

UMass Lowell offers many opportunities for students to give back to the community while improving their own wellness. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. The Office of Community Relations 

2. The Merrimack Valley Food Bank

  • Located in Lowell, this food bank supports families in need and relies on student volunteers.
  • UML students can help organize donations, distribute food, or assist with fundraising events.
  • Check out The Facts to get involved.

3. Service-Learning Courses and Community Internships

  • UMass Lowell offers FAHSS Service Learning and FAHSS Experiential Learning, which integrate hands-on community service with academic studies.
  • These internships allow students to work in marketing, social media, program planning, volunteer management, research, and technology while gaining professional experience.

4. Lowell House of Hope

  • Students can volunteer at House of Hope, which provides shelter and resources for homeless families.
  • Volunteers can help with meal preparation, childcare, donation sorting, and administrative support.

5. Dwelling House of Hope 2025 – Walk for Hunger – May 3rd 2025 at 8 AM

  • UMass Lowell students can participate in Walk for Hunger to support hunger relief efforts.
  • How to Participate:
    • Raise funds to help fight hunger and support the event.
    • Join a team (organizations and programs can form teams to participate together).

6. Student-Led Service Organizations

How to Get Started

Step 1: Identify Your Passion

  • Ask yourself: Do you love working with kids, the elderly, animals, or the environment?
  • Decide if you want to engage in hands-on work or organizational roles.
  • Consider what skills you want to develop through volunteering.

Step 2: Commit and Reflect

  • Volunteering is most rewarding when done consistently.
  • Reflect on how your contributions impact the community and your personal growth.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s about growing, connecting, and enhancing your well-being. As a UMass Lowell student, you have countless ways to get involved, whether through community outreach, environmental efforts, or mentoring programs.

By dedicating time to helping others, you’re not only making a difference in Lowell and beyond but also boosting your mental health, reducing stress, and creating lasting connections.

So, why not start today? Find a cause you’re passionate about and experience the many benefits of giving back!

Finding Reasons to Smile

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By: Madelyn Archambault, Francis College of Engineering Well-Being Leader

Some days can feel really hard. The best advice that I have ever been given is to find a reason to smile everyday. It doesn’t have to be a big reason; it can be small things like personal victories or tiny accomplishments. Maybe you just finished a project or finally managed to clean a small corner of your room.

If you are having trouble finding a reason to smile or something to uplift your day, I have created a list of things, big and small, that personally make me smile. I hope they can brighten your day too. 

Animals: 

  1. A group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope. 
  2. Otters hold hands when they float.
  3. Squirrels help plant thousands of trees each year by forgetting where they leave their acorns.
  4. Cows have best friends. 
  5. A penguin is knighted in Norway.
  6. Every dog’s nose print is unique, just like fingerprints!
  7. Goats have accents by region.
  8. Dolphins have unique names for each other. 

Environmental News: 

  1. The EU recently released a new massive ocean protection project in Portugal.
  2. New eco friendly electric wallpaper is being trialed in Glasgow.
  3. In Scotland, herds of wild cattle are being reintroduced to help aid the environment. 
  4. Recent breakthroughs can help reduce materials used when creating batteries. 

UMass Lowell: 

  1. The Office of Student Life and Well-Being has created a Hope Garden on North Campus. It is located next to Lydon Library/Starbucks. 
  2. UML has taken on many projects focused on sustainability, and continuously works towards sustainability education.  

I hope reading this brought you some joy, and that every day you can find a reason to smile and achieve at least one small victory.

Reflection on My “Wellness in Bloom” Comic Guide

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By: Doa Jamal, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leaders

This semester, I chose to do my honors project for the Honors College. At first, I was having trouble deciding on what to do. Last fall, I took the Graphic Novels in Science and Medicine course as an Honors College elective. I enjoyed the class as it was the first class that allowed me to draw, which I don’t usually do during the academic year. The only times I draw are usually during the Summer or sometimes during school vacations as a way to relax. I would say this was the class I enjoyed the most during my entire four undergraduate years. The final project was to make a mini graphic novella where the booklet told a short story. The goal was to create something meaningful to us. Almost immediately, I knew I wanted to do something related to well-being because being a well-being leader has made such a meaningful impact on me. I also know that I am not adept at drawing humans, so I chose to make my characters flowers. The flowers also go along with the idea of growth and well-being blooming. 

Working on the project to create a small booklet teaching about the eight dimensions of wellness through comics was an incredibly rewarding experience. It provided me with the opportunity to combine my passion for both art and wellness education in a creative and engaging way.

The eight dimensions of wellness encompass various aspects of a person’s life, promoting holistic well-being. These dimensions include physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, environmental, spiritual, and financial wellness. Each dimension addresses different facets of life, from maintaining physical health to fostering meaningful relationships, pursuing personal growth, finding purpose in work, connecting with nature, nurturing spirituality, and managing finances responsibly. Prioritizing these dimensions is crucial as they collectively contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life. Neglecting any dimension can lead to imbalances, affecting overall health and happiness. By striving to enhance each dimension, individuals can cultivate resilience, improve their quality of life, and experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

One of the most fulfilling parts of this project was the creative freedom I had in designing the comics. Being able to draw everything by hand allowed me to infuse each illustration with personality and convey complex concepts in a visually appealing manner. I found that the process of sketching, refining, and digitally editing the illustrations in Photoshop was both enjoyable and therapeutic. It allowed me to immerse myself in the project and truly bring the content to life. Although spending continuous hours in front of a screen to thoroughly Photoshop the images did almost drive me insane. Now I better understand art students. 

However, creating a booklet solely through comics presented its own set of challenges. I had to strike a balance between conveying information effectively and ensuring that the comics remained engaging and easy to understand. This required careful planning and attention to detail in both the artwork and the accompanying text. I found myself constantly revising and refining each comic to ensure that it effectively communicated the key principles of the eight dimensions of wellness.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from this project was the importance of collaboration and feedback. Throughout the process, I sought input from my mentor to ensure that the content resonated with the target audience and effectively conveyed the intended message. Incorporating feedback allowed me to refine the comics further and improve the overall quality of the booklet.

Moreover, working on this project reinforced the importance of wellness and self-care in my own life. As I delved deeper into the eight dimensions of wellness, I found myself reflecting on my own habits and practices related to physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This project served as a reminder to prioritize self-care and make conscious efforts to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, working on the project to create a booklet teaching about the eight dimensions of wellness through comics was a fulfilling and enriching experience. It allowed me to combine my passion for art and wellness education while learning valuable lessons about creativity, collaboration, and self-care. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this project and am excited to see how it will positively impact others on their journey towards improved well-being.

Propagation Station – 9/22/22 

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This event was a collaboration with Office of Sustainability in the University Crossing Lobby. Students were able to actively improve their health by propagating their own health promoting plants. Students practiced environmental wellness and learned about how they can improve air quality in their rooms with the different plants that the Office of Sustainability hand-picked for this event. We were able to build community by creating over 100 plants out of 5- and the line was out the door!