Eco-social occupational therapy

Abstract

Introduction Ecological crises associated with the global degradation of the natural environment call for dialogues and action to develop an economically and environmentally sustainable world. This paper proposes a new narrative for humanity by connecting ecology with broad ideas about occupation and occupational justice. Method The authors reflect on literature and action projects on ecology, occupation, and occupational justice. Results The authors propose that doing ecology is essentially occupational, and necessarily a matter of occupational justice given the strong link between poverty and the degradation of the natural environment. Conclusion Eco-social occupational therapy practices are illustrated in poverty reduction projects, funded through university–community partnerships in Spain. The potential to expand eco-social occupational therapy lies in publicly embracing ecological challenges, focusing practices on changing the environment, and attracting partners to find new funding for enabling people everywhere to participate in ecological sustainability through occupation. This paper calls on occupational therapists to spark dialogues and take action in doing ecology and justice through occupation.

Household Waste Sorting and Engagement in Everyday Life Occupations After Migration—A Scoping Review

“…However, recycling was mentioned in the occupational science literature [35][36][37]. Occupational science literature was only considered when it was concerned with the environment in terms of global issues, sustainability or ecology [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. The literature included in this review was published between 1997 and 2018.…”

“…The way that human activities impact environmental and social sustainability is a major concern for occupational scientists and such activity patterns and desirable changes are being discussed across various contexts. These include sustainable responses to climate change through lifestyle choices [35]; ethical issues related to post-industrial societies [36]; occupational contributions to ecological sustainability [37]; eco-social occupational therapy [38]; occupationally mediating ecosystem services with human well-being [39]; occupations determining population health [40]; transpersonal dimensions of ecology and occupation [41]; possible contributions of occupational scientists in solving global issues [42]; a framework for occupational behavior to address global problems [43]; empowering people to change occupational behavior to address global issues [44]; and the connection of sustainability, globalization and well-being through occupations [45].…”

“…Algado and Townsend [38] argue that engaging in activities in ecologically sustainable ways is occupational in nature and thereby also a matter of occupational justice given the consequences that natural degradation has, especially on the poor. This justice relates to the intrinsic need for every person to engage in activities that appropriately stimulate intellectually, yield the opportunity to support livelihood, and enable safety, personal care and social ties [66].…”

“…According to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [1], poverty reduction is thus a crucial element in rebuilding resilience among economically and otherwise vulnerable parts of society. Eco-social occupation-based interventions in poverty reduction projects have been shown to embrace ecological challenges, and even to help find funding to enable people to engage in ecological sustainability through the means of activities [38].…”

How sustainable development is understood in World Federation of Occupational Therapy policy

“…Such challenges seem to endorse the proposal by Simo´Algado and Townsend (2015) to develop a '(small ''p'') politically strategic, occupation-based, collaborative practice stream'. Such an approach would help to collectivise therapists around some of the tensions outlined above.…”