Take one case—reducing use of gasoline. This produces less climate change gases and less pollution. But look at the other benefits.
Walking and biking to places instead of driving is beneficial for our hearts, bone health, mood, immune system, and so many other bodily functions.
Less people driving reduces traffic congestion and thus stress.
It costs less, in terms of gasoline, and indirectly in terms of medical costs and in some cases gym costs.
Walking with others provides the opportunity to connect socially, another de-stressor. It’s great for children walking to school.
Yes, walking and cycling take time, today’s most precious commodity. So maybe the biggest thing we can do for the Earth and for ourselves is to make our lives less busy.
Where can you cut back? Consuming less means shopping less—is that a possibility? If you’re always chauffeuring your children around, can they engage in less structured activities? If you’re an activist, can you focus on fewer issues? Can you spend less time surfing the net? Each person will find a different answer.
Here’s to your health and happiness, and that of the Earth!
As you say, time is precious. We are all so busy, filling our days with what we feel is important to us. But, if you're feeling stressed and too busy, try changing your thought of what is important. If peace and happiness are more important than what is what is creating that stress and busy-ness, start to eliminate those activities that aren't giving you what you want. I like your suggestions! I have made time for peace in my life and I can tell you that it's really not that hard to give up time consuming activities that aren't beneficial, you just have to shift what's important to you.
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