How To Make Your Fears Surrounding Climate Change Seem Not So Scary – By Lisa Walker

lisa@neighborhoodsprout.org 

neighborhoodsprout.org

The effect that climate change has had on our environment has been disastrous indeed. What’s more concerning is that it seems only to be getting worse. So, it’s surprising why people are experiencing stress over this, especially since it appears to be beyond our control. However, it’s vital not to let these strange turns of events impact our lives for the worse. Here are some helpful tips from The Southern Tier of New York on how to alleviate these fears so that they don’t end up overwhelming you.

Dealing with Anxious Thoughts

 

While we cannot deny that climate change is a very real phenomenon that we are all grappling to come to terms with, it’s vital not to focus on negative thoughts if you want to overcome these unpleasant emotions. So, when we are tempted to let our worries and anxious thoughts overtake us, it’s far more beneficial to focus on the positives and not on the adverse outcomes that may or may not happen. But if the thought of doom and gloom is all you can think about even when you try not to, then don’t hesitate to join a support group if necessary. Or better yet, educating oneself on the actual versus perceived dangers might be just the thing to settle your fears somewhat.

Combating Climate Change

We can all do our bit to combat climate change. Moreover, it’s often the simplest changes in our daily habits that can make the most difference, especially if we are diligent about it and are consistent in the way we do things to change things for the better.

 

Drive Less

 

Carbon emissions are one of the biggest contributors to global warming; hence, it is vital to try and find ways to reduce our carbon footprint by walking, cycling, or carpooling to work and back instead of taking the bus or car all the time.

 

 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

 

These three principles are the core principles if you want your habits to impact the environment positively. For example, you should recycle materials that are capable of recycling. However, not all plastics are recyclable, such as single-use plastics. But if you do have to use plastic that can’t be recycled, be sure to reuse them to reduce the effects of pollution on the environment. Another example is repurposing clothes or furniture you no longer need by transforming these into something you might end up loving instead of buying these items brand new.  Or you could think of donating your used clothes to thrift stores or second-hand shops if they’re still in good condition for someone else to use until they’re really ready for the dump. 

Start an Eco-friendly Business

 

There's no better time to start an eco-friendly business. For example, starting a company that manufactures sustainable clothing could be a feasible option. To get the process started, write a business plan that details your marketing strategy, business structure, financial projections, and how you’ll get funding. If you need to raise capital, you self-fund, look for investors, or take out a loan. Learn more about next steps and how to start a business with ZenBusiness.

Once you’ve chosen a business idea, start exploring how you could use energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly packaging and go paperless. One way to go paperless is to invoice clients electronically. An online invoice generator lets you create branded invoices that include your business’s slogan and logo.

Indeed, climate change is looking like it’s here to stay. But just because it is something that is uncertain and scary at times doesn’t mean we should be obsessing about it unnecessarily. Instead, choose to focus on doing your bit for the environment whether you’re living a more sustainable lifestyle or starting your own eco-friendly business.

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