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WMany people think of New Years resolutions when they think about how to improve their lives for next year. What if those resolutions could also benefit the planet, society, and our communities?
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 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 to 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 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 ResourcesThese are some of the easiest ways to reduce waste at your home, work, community, and 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.
Multiple aspects of society are affected by social injustice. Inequality or racism can lead you to health disparitiesThey also have Consequences for the natural world.
A Recent studyRedlining and residential segregation lead to inequal access to nature, excessive pollution, and biodiversity loss. These practices Bringing 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 ills such as systemic racism and Inequitable resource allocationIt is harmful to the environment, marginalized persons and society as a whole.
Your voice can help turn the tide in your community. Join groups that work to protect the environment and promote social justice. To urge Congress to act, call your local, state, and congressional 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 literacyLearn how to protect yourself.
Get to know your environmental impact in 2022. Learn more and begin to explore ways to preserve the integrity your area’s natural resources. For example, you can find out where you are able to stay informed about local land-use decisions which impact the environment and the overall 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 and health. This websiteIncludes a framework and materials to assist educators in helping students increase their environmental literacy.
Stay connected With mediaIt can be a great way to increase awareness by having researchers discuss the latest research. You can also tie environmental facts and knowledge to your game night or team-building activities.
Spend more time outdoors with your family and friends
Studies have shown that spending time in nature, even urban green spaces, can improve your relationships with nature and 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 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 best practices will help you improve parks and recreation close to your home. Here are some ways to make parks and recreation more accessible. 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.
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