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?
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 fourPopular New Year ResolutionsThis is a twist on how to improve your relationship to nature in 2022 and beyond.
Pay more attention to how your actions affect the environment
We all have anEnvironmental ethicThis is how we view, manage and ultimately relate towards nature. This relationship can be improved in many ways by balancing the scales between us and nature on how much we give or take. It doesn’t matter if we are addicted to it.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 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 AgencyResourcesThis 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.
Social injustice can lead to many problems in society. Inequality and racism can lead tohealth disparitiesThey also haveConsequences for the natural world.
ARecent studiesRedlining and residential segregation lead to inequal access to nature, excessive pollution, and biodiversity loss. These practicesBringing in highwaysIndustries that cause environmental damage in marginalized communities. They also left behind fewer parks in the neighborhoods.Trees that provide coolingIn summer, you can help the planet.
Perpetuating social ills such as systemic racism andInequitable 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. Call your elected officials in your state, city, and congressional offices to urge them to take action. Also, see theGreen 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.
Learn more about your impact on the environment in 2022. Learn more and begin to explore ways to preserve the integrity your area’s natural resources. Find out how you can keep up to date with local land-use decisions that affect the environment and your 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 connectedMediaIt 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 others.
Nature can extend timesocial 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.
Here are some examplesSome 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 is an assistant professor at Agnes Scott College in public health.
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