Earth Day “resolutions” are 100% worth it

Quick note: Since 2019, I’ve been focusing my writing and clinical work on the intersection of climate change and mental health. I plan to write more here about this topic, so please stay tuned.

So….I had grand plans to write a blog post for Earth Day, but of course, that didn’t happen. I’ve since realized that a belated focus on Earth Day is actually a good thing. We can’t solve all of these issues with one hyper-focused, action-packed day (duh). The answer is to keep tuning in to the climate and environmental emergencies, and find ways to stay engaged for the long-haul. So, best to keep talking about these matters all year long. Repeat. (I swear, I’m not just rationalizing my procrastination)!

I would like to share one simple idea with you — one that you might already be doing without realizing it. For the past few years, Earth Day has been my excuse to reflect upon how our family is in alignment — or out of alignment — with our ecological values. Just like with New Year’s Resolutions, I come up with and write down Earth Day Resolutions. Then I go over them with my family to make sure we’re all on the same page. I explain my thinking, and discuss questions and concerns with my kids and partner. I’m open to hearing their resolutions as well.

The key is to think practically about something that you know you could do better at, and wouldn’t even be that difficult to do. So, for example, last year I was focused on making sure I didn’t forget my reusable shopping bags for the grocery store. I now leave them in the trunk of my car. I also began planning errands and schedules more strategically to reduce time spent in the car/ number of trips. We bought an electric bike as well (costly, but efficient).

This year, I’m now stuffing reusable fruit and vegetable bags into those grocery bags (next level)! I’ve also discussed with my family that I would like to reduce our weekly seafood consumption, and would like to acknowledge any seafood that we eat. (I’m what they call pescatarian by the way). I realize that it’s easy to take these animals’ lives for granted, and important to take a pause to acknowledge this each and every time (go, mindful eating). Also, there is a local shop that sells bulk household supplies to help reduce plastic waste. You just show up with a large mason jar or two. I plan to go there for our liquid hand soap and dish soap.

My point here, is that small actions count for something —and they feel productive, in alignment with my values, and like something I can actually control. Guess what? When you live according to your values, and make meaningful choices, it supports your mental health. (Something we can all use right now)!

I hear a lot about how consumer actions aren’t going to solve the crisis we are in—we need systemic change—and of course, I know that’s true. But we shouldn’t discount them either. If we live in ignorance or hypocrisy or on auto-pilot, then we keep adding to the problem. And I say that with the caveat that we don’t need to be perfect, only to make an effort.

We all need to be wary of black-and-white thinking that veers towards naive optimism or extreme doomerism. There is a middle path too, and if we all try to walk it, we will see something different on the path ahead.

So, even though it’s not Earth Day, I will keep writing and pinning up my resolutions on our bulletin board. As the cliches go: it’s never too late to start, and it’s better late than never.

Earth Day, remember, is every day.