Many people think of New Year’s resolutions and brainstorm ways to improve their lives for the coming year. What if we extended those resolutions to include resolutions that are beneficial to our communities, society, or 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 top New Years resolutions with an added twist to improve your relationship and connection with nature in 2022.
1. Pay more attention to how your actions affect the environment
Each of us have an Environmental 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. It doesn’t matter if we are addicted to it. 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 governments, businesses, and other organizations to make it easier to protect the environment for people with different socioeconomic backgrounds. This includes making recycled goods more affordable and making public transportation reliable and accessible.
WATCH:How innovation and small steps can help solve the Plastic Problem
Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys 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.
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2. Reduce the social injustice that harms the environment.
Social injustice can lead to many problems in society. Inequality or racism can lead you to health disparitiesThey also have Consequences for the natural world.
A Recent studiesRedlining and residential segregation lead to inequal access to nature, excessive pollution and biodiversity loss. These practices Taken in Highways– Industries that have a negative impact on the environment in marginalized communities. They also left behind fewer parks in the neighborhoods. Cooling treesIn summer, you can 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 promote environmental protection and social justice, and bring nature back to your community. To urge Congress and your local leaders to act, call your state and city representatives. Refer to the Reports on Green 2.0section on making diversity initiatives succeed for concrete ways that this can be achieved at work.
3. Learn about nature and how you can reduce harm to the environment.
Research shows that clean air, water, and soil are essential for our survival. However, many people lack these basic necessities. Environmental and health literacyLearn how to protect yourself.
Learn more about your impact on the environment in 2022. Read more to learn how you can preserve the integrity and beauty of your local 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.
Local educators can be supported and encouraged to incorporate the environment into their lessons. Many other subjects are affected by environmental issues, including history and health. This WebsiteIncludes a framework and materials to assist educators in helping students increase their environmental literacy.
Staying connected with media that discuss current research can help increase awareness. You might also consider incorporating environmental knowledge and facts into your team-building and game night activities.
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4. Spend more time with your family and friends in the outdoors
Studies show that spending time outdoors, including in urban green spaces can improve your relationship to nature and others.
The beauty of nature can make time go faster social cohesion. Many people found that the outdoors was a good place to relax and reduce stress in the wake of 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 guidelines outline best practices for improving parks and recreation in your area. Also, Here are some ways to make outdoor spaces more inclusiveFor families living in diverse communities
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.
This article has been republished from The Conversation. Read the Original article.
