To promote the importance of self-care and support the mental health and well-being of students, student leaders of The University of Toledo Student Green Fund are giving away free potted plants through the end of fall semester.
UToledo students can pick up an emotional support plant and a care card at the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women and the UToledo Counseling Center.
UToledo students can pick up a free indoor plant and a care card at the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women and the UToledo Counseling Center.
“We are trying to give some support to those who may be struggling mental health-wise as many do not have the means to have an emotional support pet like a cat or dog,” said Olivia Onago, a UToledo student majoring in environmental science and secretary of the Student Green Fund. “That is why we thought indoor plants would be perfect: low maintenance and a perfect companion.”
A variety of plants are available, including ferns, pothos and peperomia.
Citing research studies that show plants can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and increase productivity and creativity, Onago said this is a critical sustainability project on campus because, as the World Health Organization acknowledges, “there can be no health or sustainable development without mental health.”
“In order for students to be in an adequate state of mind, there must be a form of a ‘solution’ to the mental health crisis that is plaguing young adults across the country,” Onago said. “This project aims to create sustainability from the bottom up, starting with the students and allowing them to come into a state of mind in which they are willing and able to concern themselves with sustainability.
“Providing free plants to students allows for emotional support in the form of plant care and company.”
The donated plants for the project were grown from cuttings by Wendy Jaquillard, laboratory coordinator in the Department of Environmental Sciences.
If the project is successful this month, the Student Green Fund plans to continue giving away emotional support plants in the spring semester.
