What is environmental consciousness? How to protect our nature with recyclable goods and renewable energy? How do humans influence global warming?
Environmental consciousness definition
The definition of environmental consciousness is based on an ideology, environmentalism. Environmentalism says that every living thing, including nature, has environmental rights that need to be protected. Fighting forest fires, eating a GMO-free menu, and following not fashion, but ‘trashion’ (clothes that are made of trash) are opportunities for saving our planet and keeping its eco-systems alive.
Environmental consciousness includes people with the same set of values. People who care about natural habitats and use renewable resources. Humans who can act for the sake of nature and can put others ahead of themselves.
Growing environmental consciousness
During the pandemic, new videos were shown to people. There was news about dolphins returning to Venice canals, and satellite photos about the disappearing smog in China. COVID was a health crisis all over the world, but studies show that humans actually started to worry more about environmental issues than health issues.
Dynata, the world’s largest first-party data, and insights platform have information about what we think of global warming. 70% of people are more aware now of the human threat to the environment, and 40% of participants want to live more sustainably, than before. Almost 90% percent think that companies should manufacture more eco-friendly products and assist more local communities to maintain a healthier environment.
Consumer sustainability trends
Sustainability is trending. At the time of the Amazonas wildfire, people started to raise money on Facebook to stop the fire from spreading. People are buying shoes made of recycled plastics or ocean trash. We also buy ‘overpriced’ products to support a good cause. In the west, people started to eat meatlessly. Meatless Mondays can be the first step to maintaining this habit. GMO-free menus are also trending.
Companies now have to make products that protect the environment. The stocks of sustainable companies are rising. Customers started to live more eco-friendly too. They
- Buy only reusable products
- Turn off the lights
- Ride your bike
- Don’t waste energy (especially at your workplace where it is free)
- Support local bio shops
Increasing environmental awareness and climate anxiety
Environmental awareness and climate anxiety are not the same. People who are aware of their impact on Earth’s habitats and want to do better can make a change. Climate anxiety is almost the contrary: it is rather a state or condition. It has symptoms that are similar to any other mental illness coming with stress.
The reason for developing this condition is the fear of the consequences of global warming. People often feel like they cannot do anything to avoid a disaster.
Nowadays, environmental consciousness is growing, but the number of people who suffer from climate anxiety is increasing too.
Conclusion: The importance of green consciousness
With green consciousness, we are able to reduce the impact of climate change. Natural gas is a ‘bridge’ between renewable and non-renewable energy. Companies and consumers need to focus on being more environmentally friendly.