Viniece Jennings, Agnes Scott College
Many people think of New Years resolutions as ways to improve themselves for next year. What if we extended those resolutions to include resolutions that are beneficial to our communities, society, or the planet?
This might not be a common approach, but it can open up your horizons and show you how you can be of assistance to others.
Here are four Popular New Years ResolutionsThis is a twist on how to improve your relationship to nature in 2022 and beyond.
Take more care to consider how your actions may impact the environment
Each of us has an Environmental ethicReflecting how we value, manage, and ultimately relate with 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 fuelsWhile we can heat the planet, a poor relationship with nature is not good for us or the Earth.
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.
Reduce the social injustice that harms the environment.
Social injustice can lead to many problems in society. Inequality and racism can lead to health disparitiesThey also have The natural environment is at risk.
A Recent studiesRedlining and residential separation were described as contributing to inequal access and pollution to nature and biodiversity loss. These practices Taken in Highways– Industries that have a negative impact on the environment in marginalized communities. They also left behind fewer parks in the neighborhoods. Trees that provide coolingSummer is a great time to help the planet.
Perpetuating social problems like systemic racism Inequitable resource allocationIt is harmful to the environment, marginalized persons and society as a 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 federal leaders. Refer to the Green 2.0 reportFor concrete ways to make diversity initiatives work in your workplace, see the section on Making Diversity Initiatives Successful.
Learn about nature and how you can reduce harm to the environment.
Although essential for our survival, clean air, water and soil are vital, research shows that many people lack them. Environmental and health literacyTo learn how to protect yourself.
Get to know your environmental impact in 2022. Learn more to learn how you can preserve the integrity and beauty of your local natural resources. Find out where you can stay informed about local land-use decisions, which impact the environment and your entire community.
You can also help local educators and encourage them bring the environment into the classroom. There are many subjects that relate to environmental issues, from history to health. This websiteThis includes a framework for educators to help students improve their environmental literacy.
Stay connected MediaTalking about 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.
Nature can extend time social cohesion. Many people discovered that the outdoors was a good place to relax and reduce stress in the wake of the pandemic. Spending more time outdoors can promote social interactions that are good for your health. buffer emotional distressEncourage and encourage the use of these spaces to help preserve them for 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 from diverse communities are more inclusive
We can all think about how we relate to nature and find ways to protect it. This will help us to be better stewards on the planet.
[Too busy to read another daily email? Get one of The Conversations curated weekly newsletters.]Viniece JenningsAssistant Professor of Public Health Agnes Scott College
This article is republished by The ConversationUnder Creative Commons license Read the Original article.
