Climate change has become increasingly worrying over the past decade following global industrialisation, which is why more activists are spreading awareness about the issue. Some do it to save the planet from overheating, while others feel responsible for the future of the next generations.
However, others feel a deep connection with Mother Nature, especially by leveraging the benefits of spending time outdoors. Indeed, this activity helps us slow down from the daily overstimulation, which can impact mental restoration by lowering anxiety and increasing positive emotions.
Therefore, this is akin to a circuit relationship, in which those who love nature benefit from improved well-being. In official literature, this is referred to as eco-spirituality, and it’s an emerging trend with huge potential to change the world. Let’s learn more about it.
Nature is about spirituality
People who love nature often feel a special connection with it, whether it’s the ocean or the forest. This feeling compels them to take care of it by contributing to its preservation. Some people do it by stopping the use of plastic-based products, while others will introduce native plants in their region to provide nectar for pollinators.
Loving nature so much can contribute to environmental preservation in numerous ways, some of which include the following:
- Reusing products and recycling them accordingly;
- Buying from a local spiritual wholesaler;
- Composting food scraps to fertilise the soil;
- Saving water and electricity with mindful approaches;
How feeling close to nature helps protect it
There are several ways in which people connect with natural elements. For example, they do forest bathing by spending time around trees, which can help reduce stress. Even tree-hugging is a thing, as it has been shown to have a healing power that improves mood, lowers blood pressure, and enhances cognitive functions.
Of course, someone who cherishes trees and understands their importance for human life will protect them by:
- Planting trees wherever they can:
- Using less paper and switching to digital or eco-friendly alternatives;
- Advocating tree preservation policies;
- Enjoying forests responsibly;
How can eco-spiritual people help the world?
Besides advocating for nature and spreading awareness on the effects of climate change, individuals can take this mission to the next level and choose a career in this field, such as one of the following:
- An ecologist has responsibilities like managing wildlife conservation areas, researching the impact of human-based activities on nature, and collecting data on plants and animals.
- An environmental and social justice activist contributes to the well-being of communities by offering them access to clean water or nutrition.
- A science teacher can encourage students to value nature by nurturing the scientific need for its preservation, such as teaching about mutualism in animal species.
Climate change worries people
Climate change can make it difficult for nature lovers to fully enjoy their time in nature, especially if they’re prone to eco-anxiety. This is defined as a chronic fear of environmental issues that can impact human life in the future and affect the planet in irrevocable ways.
The truth is that climate change has worsened, and we’re seeing an increasing number of extreme weather events each year. As greenhouse gas emissions trap the heat from sunlight, the planet is getting warmer, which influences weather patterns:
- Hotter temperatures contribute to an increase in heat-related illnesses.
- Destructive storms affect homes and communities.
- Increased drought reduces the land for growing food.
- Fewer species due to a growing inability to live on land or in the ocean;
Therefore, climate change directly affects human life by disrupting the ecosystems on which they’re building their lives. Unfortunately, the more experts reveal the urgency of the situation, the more difficult it is to remain calm and accept it.
Spreading awareness and finding peace
Some argue that climate change is irreversible, while others believe its effects can be mitigated. Regardless of the final outcome, it’s essential to raise awareness about the matter and strive for peace. Being constantly anxious about the state of the world might not help solve the issue, which is why having small impacts can bring reassurance.
Spreading awareness on the issue can help others understand the situation we’re in. You can create a social media page to share information and communicate with people or attend real-world events to expand your network of eco-friendly individuals.
Protecting your well-being is also crucial in maintaining a thriving community that values the environment. You may consider meditation for relaxation, incense for improved sleep, or Palo Santo for stress relief. At the same time, leading an active life that includes regular workouts, healthy eating habits, and surrounding yourself with pleasant people is essential.
What about the impact of companies?
No one can negate the impact that worldwide businesses have had on the ecosystem. Considering they rely on natural resources to operate, from land to water, many have used them without remembering they’re not unlimited. Businesses manufacturing, supplying, and packaging have led to massive amounts of carbon footprint, as only 57 global companies contribute to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Now that sustainability is a pressing concern for younger generations, many companies are striving to become more eco-friendly. Some will reduce their use of plastic products, while others may approach regenerative energy for their operations. Sadly, prominent companies have been caught greenwashing as an attempt to appeal to a specific target audience. This practice primarily involves marketing to create the image of a green company, but the truth behind it is that nothing has changed.
Companies have the greatest impact on climate change, and they must be held accountable for their role in this issue. Activists are boycotting many of them by choosing sustainable alternatives, but we’ve only scratched the surface of the entire situation.
Final considerations
Feeling connected to nature is now linked to special care for it, for which we now use the term “eco-spirituality”. Therefore, those who love nature and appreciate every living thing on our planet are more likely to try to maintain it by either living a sustainable life themselves or spreading awareness about climate change. However, they too must navigate the effects of eco-anxiety and do their best to find the balance between fighting and accepting.
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