THE OUTLOOK #56

#56 - Eco-Education, Climate Correlation & Garden Growing

Happy Earth Day to all of our loyal subscribers! Whilst we like to treat everyday as a day to care for the planet, let’s take the chance today to put our precious home in the spotlight! We are taking a pause from our usual wellbeing practices to share stories and activities that will help keep the planet in mind on this important day!

PEOPLE

A Climate Change GCSE soon to be launched

An exciting development has been announced with a new natural history GCSE focusing on how to protect the planet set to launch by 2025. The qualification will focus on climate change and biodiversity, helping students recognise impacts of climate change, equip them with the statistics and science to motivate action and support mental health by connecting them with the natural world.

PLANET

Greener lifestyles linked to greater happiness

It’s been suggested that changing the way we live would become a burden or inconvenience on our happiness. However, in a recent study of nearly 7,000 people across 7 different countries, it was shown that there is in fact a positive correlation between eco-friendly action and subjective wellbeing. The more we reduce waste, buy greener products and get involved in conversation work, the happier our population becomes!

PRACTICE

Earth Day Activity: Garden Growing

Time: 60mins

Given that this week includes Earth Day and that the weather is nicer than it's been for some time, it makes sense to shape this week’s exercise around the great outdoors. Now, we aren’t talking about splashing out on a fancy outward bound holiday or even trekking miles from your homes; this week we encourage you to step outside into your gardens and discover “nature on your doorstep”. In fact, the RSPB has launched a campaign to highlight the importance of our garden spaces, not just for us, but for thousands of declining species that also call it home.

Did you know that in the UK, gardens and balconies combined cover approximately 4,000 sq km, which is more than twice the size of London as a whole? These expansive spaces are beautiful and precious habitats to a host of different species including starlings, bumblebees and hedgehogs. Unfortunately, their numbers are now on the decline and hence, the RSPB is encouraging families, friends and community members alike to start planting sunflowers and lavenders this spring. Take the chance to make a small difference and watch how quickly these pollinators arrive!