By Sparklie Rainne
Earth Day is observed on April 22nd of every year. It is a well-known global event dedicated to raising awareness for environmental issues, and every year, there is a different theme. The theme of Earth Day on any given year is meant to raise awareness for and address a particular topic or set of topics. The environment directly impacts our mental and physical health, and we must care for the planet for ourselves and future generations. What is this year’s theme, and how can you get involved? Keep reading to find out.
Earth Day 2022 – A call to come together
With the current state of climate change, we’ve seen several devastating impacts, which include but aren’t limited to hotter temperatures and more extreme temperature shifts, increased drought, a global rise in hunger, loss or extinction of species both locally and globally, poverty, housing displacement, and weather, storms, and natural disasters of increased severity. We’ve also seen a rise in health problems and health risks due to the state of the environment, such as respiratory issues, malnutrition, mortality, and mental health concerns like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
According to the UN website, “Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The impacts are already harming health through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, food insecurity, and pressures on mental health. Every year, environmental factors take around 13 million people.”
The theme of Earth Day 2022 is “Invest in the planet.” It is a call to come together and change the course. Earthday.org illustrates this theme with the statement:
“All TOGETHER now!
This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods…together, we must Invest In Our Planet.
Because a green future is a prosperous future.
We need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for and accountable. A partnership for the planet.”
Read the full statement, watch the video, and learn more about Earth Day 2022: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2022/.
Action steps for individuals and communities
With all of the effects we’ve seen on the world and the people and creatures in it in mind, you might wonder – what can we do to invest in the planet? There are several different steps that individuals and communities can take, and every little bit counts. While it’s by no means an extensive list, here are some ideas to consider:
· If you’re not sure where to start in your efforts to support the planet in the world around you, one of the first steps to take is to learn. You might utilize resources such as the ones on earthday.org, or you can research a topic you care about on your own. If you need a boost or sense of encouragement, you can also learn about some of the past successes and achievements we’ve seen.
· Organize or attend a community cleanup. Community cleanup is an event where individuals meet up and clean the litter off the ground. This may mean that you tidy your sidewalks, a local park, or another space. If you want to find a community cleanup to join, you can find one on the Earth Day website or register your own. If you prefer to go solo or want to stick with your inner circle, you can also head out and clean on your own or with a group of close friends. This can also be a fun activity for schools, clubs, and families with kids old enough to join in.
· Add your signature to a cause. An easy way to participate on Earth Day is to add your signature to one of the causes on earthday.org. Pick causes that you believe in or add your own.
· Go paperless. One easy way to support the environment all year is to go paperless. If you have bills, bank statements, a local newspaper, or something else that you receive via paper mail that could be consumed online to save paper, see if there’s a way that you can opt-in. Most banks, newspapers, and electric companies offer this as an option. Once you switch, there is typically no upkeep, making this an easy way to help on an ongoing basis
· Check on your recycling habits. Currently, the recycling rate is about 32% in the U.S. Contribute by making sure that you recycle or reuse items. It’s also important to make sure that all containers are properly washed out before recycling, as this is one of the leading causes of waste in recycling – containers with food waste still in them contaminate other items sent in for recycling, meaning that not just that item but potentially many items must then be thrown out due to contamination. Most containers will do a good rinse in warm water, but others with more stubborn foods (like pasta jars or peanut butter jars) may need a thorough wash with soap to remove all food.
· Switch to reusable bags and containers. When you shop, start using reusable grocery bags and consider using reusable containers to store food rather than disposable containers. You might also bring your reusable straw, cup, or container when you pick up food and beverages from a restaurant, cafe, or store.
· Change your transportation habits. Some modes of transportation are more environmentally friendly than others. If you typically drive, you may opt to carpool, bike, or use public transit. If you’re in the market to buy a new car or might be in the future, consider a more environmentally friendly option.
· Think about your purchases. It’s common to buy things that you don’t use, but when you think twice, it can help you save money and support the world around you. You might learn about sustainable fashion, double-check if you need a particular item, or opt for more environmentally friendly options when buying things like clothes, toiletries, and food. This can be as simple as buying second-hand when you can do so or buying items with less packaging. You can also learn about the break free from plastic movement and participate in holding corporations accountable.
· Make your voice heard. Talk to your local government representatives or write to companies that can affect more environmentally friendly practices.
· Calculate your carbon footprint. Have you ever wondered what your carbon footprint is? You can calculate it for free online using calculators like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. Once you use the calculator, you can use the information to reduce your footprint accordingly.
· Spread the word. Share your knowledge with those around you. If you are in a leadership position at work, you might raise awareness for Earth Day or make an effort to support environmental justice in the workplace. This can be as simple as adding recycling bins to the workplace if you don’t have them already or sending out an email to acknowledge the day. If you’re involved in advocacy online, you can use the hashtag #InvestInOurPlanet to spread awareness for Earth Day 2022 and what can be done to support the environment.
The vast majority of activities and practices you can engage in on Earth Day are suitable all year. No matter what time of the year it is when you’re reading this, don’t be afraid to try one of the activities above or find another way to invest in the planet that is accessible to you. For those who care about the environment, it’s also important to remember to care for yourself throughout the process and remind yourself that we all have different abilities and different activities that we can participate in. Additionally, if you need or feel that you could benefit from someone to talk to at any point or for any reason, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Find support
Living with uncertainty and fear about climate change can be challenging. It could be that you’ve experienced the brunt of climate change yourself, through a natural disaster, heatwave, or another occurrence that can potentially impact a person’s wellbeing. Alternatively, you might need a space to talk about something else that impacts your life, whether that’s another concern related to the environment, interpersonal relationships, a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, or something else. Therapy is an opportunity to get the support you need from a licensed professional and pair it with self-care activities, social support, and other practices. There are several different ways to find a therapist. One safe, secure, and confidential way to get the support you need without the commute is to get therapy online through a platform like BetterHelp.
With BetterHelp, you can meet with your therapist for remote sessions from home or with a reliable internet connection. It’s effective and often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy without insurance. When you get started with BetterHelp, you’ll take a short questionnaire that’ll help us connect you with a professional who best meets your needs. You can also switch therapists or cancel your services at any point in time if you need to. BetterHelp has improved continuously throughout the years, and there are currently well over 20,000 independent, licensed mental health professionals who offer services through the platform.**
