Can Global Warming Unify Humanity ?
It is easy to get caught up in the gloom and doom, the infighting and polarization of our current social and political landscape. How about trying a little mental jujitsu and looking at all of the ways addressing Global Warming can benefit us individually and as a species? Try the suggestions below as a daily Mindfulness Practice.
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| REDUCE FOOD WASTE |
Prepare meals and eat them at home. You will burn about 250 calories for each meal you prepare. If you have young children, you will teach them a valuable skill which is empowering and a money saver.
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| SAVE ENERGY |
Turn off electronics when not needed In addition to turning off lights and unplugging personal electronics when they are done charging, why not put on a sweater when you are cold and only use the AC when you are really feeling the heat. Use stairs instead of pressing that elevator button...a nice little treat for your heart and and muscles, too!
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| PLANT TREES |
Walk or bike instead of driving whenever possible. Dirty fossil fuels are killing us as they contribute to global warming. Skip the car when you can. Carpool when you can't. You may end up shopping closer to home which is good for the small businesses in your neighborhood and fosters a sense of community, a stress-reducing bonus. (see below)
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| CONSERVE WATER |
Get to know your neighbors. A recent Los Angeles Times article cited research that indicates people who have good relationships with their neighbors live happier, healthier lives. And when you are preparing those home-cooked meals, it’s so much easier to borrow a cup of sugar or a lemon from a neighbor than to drive your car to the market and back. A real stress-reducer!
Choose exercise options that have the lowest environmental impact while bringing you the greatest joy. Example: Instead of getting in your car and driving to the gym for an hour, and then driving back again, why not put on some of your favorite music and dance around the house?
Stay connected to your motivators. Write them somewhere and review them often!
Take time to just sit and be...even if it's only 5 minutes a day.
Stop by the Green Tent for tips on how to experiment with these ideas and incorporate the best into your life. Mar Vista resident and Green Tent Manager Jeanne Kuntz is a certified wellness coach; learn more at her Teaching Wellness website.
Check out Talk Nerdy to Me. An awesome group for local folks who want to meet up, socialize and learn!
Take time to just sit and be...even if it's only 5 minutes a day.
Check out Talk Nerdy to Me. An awesome group for local folks who want to meet up, socialize and learn!