How You Can Help Protect the Environment and Your Well-Being

This column covers ways to protect and sustain the natural environment we all share and has also been a space in which to consider ways to sustain our own well being in times of crisis. It’s safe to say that recent and ongoing cuts to key research programs and environmental protections have risen to the level of crisis in many people’s estimations.

It’s logical to despair over the damage being done, some of it permanent, most of it with wide-reaching repercussions for all life on earth. But wallowing in that despair is obviously useless and actually plays into the plans of those who seek to undermine environmental protections. It’s that much more heartening, therefore, to note the many researchers and community leaders who continue their important environmental work. And we can join them!

Those of us looking to get more involved and lift up our own spirits by making a positive difference need look no further than the UH Beautification Team and Native Plant Society. Removing toxic pollutants from our neighborhood and planting and caring for native plants supports our own psyches while helping to sustain the wildlife with whom we share UH.

Just down the hill from us, the San Diego River Park Foundation is doing very impressive work that we can help with, including keeping the river clean, keeping track of bird and insect species, helping homeless people transition into housing, and, very importantly, purchasing and conserving tracts of property along the river’s headwaters in order to protect wildlife habitat and the river’s ecosystem, allowing it to thrive and flourish. Similarly, the San Diego Bird Alliance leads incredible conservation and restoration efforts all throughout San Diego, including ReWild Mission Bay, among many other projects. Financial support is critical for these organizations’ efforts to continue, and so is showing up to help restore habitats or to speak out at City Council meetings, among many other opportunities to get involved.

San Diego Canyonlands, I Love a Clean San Diego, Surfrider, etc., all do great work that we can get involved in, one way or another. Joining up to support these efforts matters and helps us move from despair to hope as we learn how much is already being done by great organizations and how much our participation helps the cause.

See you in the trenches!