Today we had the opportunity to begin immersing ourselves into the community and culture through a walking windshield survey that our professors assigned. This is an opportunity to explore an unfamiliar community to get an idea about the population and the surrounding environment from a community health perspective. The events today highlight Sustainable Developmental Goal #3, “Good Health and Well-Being” and Goal #12, “Responsible Consumption and Production.”
Oslo is a city that upon observation supports health and well-being. On our walking windshield survey, we observed a large majority of individuals walking, riding bikes, using scooters, and even rollerblading. Sidewalks are large and bike paths are standard. Activities involve the whole family and we saw many people out for a stroll with their children and taking time to walk the trails. For a city, there was a great deal of green space with plenty of outdoor seating at restaurants. Fresh fruits and veggies were more clearly advertised than less healthy options. Many markets had the produce displayed in front of the store on the sidewalks. Our walking windshield survey revealed that you did not have to walk far to find another green space with a patch of sunny grass, flowers and trees. At times, you might forget you were in a city as many people were noted leisurely picnicking and sunbathing on the grass within the abundant parks and taking time to socialize. It was refreshing to take this time to, quite literally, enjoy the flowers. We found ourselves walking all over the city with ease and it was a common feeling that the environment, exercise, and good food acted to boost our moods.
Many apartments overlooked trees and parks.
There are many ways Norwegians support sustainability and responsible consumption. For one, in Norway, you do not have to reach for a water bottle in a store or find filtered water. All the tap water is safe to drink and it is ensured to be held to high standards. Drinking tap water is the standard that makes access to clean water very accessible for all community members. In cafes and restaurants, you will find glasses and a tap to get water. Many individuals carry water bottles as well. This all contributes to fewer plastic bottles being wasted. They also utilize resale and flea markets. We came across a large flea market that was selling all sorts of goods, some of which were previously owned or recycled. By refurbishing, reusing, and providing opportunities to buy used items, they help discourage waste and the discard of items. Many people were partaking in the flea market and we had an opportunity to peruse the various tables. Another unique way we discovered sustainability is through pebbles noted on their walkways. This seems unusual, but Ms. Jenssen informed us that they lay pebbles out on the walkways in the winter to help prevent people from slipping and then collect and clean them in the summer before putting them out again in the late autumn. We thought this was a very unique and advantageous practice in comparison to our typical use of salt.
Fresh fruits and veggies out on the sidewalks and a monthly flea market we bumped into.
A green house on the harbor.
Overall, through our walking windshield survey, we had a great time immersing ourselves in the culture and a typical day of an Oslo resident on a Sunday afternoon. We’re looking forward to the remaining adventures and learning opportunities!
XOXO – Nursing in Norway 2023