How To Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself)
Walking can increase our sense of connectedness with the earth and motivation to take climate action, which might be an important aspect of your well-being.
\n\nLink to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mu6yru2p
\n\nThis is the third and final episode of our special series, Climate, Hope & Science. We explore the intersection of environmental well-being and our own well-being, where taking care of ourselves and the planet are one in the same and feeling good is not only possible, it\u2019s helpful. We find the links between crisis, hope, happiness, and action.
\n\nLook for another climate-focused Happiness Break on May 18th.
\n\nEpisode summary:
\n\nMusician and activist Diana Gameros tries leaving her car at home and walking instead of drive for three days. We hear what was challenging about her experience, and why in the end, she loved it. Incorporating small climate actions into our daily life can strengthen our relationship with the earth and inspire us to take better care of it. Later, climate scientist Patrick Gonzalez breaks down the actual climate impact of one person choosing not to drive for a day. (It\u2019s more than you\u2019d think.) Finally, we learn how to reimagine our relationship to the environment from Dr. Yuria Celidwen, an expert in Indigenous contemplative practices and sciences, and what we \u2014 and the planet \u2014\xa0might gain from bridging Western and Indigenous worldviews.
\n\nPractice:
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Avoid driving for one day out of the week. Instead, walk and take public transportation.
\nTry to avoid using your phone while getting around. Instead, observe the environment around you and how you engage with it. Notice as much as you can about your neighborhood. Pay attention to how you feel when you walk versus drive.
\nThink about how you can incorporate other small actions in your daily life to help the planet.
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Today\u2019s guests:
\n\nDiana Gameros is a musician and social activist. Her music is informed by themes like identity, language, culture and her experience as an immigrant.
\n\nLearn more about Diana: https://www.dianagameros.com/
\n\nListen to Diana\u2019s Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/0JdsjnFwzgkr0kPelaODF4
\n\nFollow Diana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianagameros/
\n\nFollow Diana on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianagamerosmusic/
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Patrick Gonzalez is a climate scientist and forest ecologist at UC Berkeley. His work inspired numerous policy changes focused on forestry protections around the world.
\n\nLearn more about Patrick and his work: http://www.patrickgonzalez.net/
\n\nFollow Patrick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pgonzaleztweet?lang=en
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Dr. Yuria Celidwen is an Indigenous scholar whose work focuses on Indigenous contemplative traditions and advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples and lands.
\n\nLearn more about Yuria and her work: \xa0https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/
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More Resources on Climate Action:
\n\nGreater Good Mag - Can We Have More Productive Conversations About Climate Change? https://tinyurl.com/5n95sva3
\n\nWHO - Cycling and walking can help reduce physical inactivity and air pollution, save lives and mitigate climate change: https://tinyurl.com/3kzhytf5
\n\nTED - When Mother Earth Speaks, You Best Listen: https://tinyurl.com/yzmhch34
\n\nTime Magazine - In the Face of Climate Change, We Must Act So That We Can Feel Hopeful\u2014Not the Other Way Around: https://tinyurl.com/98bbspap
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What climate actions have you incorporated into your life? Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
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