Earth Month
Earth Month
In 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated. In 1970, people were consuming a massive amount of leaded gas, poor air quality (which still exists today), and were not concerned about polluted environmental threats and how they could possibly threaten humanity. To say the least, people were oblivious on all accounts. By 1990, Earth Day became global and recognized by billions of people every day. The day to call for action helped change and continues to change human behavior, creating global awareness, and local policy changes.
What can you do for our Earth?
People do not have to invest in major technologies. In fact, it costs nothing to reduce, reuse, and recycle throughout your home. There are many ways in which one can help protect Mother Earth and the cost is less than one expects. No, you do not have to compost – although, this is a well-thought-out gesture.
1. Follow the 3 Rs: Look for ways you can reduce, reuse, and recycle throughout your home. Not only will you save natural resources, but you will save energy and money!
2. Conserve energy at home: Start turning lights off and electronics that are not being used. Program your thermostat and change your air filters on a regular basis. These small tips can help save money on your utility bills.
3. Reduce paper waste: As a parent, I read a lot of Todd Parr books. One of the things that he writes about is not wasting paper. He often writes about utilizing both sides of the paper. Stop printing on paper. Download where possible and see to your phone when you can. Start slowly by making the shift to using online bill payments options.
4. Recycle your electronics: Your old, unused, or broken computers, tablets, phones, and other electronics can often be recycled for free by stores, manufacturers, and local governments, which saves natural resources while also reducing pollution.
5. Give your car a break: Think about carpooling, walking, riding a bike, or even applying for that hybrid position at home.
6. Turn off water: Whether you are brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or cleaning off grime from the dishes. Turn off the water when it is not needed or not in use.
7. Bring your own bags: You do not need to invest in grocery bags to make a difference. Bring your old backpack that is sitting somewhere and that nobody uses anymore.
8. Buy local: Buying local produce and other items reduces shipping distances from food sourced overseas and supports local businesses and communities.
9. Hit up your local farmer’s market: Farmer's markets are a great way to get fresh produce and are beneficial in many ways. Firstly, they support local businesses, encouraging growth in your area. They also tend to use a lot less, or even no plastic packaging compared to supermarkets, so it helps reduce waste. Finally, the products are grown or made locally so transport distances are very short and CO2 emissions are low.
How does Earth Day Affect Your Mental Health?
The New York Times reported that Experts and psychologists are racing to understand how the torments of a volatile, unpredictable planet shape our minds and mental health. Psychologists and therapists say the distress of a changing climate can cause fleeting anxiety for some people but trigger much darker thoughts for others. People grieve hiking trails, gardens, sorrow for the animals, anxiety over the climate’s impact on the next generation, and stress due to betrayal by leaders.
How Do We Cope?
To cope and find resilience, people need to figure out ways to forge ahead individually and collectively. Researchers added that humans have one significant built-in advantage: the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. These challenges can be discussed in the rooms where you feel most heard: in therapy.
Written by: Lital Diament, LMFT, MT #56973
A mom, therapist, and a vegan wanting to protect Mother-Earth