A block of nature to help support healthy humans and a healthy planet
With new research suggesting 58 per cent of people feel their health is being compromised by poor air quality[1], Australians are being given the opportunity to bring biodiversity into their lives with bite-sized Nature Blocks as part of a new initiative from Conservation Volunteers Australia and the Bupa Foundation.
Through the campaign, Australians are being encouraged to plant a small batch of native plants or trees in their garden, on their balcony, or even inside the home. The aim of which is to help promote biodiversity to improve the health of the planet along with the physical and mental health of people[1].
According to Phil Harrison, CEO of Conservation Volunteers Australia, activating more people to care for nature is a win-win situation for humankind and our planet.
“We all have a role in protecting and restoring Australian nature and it can be as simple as planting something seasonal in a shoebox-sized Nature Block which can sit anywhere. As an added bonus, you’ll feel better too!"
With little financial, space or time commitment required, the Nature Blocks campaign aims to address one of the biggest perceived barriers to maintaining health and wellbeing for Australians with 70 per cent of people nominating cost or time pressures as the biggest challenges to living a healthy lifestyle.
Roger Sharp, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Bupa Asia Pacific said the Nature Blocks initiative aims to support people to take simple, tangible actions to help create the healthy planet people want to live in.
As a health and care company, we know the link between the health of the planet and the health of people is undeniable and that we all have a role to play in protecting and regenerating nature, particularly in our cities.
“When it comes to sustainability, collaboration is vital to creating meaningful change. That’s why our Foundation has partnered with organisations such as Conservation Volunteers Australia to deliver meaningful, healthy and practical programs such as Nature Blocks. Together, we want to help build a national movement of people who understand, value and benefit from connecting with and nurturing our environment,” Roger said.
Australian schools will also be getting involved through the Bupa Foundation’s partnership with the Kids Helpline @ School program which will deliver a “Caring for your inner world” course to students. It aims to develop a broad understanding that emotions about climate change are valid while also supporting students with strategies to act.
To help Aussies start their Nature Blocks journey, Conservation Volunteers Australia will also be running a competition to give away 12 Visa gift-cards valued at $250 each for 12 lucky individuals who are amongst the first 500 people to select and start their Nature Blocks during the competition period. The prizes for the competition are funded by Bupa. For the full terms and conditions of this competition, please visit here.
To register for a Nature Block or for further information visit Nature Blocks | Coming Soon | CVA (mynatureblock.org.au).
[1] mrandresearchreport.pdf (bupa.com.au)
[2] Environmental Impacts on Human Health and Well-Being - ScienceDirect
