Eco-social occupational therapy

Abstract

Introduction

Ecological crises associated with the global degradation of the natural environment call for dialogues and action to develop an economically and environmentally sustainable world. This paper proposes a new narrative for humanity by connecting ecology with broad ideas about occupation and occupational justice.

Method

The authors reflect on literature and action projects on ecology, occupation, and occupational justice.

Results

The authors propose that doing ecology is essentially occupational, and necessarily a matter of occupational justice given the strong link between poverty and the degradation of the natural environment.

Conclusion

Eco-social occupational therapy practices are illustrated in poverty reduction projects, funded through university–community partnerships in Spain. The potential to expand eco-social occupational therapy lies in publicly embracing ecological challenges, focusing practices on changing the environment, and attracting partners to find new funding for enabling people everywhere to participate in ecological sustainability through occupation. This paper calls on occupational therapists to spark dialogues and take action in doing ecology and justice through occupation.