Many people think of New Year’s resolutions and brainstorm ways to improve their lives for the coming year. What if those resolutions were expanded to include goals that benefit our communities, society, and the planet?
Although it might not be the most common approach, it can help you to see other ways you can be of service to others.
Here are four Popular New Year ResolutionsWith a twist to improve your relationship with nature in 2022, and beyond.
Pay more attention to how your actions affect the environment
Each of us have an Environment ethicThis is how we view, manage and ultimately relate towards nature. This relationship can be improved by balancing the reciprocity between us, nature, and how much we give and take. It doesn’t matter if we are addicted to it. One-use plasticsThese materials can be disposed of in landfills. fossil fuelsAlthough we are warming the planet, a bad relationship with nature isn’t good for the Earth or us.
We can all take greater responsibility for how we contribute to environmental problems in 2022. We can also encourage businesses and governments to make it easier for people of different socioeconomic backgrounds to protect our environment. This includes making recycled goods more affordable and making public transportation reliable and accessible.
Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ResourcesThis article outlines simple ways to reduce waste at work, home, in our communities, and during holidays. The website offers tips such as turning off or unplugging lights throughout the day, reusing packaging material, and using online billing instead of paper mail.
You can also lose the burden of social injustice that harms nature.
Multiple aspects of society are affected by social injustice. Inequality and racism can lead to health disparitiesThey also have The natural environment is at risk.
A Recent studyRedlining and residential segregation lead to inequal access to nature, excessive pollution, and biodiversity loss. These practices resulted in the creation of highways, industries, and other activities that can harm environmental quality in communities that are marginalized. They also made it harder for people to find parks and trees that provide cooling during summer and are beneficial for the planet.
Perpetuating social problems like systemic racism Inequitable resource allocationit is harmful to the environment, marginalized individuals and society as whole.
You can help turn this around by speaking out in your local community. Join groups that promote environmental protection and social justice, and bring nature back to your community. To urge Congress to act, call your local, state, and congressional leaders. Refer to the Green 2.0 reportThis section focuses on making diversity initiatives successful. It provides concrete ways you can implement this at work.
Learn more about nature and how to minimize harm to the environment and yourself
Although essential for our survival, clean air, water and soil are vital, research shows that many people lack them. Environmental and health literacyLearn how to protect yourself.
Learn more about your impact on the environment in 2022. Read more to learn how you can preserve the integrity and beauty of your local natural resources. Find out how to stay informed about local land-use decisions, which can have an impact on the environment and the overall community.
Local educators can be supported and encouraged to incorporate the environment into their lessons. There are many subjects that relate to environmental issues, from history to health. This websiteIncludes a framework and materials to assist educators in helping students increase their environmental literacy.
Staying connected to media that discuss the latest research can increase awareness. You might also consider incorporating environmental knowledge and facts into your team-building and game night activities.
Spend more time outdoors with your family and friends
Studies show that spending time outdoors, including in urban green spaces can improve your relationship to nature and with others.
The beauty of nature can make time go faster social cohesion. Many people found that the outdoors was a good place to relax and reduce stress in the wake of the pandemic. Spending more time outdoors can increase social interaction that benefits health. buffer emotional distressEncourage the use of these spaces. This can help to protect them in the future.
These are the details Some toolsThese guidelines outline best practices for improving parks and recreation in your area. These are also ways to make your park and recreation area more attractive. outdoor environmentsFamilies in diverse communities will be more inclusive
We can all think about how we relate to nature and find ways to protect it. This will help us be better stewards on the planet.
[Too busy to read another daily email? Get one of The Conversations curated weekly newsletters.]