PsychSense: Sensible Psychological Solutions

The NY Times Had a Great magazine issue This Past Sunday on Environmental Issues.

In it there was a brief mention of “eco anxiety”. This is identified as a “generalized worry about the environment”

Eco anxiety is not new, it is just reaching a threshold where it is becoming recognizable. People are talking more about the environment and realizing the importance of protecting it, even if they don’t believe in global warming.

The question is what do you do about Eco-Anxiety and about protecting the environment. Many people feel powerless to do anything or and don’t know what to do, they become immobilized.

If you use aggressive coping mechanisms this is a very uncomfortable feeling and you need to figure out what you can do. The little things mean a lot and regardless of where you stand on the issues the hints below should help you feel less anxious and more like you are doing something good, and you are!

Managing any anxiety is about understanding the issue and doing something. Most of us are confused about many of the environment issues, as there is much contradicting information. However here are 5 Very Easy things we can do to make ourselves feel better and have an effect on the environment. Thinks what these steps would do if we could get lots of people to do them! In addition you will see a big benefit for yourself!

• I know you are sick of hearing about changing light bulbs, but why aren’t you doing it. Ok they cost a little more but that is only initially. Along with shutting off lights and lowering your thermostat (raising it in hot weather) you will LOVE the effect on your electric bill, let alone the world.
• Buy less packaging. When shopping skip the products with fancy wrapping, they are more expensive. When taking doggie bags home from restaurant (I always do this it is free lunch the next day) ask for something beside Styrofoam, like wax paper or a napkin if possible. Maybe the restaurant will get the hint.
• Think how great if would be if we all agreed to not drive for one weekend day! It would make a huge difference in our need for oil, plus have so many personal benefits. One day with no errands, spend time with the kids, watch a movie, nap, and relieve yourself of the “need” to leave the house.
• Recycle junk mail, better yet reduce it. It will save you time and money; you won’t be tempted to buy.
• Reduce catalog mail at http://www.catalogchoice.org/ I had no idea how many catalogs I was getting till I started going through their list! Reduce other junk mail at DMAChoice.org
• If you don’t want something donate it to Goodwill, Salvation Army or the like. They will even pick some things up and leave you a tax receipt, this will give you about 1/3 of the value off your taxes! After your garage sale call them to pick up the remainder. If you don’t do that at least put it at the curb with a free sign, (not on garbage day) people (thank goodness) are getting less shy about curb shopping.

If you can’t do all of these PICK ONE and just do it. It will help YOU feel more in control and reduce your anxiety. It will also help the earth.