When many people think of New Year’s resolutions, they brainstorm ways to improve themselves for the year ahead. 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’s resolutionsWith a twist to improve your relationship with nature in 2022, and beyond.
Take more care to consider how your actions may impact the environment
We all have an Environment ethicReflecting how we value, manage, and ultimately relate with nature. Balancing the scales of reciprocity between us and nature – how much we give and take – can improve this relationship in many ways. Whether it’s our addiction to One-use plasticsThese materials can be disposed of 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 it affordable for recycled goods and making reliable public transportation available.
Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 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.
Lose the weight of social injustice – it harms nature, too
Multiple aspects of society are affected by social injustice. Inequality or racism can lead you to health disparitiesThey also have The natural environment is at risk.
A Recent studiesRedlining and residential separation were described as contributing to unequal access and pollution to nature and biodiversity loss. These practices Bringing in highwaysIndustries that cause environmental damage in marginalized communities. They also left communities without enough parks. 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 individuals and society as whole.
Your voice can help turn the tide in your community. Join groups that work to protect the environment and promote social justice. Call your elected officials in your state, city, and congressional offices to urge them to take action. Refer to the Green 2.0 report’s section on making diversity initiatives successful for concrete ways that you can actualize this in your place of work.
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 yourself and your impact on the environment in 2022. Read more and start exploring ways to preserve the integrity of your area’s 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, including history, health, and education. This websiteIncludes a framework and materials to assist educators in helping students increase their environmental literacy.
Staying connected With mediaTalking about the latest research can increase awareness. You can also tie environmental facts and knowledge to your team-building activities and game night.
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.
Nature can extend time 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 and encourage the use of these spaces to help preserve them for the future.
Here are some examples Some toolsThese best practices will help you improve parks and recreation close to your home. 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.
[Too busy to read another daily email? Get one of The Conversation’s curated weekly newsletters.]
Viniece JenningsAssistant Professor of Public Health Agnes Scott College
This article has been republished from The ConversationUnder a Creative Commons License Read the Original article.