Cultivating Reciprocity Between People and Planet: Habit-Stacking Planetary Health Prescriptions Into Existing Nature RX Encounters During Integrative Health Visits

Abstract

The reported benefits of nature contact on human health and well-being have prompted the rise of nature prescriptions with health professionals recommending nature exposure. Due to the success of nature prescriptions and calls for greater reciprocity between people and the planet, this essay proposes to leverage health behavior promotion strategies to integrate planetary health prescriptions (Earth RX) into existing nature prescription frameworks with a vision to counsel patients on both the health and well-being benefits of nature contact as well as earth-sustaining behaviors, all of which fosters a compassionate interdependence between personal and planetary well-being. The essay emphasizes the importance of co-designed stakeholder collaboration for program success, addressing factors such as trust, perceived benefits, and accessibility. Finally, this essay concludes that integrating Earth RX in nature prescription programs strategically aligns with the principles of integrative health, acknowledging the reciprocal relationship between human health and well-being and planetary well-being.