Healthy Me, Healthy Planet: How Public Libraries are Empowering Communities for a Better Future
The Healthy Me, Healthy Planet (HMHP) program was a pilot conducted by Whitehorse Manningham Libraries (Victoria, Australia) to promote the health benefits of climate change action. The evidence-based health promotion initiative sought to demonstrate how environmental action could simultaneously foster healthier individuals and more resilient communities, which a new research report from Deakin University has successfully substantiated.
Funded by a State Library Victoria Libraries for Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grant, the program exemplified what adequate funding can enable public libraries to achieve. The goal of the HMHP program was to highlight the health co-benefits of tackling climate change, and this involved not just educating participants about environmental issues, but also encouraging behaviours that would improve their personal health and wellbeing. The multifaceted approach included educational sessions, community activities, and skill-building workshops covering topics such as:
- Sustainable Gardening
Growing produce in small spaces, positioning trees and vines around the home to reduce urban heat, and saving on energy bills - Waste-Free Living
Reducing household waste, implementing zero-waste practices, and effective recycling - Waterwise Gardening
Efficient water use in gardens, selecting drought-resistant plants, and irrigation techniques to conserve water - Eco-conscious Living
Making eco-friendly food choices, sourcing local and organic produce, and minimizing food waste.
Positive Impacts on Participants
Evaluations through surveys and focus groups revealed a range of self-reported, positive outcomes:
- Increased Confidence
Participants felt more self-assured and empowered, enhancing their sense of control over their health and environmental actions. - Motivation
The program ignited participants’ motivation to act on climate change and make positive choices for their wellbeing and the planet. - Positive Feelings and Personal Wellbeing
Engaging in the program led to improved emotional states and overall wellbeing. - Enhanced Social Connections
The program fostered meaningful social interactions, reducing isolation and strengthening social support networks. - Mental Wellbeing
Participants reported enhanced mental health, indicating the program’s beneficial impact on emotional and psychological states. - Engagement with the Community on Environmental Issues
The initiative encouraged participants to actively engage with their community on environmental matters, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
These outcomes reflect the program’s effectiveness in promoting both individual and community health, highlighting the interconnection between personal wellbeing and environmental action.
Building Capacity and Knowledge
Beyond personal benefits, the HMHP program significantly enhanced both individual and organizational capacities. Participants gained valuable knowledge about environmental issues and pro-environmental behaviours, leading to shifts in attitudes and practices. Notably, participants reported a positive change in attitude towards switching lights off, taking shorter showers, and driving less. Partner organizations involved in the program also benefited by strengthening their ability to support and implement sustainability initiatives.
The Role of Public Libraries
Public libraries, as trusted sources of information and community support, are well-positioned to educate and empower communities on these issues. They offer programs that build skills and literacy across various domains, such as digital, health, and financial literacy, fostering informed and connected communities. Libraries play an important role in combating the alarming trend of misinformation, particularly regarding climate change and health, making them essential for promoting accurate information and sustainable behaviours.
In Victoria, Australia, the strategic framework ‘Libraries for Health and Wellbeing’ highlights the role of libraries in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action and sustainable communities. By integrating health promotion principles, libraries can support local and global actions for planetary health, demonstrating their potential as key players in building healthier, more sustainable communities.
Expanding the Reach of HMHP
Given the program’s success, there are strong recommendations to expand HMHP to other libraries. By replicating this model in different communities, the positive impacts on personal well-being, social connections, and environmental engagement can be multiplied. This expansion would not only foster healthier communities but also bolster local efforts to address climate change.
Key recommendations for amplifying the benefits of HMHP include:
- Integrate Intergenerational Connections
Encouraging participation across different age groups can enhance the richness of community interactions and learning experiences. - Empower Communities
Providing communities with the tools and knowledge to initiate environmental actions can lead to more sustainable and self-reliant communities. - Leverage Libraries as Information Hubs
Utilizing the trusted status of libraries to disseminate evidence-based information on health and sustainability can drive more informed and impactful actions.
The evaluation of HMHP underscores the importance of further research into settings-based approaches for promoting planetary health. By understanding what works best, we can refine and expand initiatives like HMHP to create healthier, more sustainable communities worldwide. The Healthy Me, Healthy Planet program has demonstrated that addressing climate change can be a powerful avenue for enhancing personal and social wellbeing. With the support of government and health/environment organizations, public libraries can play an even greater role in creating a healthier, happier planet for all.
