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Manage Your Climate Change Anxiety by Taking Charge of Your Carbon Footprint
By: Emma Croft
Unfortunately, anxiety is common all over the world. Real threats such as climate change compound the issue. However, you can care for your mental health and the planet with a few thoughtful changes to your lifestyle.
Manage Your Anxiety
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so your first concern should be managing it. When you feel overwhelmed by worry, calm yourself with these techniques:
- Create a mantra
- Control your breathing
- Practice mindfulness
Make Your Startup Eco-Friendly
If you want to change an industry, starting an eco-friendly business may be the best approach. There are various government programs geared toward startups with a green business model, so the task may be easier than you think.
It’s important to choose a business model that is sustainable and will have minimal impact on the environment. Also, look to select eco-friendly materials and methods for running the business. For instance, choosing recycled or recyclable packaging materials, using energy-efficient lighting, and investing in green office equipment can all help reduce the environmental impact of the business. Finally, it’s important to promote eco-friendly practices within the company. This might involve implementing recycling programs, encouraging employees to carpool or take public transportation to work, or offering discounts for customers who use reusable shopping bags.
Social media is a great way to connect with potential and current customers. You can share information about your products and services, as well as special promotions. You can also use social media to build relationships with customers and create a community around your brand. In addition, social media can be a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website or blog.
When you're starting a business, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is what legal structure to choose for your company. Should you form an S corp or LLC? An LLC offers tax advantages, limited liability, and less paperwork. You may choose to designate your LLC as an S corp to save on self-employment taxes.
Form Environmentally Friendly Habits
Minor changes to your daily routine can have a significant environmental impact. Start by being aware of your energy usage and consumption, then implement more eco-friendly habits:
- Ditch one-use plastics
- Turn off lights when you're not in the room
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
- Buy your clothes second hand
Spend Wisely
Consumers influence corporate decisions with their spending. To encourage sustainable practices, try to buy from environmentally responsible companies like Plantdays. Of course, some enterprises only make superficial changes without reducing their environmental impact, a tactic called "green-washing." To determine if a company acts according to its claims, look for minimal packaging and recycled materials.
Plant an Organic Garden
Organic gardening can help the environment and take your mind off your anxieties. Using organic gardening techniques and products, like worm castings, nurtures the soil and the plants you grow.
Recycle
Many household items are eligible for recycling. However, municipalities determine what their programs accept, so be sure to check before tossing things into your bin. Some items, such as batteries, require special processing and must be delivered to the proper facility.
Avoid Excessive Waste
Food waste is a big issue, one that individual households can tackle. To limit your waste, try these tips:
- Store food correctly to prolong freshness
- Shop more frequently
- Only buy what you need
Upgrade Your Residence
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can decrease your carbon footprint. Additionally, you can upgrade a few things around the house:
- Plant shade trees near your home
- Unplug devices you're not using
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED
- Install a smart thermostat
These changes can cut your energy usage. They may even decrease your electric bill.
Choose Transportation Alternatives
AFAR notes that flying consumes a lot of fuel and has a high environmental impact. Instead of booking a plane ticket, try taking a train or road trip in an electric vehicle. For shorter journeys, use public transportation, bike, or walk if you live in an area with a high walk score.
Climate change is a major source of anxiety for many and with good reason. However, you can make a difference with dedication and willingness to make changes such as recycling, making sustainable upgrades at home, walking more often, planting an organic garden, and even opening up your own eco-friendly business.