4 New Year’s resolutions to create a healthier environment for 2022

Viniece Jennings, Agnes Scott College

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 has 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. Our addictions can be a problem. One-use plasticsThey can end up in landfills. fossil fuelsWhile we can heat the planet, a poor relationship with nature is not good for us or the Earth.

In 2022, each of us can take more responsibility for our actions that contribute to environmental degradation. We can also encourage governments, businesses, and other organizations to make it easier to protect the environment for people with different socioeconomic backgrounds. This includes making it affordable for recycled goods and making reliable public transportation available.

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. You can save energy by turning off or disengaging lights during the day, recycling packaging materials, and using online billing services to bill your bills.

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 segregation lead to inequal access to nature, excessive pollution, and biodiversity loss. These practices Bringing in highwaysIndustries that cause environmental damage in marginalized communities. They also left communities without enough parks. Cooling treesSummer is a great time to help the planet.

Perpetuating social ills such as systemic racism and Inequitable resource allocationit is detrimental to the environment, marginalized individuals and society as whole.

Your voice can help turn the tide in your community. Join groups that promote environmental protection and social justice, and bring nature back to your community. Call your elected officials in your state, city, and congressional offices to urge them to take action. 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 more about nature and how to minimize harm to the environment and yourself

Research shows that clean air, water, and soil are essential for our survival. However, many people lack these basic necessities. Environmental and health literacyTo learn how to protect yourself.

Learn more about your impact on the environment in 2022. Learn more to learn how you can preserve the integrity and beauty of your local natural resources. Find out where you can keep up-to-date with 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 their lessons. 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.

Staying connected With mediaIt can be a great way to increase awareness by having researchers discuss the latest research. 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 the outdoors to be a great place to relax and reduce stress during 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 be better stewards on the planet.

Viniece JenningsAssistant Professor of Public Health Agnes Scott College

This article has been republished by The ConversationUnder a Creative Commons License Please read the Original article.