Less Screen + More Green
= Children Flourishing
A One Health Future
Imagine a world in which every sector of society prioritizes the interconnected health of people and the planet. How would we design schools if immersive nature experiences were part of the daily curriculum? What if physicians prescribed walking in a park to treat or prevent illnesses? What if children spent more time playing outdoors than they spend indoors on screens? Project One Health is exploring these questions with partners and policymakers.
About Us
Project One Health is the Winston Family Foundation’s model for human health that centers on nurturing the vital connection between people and nature. Guided by the globally recognized One Health framework, we believe the health of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems are interconnected and interdependent. We envision a world where education, health, food, and other systems align with this guiding principle and prioritize human well-being at their core. This transformation starts by reconnecting children and adolescents with nature and reducing their screen time. Our goal is to help them flourish and become the generation that sustains this future.
Human Health
Human health is deeply interconnected with the natural world. Time spent in nature boosts mental and physical well-being, reduces stress, and supports healthy cognitive and social development. More time outdoors fosters more face-to-face connection, which is critical to human flourishing. And a stronger connection to sustainable, local food systems supports a healthy lifestyle.
Environmental Health
A healthy environment serves as the foundation for all life. Clean air, water, and soil are vital for the survival of humans,animals, plants and agricultural systems. Pollution, habitat destruction, and an overreliance on industrial food systems have significantly disrupted these systems. Habitat conservation and restoration is critical to human flourishing, and responsible, regenerative farming practices nurture a healthy environment while producing nutrient-rich, sustainably grown food.
Animal & Wildlife Health
Healthy animal and wildlife populations support clean air, water, and fertile soil. They also maintain ecological balance and contribute to biodiversity. Additionally, ethical care for domestic farm animals plays a vital role in sustainable food systems by enriching soil through natural grazing and nutrient cycles.
One Health
One Health is a holistic approach to human well-being that recognizes the interconnection and interdependence of people, animals and wildlife, ecosystems, and their shared environment. Recognized by global institutions, it emphasizes collaboration across sectors to address human health challenges through integrated solutions.
A Generation in Crisis
Young people have lost their connection to the natural world and to each other. Too much time spent indoors and on screens is fueling obesity, loneliness, anxiety and depression among children and adolescents.
Today’s kids spend up to 44 hours in front of a screen each week.
1 in 5 children has, or has had, a serious mental health disorder.
Kids spend less than 10 minutes a day playing in nature, on average.
Children and adolescents are growing up in a world that prioritizes convenience over health. Processed foods are cheap and easily accessed, contributing to childhood obesity rates. Moreover, children have little knowledge about the origins of their food, how it’s made, or how to make healthy food choices.
The Benefits of Nature
Spending time in nature offers proven benefits for children, including:
-
Improved mental health -
Reduced stress
-
Healthy cognitive development
-
Enhanced physical health
-
Social connection
-
Stronger immune system
Our Work
Project One Health uses collaborative, community-driven solutions to connect young people with nature and with each other. This improves their well-being, builds a sense of place and belonging, and inspires young people to become advocates for a healthy planet.
Stay Connected
Join our growing community dedicated to a healthier future for our children and the planet. Subscribe to receive email updates on our initiatives, events, and ways to get involved.
