Eco-Anxiety to Eco-Action Perspective: Reasons Why Your Actions Still Matter
Feeling disillusioned and frustrated by eco-hypocrisy of the elite? It’s okay to feel it, and here’s why channelling your eco-anxiety into eco-action still matters.
You recycle. You carry a reusable water bottle. You use tote bags for shopping. Maybe you’ve cut down on meat or feel guilty about taking that flight last summer. And then you see a celebrity post from their private jets and yachts, or the many disingenuous hypocrite guests in attendance at the world’s-largest-carbon-footprint-wedding, or read another headline about AI’s insane energy use… and suddenly, it all feels pointless.
I walk down our main street with my reusable coffee cup, thinking about millionaires and billionaires doing more damage to the environment in the time it takes me to reach the library than I will in my lifetime. I regularly have this gnawing feeling of dread about the state of our planet and the seeming futility of individual actions. This feeling is often referred to as eco-anxiety. Does this sound familiar? If so, sit with me a bit and let’s talk about continuing to live mindfully in a messy world, without burning out or becoming too cynical.
Why it’s Normal to Feel Eco-Anxiety and Feel Frustrated
A 2017 study shares that almost half of the world's wealth is held by the richest 1 %, with the other half divided between the other 99 %. This is further broken down into 80 people having the wealth of ~3.7 billion people. Wealth is undeniably linked to environmental damage. A 2023 report shared that the richest 1 % account for more carbon emissions than the poorest 66 %. These are not statistics to scare or push a narrative. They are simply facts of our world.
So, to feel eco-anxiety is normal. It should make you feel infuriated and frustrated to see the hypocrisy of these people and the disingenuous greenwashing they wrap their companies in. Eco-anxiety is a sign you care deeply about the only home you have, our shared home.
Why Your Efforts Really Do Matter
It's tempting to throw in the towel when faced with such enormous disparities, but here's why your daily choices, big or small, are still incredibly important:
You're Leading by Example (Even if You Don't Realise It): Think about it. When you choose public transport, mend a beloved item instead of buying new, or opt for a vegetarian meal, you're sending ripples out into the world. Your friends, family, and even strangers notice even if they don’t say anything. You might inspire a colleague to bring their own lunchbox, or encourage a sibling to try a plant-based recipe. These small acts of inspiration create a cumulative effect, slowly but surely shifting cultural norms.
You're Voting with Your Wallet (and Your Values): Every time you choose an ethical brand, support a local business, or opt for products with less packaging, you're telling the market what you value. It's a quiet but powerful form of protest against unsustainable practices. Businesses ultimately respond to demand, and when enough of us demand greener options, change does happen.
It's About Integrity, For You: Beyond any external impact, doing your part is about aligning your actions with your values. It’s about living with integrity. When you choose to tread lightly on the Earth, you're honouring your deepest beliefs. And honestly, that feels good. It builds self-respect and reduces internal conflict, which is a huge win for your personal well-being.
You're Building a Foundation for Bigger Change: Individual actions aren't the whole solution, absolutely not. We need massive systemic changes, political will, and corporate accountability. But here's the thing: strong, vocal, and engaged individuals form the bedrock of movements. When you're already living mindfully and sustainably, you're much more likely to advocate for bigger changes – whether that's contacting your local MP, joining a community initiative, or simply talking to others about the issues. Your personal commitment gives you credibility and passion for collective action.
Channelling Eco-Anxiety into Eco-Action
Feelings of apathy and burnout is not what we want when eco-anxiety creeps in. So, how do we keep doing our bit, without succumbing to despair? These ideas on directing frustration into practical actions is not to add more weight to the pressure you’re already carrying. They are simply ways to direct feelings instead of dwelling on them. Do what you can and what aligns with your values.
Educate Yourself (Wisely!): Stay informed but be mindful of doom-scrolling. Understand the issues and actively seek out solutions and positive developments. The goal is for knowledge to feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Find Your Tribe: Connect with like-minded people. Join a local environmental group, participate in online communities focused on sustainability, or simply chat with friends who share your concerns. There's immense power and comfort in knowing you're not alone.
Advocate for Policy Change: This is where that frustration can really be put to good use. Write to your elected representatives, sign petitions, or support organisations that lobby for stronger environmental regulations. Demand accountability from corporations and governments.
Support Ethical Businesses: Actively seek out companies that are genuinely committed to sustainability, not just greenwashing. Your consumer choices have more power than most sadly realise. Greener fashion brands often out price many consumers, so if you can't afford to support these, then support less-green brands less often. Get out of the mindset that you need to follow trends and perhaps try no-buy or low-buy years (or months). Published literature emphasises the significant effects of boycotts on businesses.
Focus on What You Can Control: While we can't control the actions of billionaires, we can control our own choices and our own energy. Redirecting your focus towards what's within your sphere of influence (your home, your community, your personal choices, your social circle) can be a reminder that you are continuing to do your part, even if it’s just for your conscience. Plant and gift friends bee-friendly flowers. Switch to a greener energy provider (if possible in your country).
Spend Time in Nature: Practising eco-mindfulness can be an antidote to despair. Spending time in nature, connect with its beauty and intricate simplicity, and allow that connection to continue fuelling your desire to protect it. Let this connection and awe reaffirm your actions.
Related read: How Helping Others Creates Valuable Positive Ripples in Your Life
Keep Going, You're Making a Difference
Please remember that you don’t have to live perfectly. You also don’t have to do it all. Your ‘small’ actions are making the changes; you just may not see it because you’re in it.
Just like your single ballot might not decide an entire election, the collection action of voting changes everything. Cultures shift because enough people decide to shift it. Don't let the actions of the literal few diminish your own commitment. Your individual efforts are not just about reducing your carbon footprint; they're about shaping a better future, inspiring others, and living a life that reflects your deepest values.
Hope is a verb. Hope is stubbornly doing good things (even when the world and humanity seem broken) because good things create good changes and result in a good life. Every forest started from seeds. Every movement start with one person deciding to try. Keep going. Keep choosing wisely. And know that every conscious step you take, no matter how small it feels, truly does matter.
How do you deal with eco-anxiety? Any small wins or sanity-saving habits? Share them below, we could all use the inspiration.
Affirmation: My mindful choices, no matter how small they feel, contribute to a powerful ripple effect for positive change and align with my deepest values for our planet.
To-Do: This week, choose one area from the 'Channelling Eco-Anxiety into Eco-Action' section that feels most manageable and empowering to you. Perhaps it's educating yourself on a specific solution, reaching out to one like-minded person, or spending 15 minutes mindfully connecting with nature.
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on a time you felt particularly overwhelmed by eco-anxiety or frustrated by perceived environmental hypocrisy. What was the specific trigger?
Now, think about one small, sustainable action you regularly take. How does performing that action make you feel, regardless of external outcomes? How can you cultivate more of that positive feeling in your daily life?
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