Bringing nature indoors connects us to combat climate change
"By bringing nature indoors, we can become more connected and involved with climate change on an individual level."
Over 4 billion people—more than half of the world's population—live in cities. In the United States, 85% of the population—over 270 million people—lives in urban areas, where we spend 85% of our time indoors.
As an environmental educator, I recognize that living in cities makes us feel separated from the natural world because there are fewer opportunities to connect with it. This human-nature disconnect is one cause of climate change inaction.
"Living in cities makes us feel separated from the natural world because there are fewer opportunities to connect with it."
As we approach another Earth Day this April 22nd, I argue that by bringing nature indoors, we can become more connected and involved with climate change on an individual level. Here are simple ways to bridge this human-nature gap and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
We can incorporate elements of nature into our living spaces: Add house plants, choose sustainable furniture and décor, and start a kitchen herb garden. These steps will remind us of nature's beauty, clean indoor air, improve our personal and planetary health, and connect us to climate change on an individual level.
"We can incorporate elements of nature into our living spaces, reminding us of nature's beauty."
Engaging with the natural world strengthens our bond with all living things and motivates us to care for our planet. As renowned naturalist Edward O. Wilson says, humans have an innate bond with the natural world and need to nurture it. As our connection with nature deepens, we place more value on it and on ourselves.
Begin your journey toward a more nature-filled lifestyle by placing a potted plant in your living room. Philodendrons are an excellent choice. They are easy to care for, grow well in low light, need little water, and help clean indoor air.
Green plants add beauty to indoor spaces, brighten your day, and help the environment. New air filtration systems use green plants to filter and remove indoor air pollutants. Bringing plants indoors also benefits the environment. Plants regulate temperatures, which lower heating and cooling costs.
Just as indoor plants enhance our living spaces, choosing natural materials for furniture and décor can also foster a connection to nature.
However, manufacturers often alter natural materials. They grind them into powders and add toxic chemicals to improve their appearance and performance. We buy furniture and décor that may contain harmful materials without realizing it. Using ultra-processed natural materials is like eating ultra-processed foods. Both can harm our health.
To avoid altered materials, choose natural materials in their least-altered forms. This approach adds nature's life-force energy to our lives. Furniture and décor from non-toxic, natural, and renewable materials help create eco-friendly spaces. Many manufacturers now use renewable materials like bamboo, cork, and rattan for walls, ceilings, floors, and home decor. A bamboo welcome mat can help you feel connected to nature.
When choosing furniture, upholstery, and household items, select non-toxic materials. Look for cotton, hemp, linen, and wicker. Wicker chairs or lampshades can add a relaxing feel to your home. Touching natural materials, like cotton curtains or linen pillows, helps us feel closer to the natural world. Yet, some sustainable materials may cost more today. However, increased demand can lead to lower prices. The choices we make now can have a positive impact on our future.
Celebrate the Earth by starting an indoor herb garden. Fill your kitchen with the fragrance of basil, oregano, and thyme. These compatible herbs can grow together in one container. Pick them fresh and use them to cook spaghetti sauce, pesto, and pasta dishes.
You can use an indoor hydroponic system with grow lights or soil-based self-watering pots for your herb garden. Start with easy-to-grow plants like mint, parsley, and chives. Watch the seeds sprout and enjoy one of nature's most amazing wonders.
Witnessing birth and renewal in nature will bring hope for our personal and planetary healing and a sustainable future. Creating nature-filled homes can be technically and financially challenging. Yet, we must remember that change begins with a vision—a dream of a sustainable future. One small step at a time makes a big difference.
We can make every day Earth Day to celebrate our connection with nature and help combat climate change.
Click to the original article published in The Opinion Pages: Bringing nature indoors connects us to combat climate change.