One by One
Nature Unplugged, Recipient

Nature Unplugged

Encinitas, California

Promo items for events encourage mindful phone use

The average American checks their phone more than 200 times a day—almost once every five minutes while they’re awake. Nature Unplugged is a nonprofit that helps people break free from that constant pull to instead live with balance and intention in a noisy digital world. Through education, coaching, workshops, outdoor experiences and more, the nonprofit empowers individuals, families and organizations to build healthier relationships with each other, nature and technology.

Nature Unplugged was co-founded by Sebastian Slovin, who, as a child, discovered the therapeutic power of nature after the death of his father. “From a pretty young age, it was clear I wanted to help people with their mental health in some way,” Slovin said. “And I also wanted to help folks connect or reconnect with nature in some way, because I knew how beneficial it was for me.”

Human connection over digital distraction

The organization launched in 2012 by Slovin and his wife and co-founder, Sonya Mohamed. Together, they co-authored Experience Nature Unplugged: A Guide to Wellness in the Digital Age. They have also dedicated years to creating healthier communities during an era of youth mental health challenges and more of daily life being impacted by technology.

Though based in the San Diego area, Nature Unplugged’s programming and activities touch people across North America. The educational programming reached nearly 1,500 people in 2024, and more than 2,400 people took part in the organization’s outdoor activities.

Among the Nature Unplugged initiatives is an annual hike-a-thon. Held throughout October, it’s a monthlong push for people to take literal and figurative steps to improve their health, foster community and advocate for “less screen time and more green time.” Hike-a-thon participants register online, log their miles, raise money, take on challenges, and enjoy the benefits of nature and connection.

Promo items for events put phones to sleep

A one by one grant provided Microfiber Phone Pouches the Nature Unplugged team dubbed “smart phone sleeping bags.” At the beginning of its guided hikes, educational programming and other events, the promotional pouches are handed out to participants to put their phones “to sleep” for the remainder of the activity.

“We use them in a variety of capacities, and they’re a wonderful resource for us,” Slovin said. “I just did an educational workshop for teachers and educators, and at the beginning of the program, we passed out the smartphone sleeping bags and we asked them to opt in and put away their phones to create a more intentional space.” Recipients take the pouches home with them, serving as a repeated reminder of Nature Unplugged and its message.

A note from Cheryl

Through its educational outreach, outdoor adventures and other programming, Nature Unplugged helps people prioritize connection over technology. We were pleased to provide promo items for events to help deepen this nonprofit’s impact and encourage healthy behaviors. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.

Wheelright, Trevor. “Cell Phone Usage Stats 2025: Americans Check Their Phones 205 Times a Day.” Reviews, 1 Jan. 2025, reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction

For more information about Nature Unplugged, please visit https://www.natureunplugged.com/

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