Get Outside!: How Humans Connect With Nature

One of the titles in the “Orca Footprints” series, Get Outside! emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and the many benefits of doing so, not only for humans, but also for the environment. Its premise is that, if people spend more time in nature, they will appreciate and protect it. The book is divided into four chapters, the first of which discusses how, over time, humans have moved from rural to urban areas, resulting in somewhat of a disconnect with nature and, according to one author, a “nature-deficit disorder”. In this chapter, readers will learn from the perspective of Indigenous peoples who believe that humans are a part of nature, all living things deserve respect and that humans need to be responsible stewards of the land. There is also mention of the Nordic concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) which is practiced by people living in Scandinavian countries to promote oneness with nature and environmental stewardship.

The second chapter focuses on the benefits of spending time in nature, some of which include reduced stress, improved concentration and better mental health later in life. In fact, one British Columbia physician, who promotes time spent in nature as a key pillar of health, often writes prescriptions for her patients to get outdoors, whether it be gardening or simply walking in a local park. This chapter also highlights tree inequity (lower income areas of a city tend to have fewer trees than higher income areas), environmental racism (race-based discrimination in environmental policies) and intersectional environmentalism (the connection between environmental and social issues).

Nature-inspired design is one of the foci of the third chapter. Some examples include the invention of Velcro after a dog’s owner examined the burrs that stuck to his pet’s fur, reindeer fur clothing and footwear made by the Nenets people in Arctic Russia to keep warm and dry, and strategic architectural design elements which are meant to promote energy efficiency and keep people comfortable. This chapter also discusses renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, hydropower and geothermal energy.

Finally, the fourth chapter provides suggestions for nature-based hobbies and activities as well as information about nature schools and land-based education, the latter of which is rooted in traditional Indigenous knowledge.

The main body of the text is supplemented with related facts nestled between graphics of a cityscape and a forest; at the end of each chapter is a “Nature Spotlight” which highlights a person or an initiative that is helping people get back to nature.

Illustrations consist of colour photographs. Different ethnicities are represented.

A table of contents, an index, a glossary and a list of print and online resources are also included in Get Outside!: How Humans Connect With Nature.