You have two homes: Your body and the planet. Take care of them all.
This simple sentiment is a great way to live. We should always strive to make the best of what we have and what we can do for others. This state is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve in today’s world.
What happens if someone cannot afford energy-efficient housing
What happens if an individual doesn’t have access?
What if one aspect in someone’s life is so expensive that he or she has to sacrifice basic needs?
What happens if someone’s physical health is not good enough to work?
What happens if someone’s mental health is difficult to manage? anything?
These are the realities of millions, if not billions, of people around the world. I am all too familiar.
I have been an environmentalist all my life and realized that nature was not possible without my love. Sustainability became a part of my identity. I recycled religiously, stopped eating animal product, and made many efforts to lower my carbon footprint.
It may seem odd that environmentalism was used in a recent period. NothingTo me. I felt just as indifferent about climate change as the ground beneath me, and my sustainability practices were nearly abandoned.
What is the cause of this change? Did I suddenly disagree? Or succumb to climate doomism. Was I just lazy?
It’s not true. My indifference was not due to a life-threatening eating disorder that I had. My mental and physical health were rapidly deteriorating so every ounce of energy I had was directed towards survival. It was impossible to fight the immense effects of climate change when I was fighting against my own mind.
Only one can make progress, but both must be made.
I am proud to say that I have since recovered from my disorder and have recommitted myself to preserving our planet. It was clear from my own experiences that Mental and environmental healthThey are interconnected in a way I didn’t realize. In fact, I have come to believe that environmentalalism and mental health advocacy are dependent on each other.
If mental health is neglected, then entire populations of people with mental health problems (and likely others) will be lost. PhysicalIssues) may become too overwhelmed by their own suffering for them to consider sustainability.
If the planet’s state is ignored, then environmental catastrophes of all types may continue to worsen in frequency and severity, leaving few people protected from the dangers and stresses. Climate change.
These statements are by no means hypothetical. These issues are already escalating into suffering between peoples and the planet. This is currently being seen in underserved areas where the brunts are of climate change and where sustainability seems impossible.
A neglected house, with a corroded exterior and inefficient electricity, faulty plumbing and a hazardous location, is a dangerous place. Redlined communities). This house continues to fall apart, wasting energy and exposing its inhabitants to toxic chemicals. It contributes to the negative impacts of climate change and pollution. Climate change will also cause damage to the house as the house’s decaying framework will not withstand extreme weather conditions.
This house is in danger of being taken over by its owner. These damages will cost the homeowner a lot of money, and they will also be subject to chronic stress and exposure. Toxic pollutants. If the homeowner is suffering from mental or physical impairments, it may be difficult for him or her to keep a job at a decent wage or to afford healthcare. This could make it more difficult to seek refuge from any environmental hazards.
This vicious cycle of environ-MentalHealth is becoming a major concern for communities due to financial and emotional stress. Globally, mental health issues are costing the economy approximately $1.5 trillion $1 trillion U.S. dollarsThe World Health Organization reports that there is an average of $12,000 in lost productivity each year. Swiss Re, an insurance broker, estimates that climate change could reduce productivity. $23 trillion dollars In the next decade, the global economy will continue to grow. If the problem is not addressed, it will continue to spiral downwards and the costs will rise. We will have no choice but react to flood funding into disaster relief efforts and damage control.
This cycle can be broken. It is possible to steer the ship in a different direction. This is why all those who are able to do so should channel their urgency into collective action for our planet and its inhabitants. We can fix the causes of these cycles, including mental health crises and poverty, racial inequality, education disparities. Inaccessible healthcare. gender inequality, food distribution, pollution, and inaccessible healthcare. This will allow us to create healthier communities and protect our planet.
More equitable distribution of resources means more sustainable development and implementation of policies, programs and programs that are more environmentally-friendly.Mental Health and the future of our planet might be populated by generations of resilient individuals who are ready to make a difference in improving the conditions on Earth.
If we can agree that everyone should have the opportunity to take care of their two homes, then it is possible to educate and act in order to make the sentiment above these thoughts universally acceptable.
Michelina Schach, the Sunshine Movements Tampa chapter’s Lead Coordinator, is her name. She is a 2021 Tampa Preparatory School graduate. She was active in a variety of environmental and health programs. She is currently interning in Tampa as part of a planned gap year to begin university studies. She is particularly interested in the political, ethical, and social dimensions of climate change.
Editor’s Note: This column was adapted from an earlier version by the authors. Sustain the Mag: an online media platform dedicated to environmentally-conscious living.