3 handy tips Canadian youth can use to combat eco-anxiety

Raise your hand if your teacher showed you that scary global warming documentary at a formative age and now you’re terrified about the inevitability of a climate apocalypse. Or maybe you find yourself enjoying an unseasonably warm winter before realizing with dread that it’s perhaps the coldest winter you’ll experience for the rest of your life.

With great knowledge comes great responsibility, and for many, it also comes with a sense of anxiety. Because yes, it’s important we know about climate change, but it’s hard news to take without experiencing at least a little bit of existential dread.

If you’re experiencing eco-anxiety (yes, there’s a name for it), here are a few tips to help.

Focus on your own impact

When you consider the fact that 20 companies have contributed to 35 per cent of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide, it’s easy to feel like you’re up against insurmountable odds. But you’re not responsible for major manufacturers – you’re just responsible for you.

Try living by the phrase “do what you can.” For example, 10 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions come from crop and livestock production, so focus on reducing your food waste and eating more plant-based foods. And forget the all-or-nothing mindset. If you’ve ever said, “I could never go vegetarian, I love bacon too much,” go vegetarian and still eat bacon. The same goes for, “I’d love to thrift, but I can never find jeans in my size.” Buy your jeans new, and thrift everything else.

Connect with like-minded individuals

Eco-anxiety can feel very fatalistic and alienating, but you definitely aren’t alone. The Mental Health Commission of Canada acknowledges that youth, Indigenous peoples, marginalized communities, people who work closely with the land, people who live in higher-risk areas, and first responders are most likely to deal with eco-anxiety (although anyone can experience it).

There’s comfort in community. Reach out to people who share your concerns, and you may find that you feel better after talking things through. You may even be able to join forces to develop an action plan. And speaking of action plans…

Apply for the Ocean Action Grant

If you have an idea to fight climate change, plastic pollution, or overfishing and are between 15 and 30, you could qualify for Ocean Wise’s Ocean Action Grant. This microgrant provides up to $5,000 to youth across Canada to launch individual or collaborative projects that create real environmental impact. Some projects have included crafting clay pots for kelp planting, creating workshops for nature educators, photo journalism projects, and more. Harness your strengths into tangible action – whatever that might look like.

One person can make a difference in fighting the challenges surrounding climate change, and that person could be you. Learn more about the Ocean Action Grant and apply online today.

The Ocean Action Grant Program is funded in part by Canada Service Corps

Kendall Bistretzan

Branded Content Writer

Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.

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