In our fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over sustainability. From having groceries delivered to using single-use coffee cups, it’s easy to fall into habits that aren’t environmentally friendly. However, living sustainably not only benefits the planet but also offers surprising psychological advantages.
Research indicates that sustainable living is linked to enhanced well-being. A study from 2011 discovered that engaging in pro-environmental activities, such as recycling, purchasing seasonal produce, and conserving fuel, is positively associated with self-reported happiness. Similarly, sustainable consumption, like buying eco-friendly products, correlates with greater life satisfaction. Additionally, using sharing services, such as bike-sharing programs or libraries, is also linked to increased life satisfaction.
While these findings are promising, it’s important to understand that they are correlational. This means that while sustainable actions are associated with well-being, they don’t necessarily cause it. It’s possible that individuals who already experience greater well-being are more inclined to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors.
Psychologists suggest that sustainable actions may contribute to eudaimonic well-being, which involves achieving a sense of purpose and meaning in life. This form of well-being contrasts with hedonistic well-being, which focuses on immediate pleasures and avoiding discomfort. Although sustainable behaviors might seem challenging initially, they can enhance our long-term well-being. A 2018 study found that environmental actions requiring time, money, or effort, such as growing your own food, were more strongly linked to well-being than simpler actions like turning off unused lights.
While individual actions are crucial, companies also play a significant role in promoting sustainability. Addressing environmental challenges requires creativity and curiosity. For instance, reducing waste and emissions in industries like pharmaceuticals is essential. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, identified that by minimizing the packaging of their antibodies, they could significantly reduce their climate impact, equivalent to removing 16 cars from the road for a year.
Engaging in sustainable behaviors, whether on a personal or corporate level, may not always be the easiest choice, but it is the most beneficial for both individual well-being and the planet’s health. Sustainable actions can lead to increased social connections, more time spent in nature, and improved physical activity, all of which contribute to better mental health.
For those interested in exploring sustainable practices, visiting platforms dedicated to reducing packaging and waste can be both educational and satisfying. These efforts demonstrate how curiosity can drive innovative solutions to complex problems. Thanks to initiatives like those from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are inspired to pursue a more sustainable future, reducing waste and fostering well-being.
Take a week to document your daily sustainable practices, such as recycling, using public transport, or choosing eco-friendly products. Reflect on how these actions impact your mood and overall well-being. At the end of the week, write a short essay on your findings and share it with your peers for discussion.
Form small groups and design a sustainable living challenge for your campus. This could involve initiatives like a zero-waste week, a bike-to-campus day, or a local produce cooking contest. Present your project plan to the class, highlighting the potential psychological benefits for participants.
Research a company known for its sustainable practices, such as Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Analyze how their initiatives contribute to environmental sustainability and employee well-being. Prepare a presentation on your findings, focusing on the role of creativity and innovation in their strategies.
Participate in a workshop that explores the concept of eudaimonic well-being. Engage in activities like planting a community garden or organizing a clothing swap. Discuss how these actions can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, enhancing long-term well-being.
Take a virtual tour of online platforms dedicated to sustainable innovation. Explore how these platforms reduce packaging and waste, and learn about the creative solutions they offer. Share your insights with classmates, focusing on how these innovations can inspire personal and community actions.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Every morning, I wake up, have a coffee, and get to work while my groceries are delivered. Some camera equipment arrives, and the parade of unnecessary packages continues. After a while, I get in my car, go for a run in a nicer place, and get another coffee in a single-use cup. Then, as I start to feel terrible, I wonder: am I just single-handedly ruining the planet?
Living sustainably can be hard, but what’s good for the planet is actually good for you too. Research suggests that living sustainably can have surprising psychological benefits. This video is sponsored by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and their initiative, “Sustainable Behavior.”
Sustainable behavior is not easy; it’s more convenient to get things delivered and drive everywhere rather than biking or taking public transport. However, research has found that acting sustainably is associated with greater well-being. For starters, a 2011 study found that pro-environmental actions like recycling, buying seasonal produce, and conserving petrol were positively associated with self-reported happiness. Another study found that sustainable consumption, like purchasing environmentally friendly products, was associated with greater life satisfaction. Similarly, another study found that using sharing services, like bike-sharing programs or traditional libraries, was also linked to greater life satisfaction.
