Psychology and Environment: Sustainability and Mental Health
In recent years, the importance of practices that aim to preserve natural resources and environmental have grown significantly. Beyond the clear benefits to the planet, there is an increasing body of research suggesting that such sustainable practices can also have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being.
Environmental sustainability involves preserving and maintaining the natural world to ensure it remains healthy for current and future generations. It involves reducing waste, conserving energy, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing pollution. Sustainable living encourages practices such as recycling, using renewable energy sources, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting local, eco-friendly products. These efforts help to create a balanced ecosystem, ensuring that our natural resources remain available and healthy for the long term.
As we have discussed before about eco-anxiety and how it impacts people, engaging in sustainable practices can serve as a coping mechanism. By taking proactive steps to address environmental issues, individuals can feel a sense of empowerment and control. According to research in "Climatic Change," proactive engagement in environmental activities can mitigate eco-anxiety and promote a more optimistic outlook of the future (Ojala, 2012).
With initiatives that promote creation of urban green spaces, primary use of public transportation, and nature-friendly architecture with an aim to improve air quality, and provide residents with areas to relax and connect with nature, it can help alleviate issues that urban living poses for us today.
The environmental noise we have talked about in earlier articles can also be dealt with such eco-conscious activities that include use of transportation options, such as electric vehicles and bicycles. Additionally, planting trees and creating green buffers can help absorb and deflect sound, creating quieter urban environments. Research in the "Journal of Environmental Psychology" suggests that exposure to natural sounds, such as birdsong and rustling leaves, can reduce stress and improve mood (Medvedev et al., 2015).
Some other activities that one can engage themselves in are:
- Try out gardening, tree planting, and participating in clean-up activities so that there is an increase in interaction with nature. Research has shown that spending time in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels, a biological marker of stress (Hunter, Gillespie, & Chen, 2019).
- Volunteering for environmental causes or participating in community-based projects fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which can buffer against feelings of isolation and loneliness (Guitart, Pickering, & Byrne, 2012).
- Physical engagement with the environment, such as hiking or gardening, has been linked to improved attention, memory, and overall cognitive function. Outdoor activities and environmental education programs can significantly improve cognitive performance and behaviour (Kuo, Barnes, & Jordan, 2019).
As the importance of sustainable living continues to rise, it is crucial to recognize and promote such mental health benefits. Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices not only supports the health of our planet but also fosters a healthier, more resilient population.
References
- Alcock, I., White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Fleming, L. E., & Depledge, M. H. (2014). Longitudinal effects on mental health of moving to greener and less green urban areas. *Environmental Research, 140*, 287-293.
- Guitart, D., Pickering, C., & Byrne, J. (2012). Past results and future directions in urban community gardens research. *Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34*, 89-99.
- Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. P. (2019). Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers. *Frontiers in Psychology, 10*, 722.
- Kaida, N., & Kaida, K. (2016). Pro-environmental behavior correlates with present and future subjective well-being. *Global Environmental Change, 38*, 63-72.
- Kuo, M., Barnes, M., & Jordan, C. (2019). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. *PLOS ONE, 14*(7), e0221394.
- Medvedev, O. N., Shepherd, D., Hautus, M. J., & Jorgensen, E. L. (2015). The restorative potential of soundscapes: A physiological and psychological evaluation. *Journal of Environmental Psychology, 43*, 27-34.
- Ojala, M. (2012). Regulating worry, promoting hope: How do children, adolescents, and young adults cope with climate change? *Climatic Change, 52*, 199-209.
