Mother Nature isn’t happy with humanity, and some people believe that the COVID-19 outbreak is her way of showing her displeasure. Even if you don’t subscribe to such notions, the reality of climate change hasn’t disappeared — it’s only playing second string to the current crisis virtuoso. What can you do to help heal the planet during the pandemic? Every problem holds within it a kernel of opportunity. Already, levels of pollution have plummeted due to social distancing. As countries cautiously begin to reopen, they can do so in more sustainable ways. Here’s how to do your part to help the planet.
Words: Kate Harveston
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Continue Your Frugal Ways
Before the pandemic, were you in the habit of tearing through toilet paper like a cat with a new toy? Chances are, you started counting each precious square as supermarket shelves grew bare. Maybe you even installed a bidet attachment. Guess what? Your frugality helped save countless trees. While you — hopefully — no longer panic when you see an empty roll, there’s no need to return to your wasteful former ways. Become a bit more conscientious about your consumption.
The same goes for purchases — this tip will help you balance your budget, too. If financial uncertainty drove you to turn down the appealing trinkets in the checkout aisle during quarantine, avoid the urge to splurge on unnecessary items once the powers-that-be lift restrictions. Before you buy anything, ask yourself if it will bring you lasting joy. If the answer is no, leave it on the shelf.
Extend Your Telecommuting
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Working from home might have started hairy, but by now, you mastered the art. As much as you miss the water cooler gossip, talk to your employer about continued remote and flextime work to cut your carbon footprint.
You can calculate how much you saved during the shutdown and use that to set reasonable restrictions on your travel once you're free to do so. Even if you don’t remain in your home office every day, cutting back on your commute makes a significant difference.
Get in the Garden
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Hopefully, you found a little downtime during the quarantine to nurture your soul with positive habits. Spring has finally arrived, so if you haven’t done so yet, plant a small garden. You can make one in containers if you only have a balcony. You and your family will always enjoy fresh kale, broccoli and more.
If you want to sing “The Circle of Life” every time you dig in the dirt, learn how to save your seeds from the veggies you eat. For instance, you should choose the hardiest plants with the best-tasting fruits for your next crop. Avoid saving seeds from weak or slow-growing greenery.
Keep Connecting with Nature
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With social distancing rules closing gyms, hopefully, you get more of your daily activity outdoors. Research indicates that the more time you spend in nature, the more likely you are to participate in green initiatives. Getting outside also acts as a natural antidepressant, so don’t trade in your trail running shoes for a treadmill once things reopen.
When the weekend weather proves delightful, plan a trip to a nearby nature preserve. Take your children for a hike and make it a learning activity by studying flora and fauna. If you have a favorite state park that you frequent, look into volunteer opportunities, too. For example, if you love herbal healing, you could lead a guided tour of medicinal plants.
Consider Going Solar
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If you have struggled to pay your utility bills during the pandemic, you can become more self-sustaining by installing solar panels. This project entails a significant upfront expense, but many states have programs that let you pay over time. Eventually, you own the system and ditch your monthly electric bill. Hello, savings.
Don’t give up on this idea if you rent. Some manufacturers now make portable solar panels you can take with you when you move. These components also work on RVs, elevating your next camping experience.
Help Heal the Planet During the Pandemic and Always
Even though you might be more focused on protecting your loved one’s well-being right now, the health of the planet also matters. As society cautiously moves forward despite COVID-19, reflect on the lessons you learned in quarantine, and resolve to make your habits more eco-friendly.