You might assume that if you start recycling, using a reusable water bottle, or visiting the library, you’ll be happier, but it’s not that simple. It’s important to note that these findings are correlational; they indicate associations or links. Sustainable actions might predict well-being, but they don’t necessarily cause it. Perhaps people with greater well-being are just more likely to care about the environment.
Psychologists suggest that acting sustainably might contribute to something called eudaimonic well-being, which is achieved by accomplishing things that you feel are worthwhile and having a sense of meaning in your life. This contrasts with hedonistic well-being, where the focus is on immediate pleasures and avoiding discomfort. Even though these behaviors might seem difficult in the moment, they can contribute to our long-term well-being. In fact, a 2018 study found that environmental behaviors that cost time, money, or effort, like growing your own food, were more strongly associated with well-being than easier behaviors like turning off the lights when not in use.
These actions at a personal level are important and can have benefits, but acting more sustainably is also a significant issue for companies. This is such a big problem that we need to approach it with creativity and curiosity. What if there wasn’t as much waste to begin with, or as many cars on the road?
It’s easy to criticize the emissions from the automotive industry and call for alternative transport options, materials, or fuels. But what about other industries we desperately need, like pharmaceuticals? Consider that pollution in drug development isn’t just from manufacturing the drug; it’s also from packaging and shipping it.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, recently identified that by reducing the packaging of their antibodies, they could reduce their climate impact by 75,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide by 2025, which is equivalent to taking 16 cars off the road for a full year. And that’s just one company reducing the packaging of one product.
While engaging in sustainable behaviors might not be the easiest choice for you or for larger corporations, it is the best choice for your own well-being and for the well-being of our planet. Different types of sustainable behaviors might lead to connecting with other people, experiencing nature, or even getting more exercise, all of which have major mental health benefits.
Please head over to the Sustainable website to explore ways to reduce packaging yourself; it’s honestly very satisfying to see how curiosity can lead to creative solutions to tough problems. Thank you to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for sponsoring this video and for inspiring a sustainable future. Hopefully, soon I won’t create as much waste from buying so much online.
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This version maintains the core message while removing informal language and personal reflections.
Sustainability – The practice of maintaining processes in a way that avoids the depletion of natural resources, ensuring long-term ecological balance. – Universities are increasingly focusing on sustainability to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility among students.
Well-being – A state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy, often considered in terms of physical, mental, and social health. – The well-being of students can be significantly improved by incorporating green spaces and nature-based activities into the campus environment.
Happiness – A mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. – Research in environmental psychology suggests that access to natural environments can enhance happiness and reduce stress levels.
Consumption – The use of goods and services by households, which can have significant environmental impacts depending on the sustainability of the resources used. – Reducing energy consumption in university buildings is a critical step towards achieving campus sustainability goals.
Eudaimonic – Relating to a form of happiness that is achieved through meaningful activities and personal fulfillment, rather than just pleasure. – Engaging in eudaimonic activities, such as volunteering for environmental causes, can enhance a student’s sense of purpose and well-being.
Behaviors – The actions or reactions of individuals in response to external or internal stimuli, often studied in psychology to understand human interactions with the environment. – Pro-environmental behaviors, such as recycling and conserving water, are essential for promoting sustainability on campus.
Environmental – Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition. – Environmental studies programs aim to equip students with the knowledge to address climate change and other ecological challenges.
Actions – Steps taken to achieve a particular purpose, often analyzed in psychology to understand decision-making processes. – Implementing sustainable actions, like using public transportation, can significantly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.
Mental – Relating to the mind, including aspects of cognition, emotion, and behavior, often studied in psychology to understand human well-being. – Mental health can be positively influenced by spending time in natural settings, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.
Health – The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. – Environmental factors, such as air quality and access to green spaces, play a crucial role in determining public health outcomes.
