The Sustainable Happiness Certificate
Holly McIntyre presented her project that mostly involved the implementation of the Sustainable Happiness Certificate. The 17 sustainable development goals developed by the United Nations were used as the backbone of the Sustainable Happiness Certificate. It aimed to offer the staff a way to improve their personal and professional well-being. The 24-hour certificate curriculum covers topics such as:
- sustainability
- positive psychology
- well-being
- consumer choices and habits
- mindfulness, gratitude and appreciation
- nature connection
- social justice
- eco-anxiety and hope
Throughout the certificate, participants are encouraged to reflect on the relationship between happiness and well-being. They also explore how individual pursuits of happiness can impact others and the environment.
Sustainable happiness concepts
In the webinar, Holly McIntyre gave an overview of some of the leading sustainable happiness concepts covered during the certificate. These concepts can be useful for anyone interested in implementing sustainable happiness in their college.
1. Positive psychology and well-being
Holly McIntyre presented well-being through positive psychology and education. She highlighted Martin Seligman’s (2011) model of flourishing, which includes positive emotions, engagement, relationships, purpose, and accomplishment. She also discussed Patrick Carney’s model (2015), which focuses on relationships with elements such as physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, spirituality, and resilience in school settings.
Holly reminded us that it is part of our role as teachers to promote student well-being by fostering positive emotions, engagement, and meaningful relationships in our classrooms. These elements are also essential for teacher well-being.
2. Relationships
The Sustainable Happiness Certificate encourages relationships among students, staff, and teachers to create a positive environment. Those relationships not only improve the classroom environment but also provide an environment of trust between the teacher and the students.
Holly McIntyre observed that students, particularly in their 1st year of CEGEP, often struggle to connect with peers beyond their phones, revealing the need for meaningful class interactions. Investing time in developing these connections contributes significantly to:
- student success
- student well-being
- classroom dynamics
From a staff perspective, participants in the certificate program appreciated connecting with colleagues outside their usual work context. Relationships among staff members promoted empathy and a better understanding of school issues.
3. Nature connection
Holly McIntyre then emphasized the importance of nature connection in sustainable happiness. The certificate encourages participants to cultivate a relationship with nature based on the concept of biophilia, which suggests humans are inherently drawn to nature.
Holly explained that connecting with nature has many benefits, as it can:
- reduce stress
- improve attention
- reduce negative behaviours
- enhance relationships
- strengthen the immune system
- be used for environmental education
For example, activities like journaling to reflect on local ecosystems help us appreciate and reconnect with our natural surroundings, fostering awareness of the environmental impacts of their decisions. Taking classes outside also contributes to the health and well-being of the teacher!
4. Mindfulness, gratitude, and appreciation
In this section of the webinar, Holly highlighted mindfulness, gratitude, and appreciation as key practices in the Sustainable Happiness Certificate. Mindfulness involves being aware of the present moment without judgment, reducing stress and anxiety. Gratitude and appreciation complement mindfulness by focusing on what we already have.
These practices help manage student anxiety by grounding individuals in the present and emphasizing control over their reactions. They enhance well-being and create a positive classroom and work environment.
5. Consumer choices and habits
Another topic explored during the certificate is consumption habits and their impact on both personal well-being and sustainability.
The discussions cover various consumption habits, such as:
- food choices
- technology use
- media engagement
- waste management
- ethical purchasing
Rather than using guilt, the approach focuses on making consumption choices that align with our well-being and their broader impact on the planet.
For instance, Holly McIntyre presented how choices like reducing meat consumption or opting for sustainable fashion can positively influence both personal health and environmental sustainability.