Tips for a Greener Lifestyle!
In this series we explore how we can be sustainable together, right here in Athens-Clarke County!
This Month's Topic:
Eco-Anxiety
Hannah Chaffee
Do you ever find yourself staring off into the middle distance imaging the ever-impending environmental disaster we call reality? My friend, that is what we call climate anxiety. An increasing common experience, climate anxiety describes distress people have about humans’ impact on the planet and how those impacts then affect people. According to a recent Yale study, about 10% of Americans report feeling down, depressed or hopeless about global warming several days a week.
Climate anxiety can rear it’s ugly head in many forms. Some people experience it as a vague sense of dread or fear for future generations. Others are clouded with hopelessness because they feel like they have no control or that there is no justice. Climate anxiety can also take a more personal form with some fearing what the current and future affects of climate change will have on their family’s lives.
It’s important to acknowledge that these feelings are valid. It’s true: there are mayor injustices in the world, and you alone cannot stop climate change.
Climate anxiety is a rational reaction to the situation the world is in. Fighting climate change feels like a big problem because it is. Climate anxiety comes from a place of care —you care what happens. That’s a good thing!
The key is separating that desire for sustainability from all the ways anxiety can take a toll on us emotionally. At the same time, we must turn that desire into dedication through action. But how do you do all that?
1. To start, if you’re worried about the climate, don’t freeze: do something about it! Explore ways you can make your life a little more sustainable. Climate change is a result of systemic greed. Real change will only come from systemic changes, but that doesn’t mean the small stuff doesn’t help whether that’s turning off the lights when you leave or switching to a reusable water bottle!
2. Engage others and take collective action. Talk to people about the climate. Join a club. Get people out voting! There are so many people who care —just like you, and we can do a whole lot more good when we work together!
3. Acknowledge that you cannot ‘fix’ the climate. The world may need all the good you can do but you cannot do all the good the world needs.
4. Do not feel guilty for existing! When you care about the environment, it’s easy to hold yourself to too high of a standard for your daily environmental impact. Living has a environmental toll —and that’s ok. If buying or doing something specific would truly spark joy or improve your quality of life, (as long as you’re doing so in moderation) allow yourself that joy free of guilt.
5. Sometimes, you will choose the less sustainable option. Life can be hard, and you’re not always going to have the time or mental capacity. Give yourself grace! You’re only human.
6. Acknowledge that being able make the sustainable choice is a privilege. It’s a lot easier to be sustainable when you have ample money, time and energy to dedicate.
7. Connect with the world your fighting for! Get out into the woods! Spend time with your family and friends! Hug a tree. Pet your cat. Help your neighbor. Meet new people. Try new foods. Dance! Plant some flowers. The purpose of sustainability is for everyone to be able to continue experiencing the joys of this beautiful world —that includes you!
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