How to Feel Right as Rain After a Bout of Climate Anxiety by Luke Murray
You see climate change-related disasters in the news and worry about the future. You can't help but envision post-apocalyptic scenes like the ones in "Mad Max" or "The Day After Tomorrow" in Texas. On top of that, you might feel a tad guilty about some of the unsustainable conveniences in your daily routine. Without taking action, these feelings can affect your mental and physical well-being. But making values-based lifestyle changes is easier than you'd imagine.
Combat Stress
The planet might be heating up, but you need to chill out. Easier said than done, huh? Focus on changing what's within your control, and take it one step at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Encourage others to take action, but don't shame them if they're sluggish. Avoid doom scrolling by taking scheduled screen and media breaks and signing up for good news climate stories. And practice self-care, whether that means reading or meditating in your garden, going for a walk in a public green space, or taking in the incredible dark skies in Blanco, Texas.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In a materialist world, excess and overconsumption have become the norm. It might seem like buying gently used clothing, commuting via carpool, cutting down on single-use plastics, and saving electricity in your home don't make much of a difference. But Desmond Tutu once said: "Do your little bit of good wherever you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
Volunteer in Community Environmental Projects
One of the best ways to overcome eco-anxiety is to join or start groups that work on solutions with a level-headed approach. These organizations or informal neighborhood collectives often allow people to spend time in nature, which lifts your spirits while restoring the planet. For example, you can plant trees, remove alien species, and collect plastic and waste from Blanco's water bodies and inland habitats.
Brainstorm an Eco-Friendly Business
There are many ethical ways for green entrepreneurs to make money in the quest to revive the planet. For example, you can retrofit homes to reduce energy use and install solar panels. Or you can sell plant-based meals because the meat industry is a massive contributor to carbon emissions. Once you have an idea, do your research, consider the logistics, and draw up a business plan to attract investors. Your business plan must outline the gap in the market and how much capital you need to get started. For more crucial steps, check out this great how-to guide on starting a business.
Market Your Company
Research how other eco-friendly businesses market themselves and note what appeals to you. Come up with unique ideas that draw on successful strategies employed by small enterprises elsewhere. You can bootstrap your initial branding process without making it look amateurish by using online logo makers and apps like Canva for the graphics in your social media posts. Later, when you have more funds to work with, you can give your brand a mini makeover.
Learn How to Live More Sustainably
The best way to combat climate anxiety is to educate yourself and take action. Saoirse Learning Center in Blanco, Texas, hosts in-person and virtual skill-building workshops to teach sustainability lifestyle tweaks. Book a spot in an upcoming course or sign up for more tips.
Article written by Mike Murray (councilofneighbors.org)