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Angelisa Belden: Discovering joy through everyday environmental choices

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'Being outside together helps us appreciate what we’re trying to protect.'

angelisa belden

Environmental well-being plays a meaningful role in Marketing Distribution Manager Angelisa Belden’s life. It means two things to her: making thoughtful choices that protect the world around her and taking time to enjoy the natural spaces she loves.  

“I am choosing glass or aluminum instead of plastic whenever I can, following recommendations for how much sidewalk salt to use so the excess doesn't run into the storm drain and pollute our streams, picking up litter, and other similar activities,” she says. “The second is making sure I find the time to get out and be well in my environment — going for a bike ride, having a picnic, camping at a state or county park, or other ways to enjoy the natural beauty of our home state.”

Her passion for environmental well-being started early in her life. Angelisa remembers learning about rainforest loss and global warming (now known as climate change) as a child.

That interest only deepened when she worked at the Iowa Environmental Council, where she gained a front-row view of the organizations working every day to protect Iowa’s natural spaces. She continues to follow and support the work of Trees Forever, the Des Moines Forestry Division, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Great Plains Action Society, Izzak Walton League, and local groups focused on water quality.

“These organizations inspire me,” she says. “They show what’s possible when people care about their communities.”

In her own neighborhood, Angelisa tries to do her part. She calls herself a “super-recycler,” and she regularly reaches out to legislators about environmental issues using tools provided by nonprofits she trusts. She joins at least one tree-planting event each year and plans outdoor activities with friends and family to help everyone stay connected to Iowa’s natural beauty.

“Being outside together helps us appreciate what we’re trying to protect,” she says.

Angelisa also appreciates how Wellabe supports environmental well-being in the workplace. One of her favorite examples is the solar panels on the roof.

“It feels good knowing we’re producing clean energy,” she says. “Even on cloudy days, those panels are working.”

She also values the reusable water bottles, filling stations on each floor, and the peaceful outdoor art park and garden, where she can take a quick moment to breathe during a busy day.

Angelisa’s mindful choices, both big and small, shape her well-being and contribute to a healthier community. 


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