Habits of Connection: From Sustainability and Saviorship to Reciprocity and Relationship

Abstract

Background: 45–60% of global climate emissions come from individual consumerism choices. In Western culture, nature is seen as a resource, a series of challenges to conquer, limited to facts and figures, or a threat. As practices and language of sustainability still view the environment simply as a resource, and therefore as something separate from us that can be used, any gains in sustainability are simply band-aids covering the deep wound of relationship. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a shift in focus to practices of nature-connection in outdoor education programming to develop habits of reciprocity and enhance human and nature well-being and relationship. Methodology/Approach: Research demonstrates a practical way to change how we relate to our environment is to change our habits. The pathways of nature connection provide simple behaviors that improve human–nature relationship and well-being. Findings/Conclusions: The ecological crisis is nothing more than a crisis of relationship. The pathway lies not in sustainability and saviorship, but in reciprocity and relationship cultivated by forming habits of nature connection. Implications: By shifting programmatic focus to the development and transfer of nature connection habits, outdoor educators can start the ripples of reciprocity with nature.