Amanda Catherina
- Sep 7, 2020

Climate Psychology in the Workplace

How do we stop the climate crisis? — photo credit: @Oakoak_art

Climate psychology in our professional lives is not a topic well understood, but an increasingly growing issue as climate action influences our personal lives and carries into our professional ones. The fear of social dissonance- and a threat to our professional identities often discourages people from speaking up, worrying that if our views do not align with everyone else's, we will lose career opportunities by raising the topic of climate action in our workplace.

As individuals, it feels overwhelming to think we have little influence over how choices are presented to us in our everyday lives. Navigating the constant anxiety and depression driven by the rapidly deteriorating environment, the disconnect in meaningful work values often distracts from our ability to do something practical to secure a hopeful future and mend our connection to the natural world.

While our decision making is largely influenced by how choices are presented to us, we are also influenced by what those around us are doing, constantly adjusting to the outside influences of those around us and altering our behavior to fit in with social norms. Our close-knit circle of friends and family, our network of colleagues, and people we find ourselves similar to through social media- influence our choices because they are the groups we want most to fit in with. While we expect the shift of social norms to occur when the majority changes their viewpoints and behaviors, new social tipping points are emerging in the face of climate action.

The following list is brought to you by Stephanie Anderson, a climate leader who championed sustainability in an uncompromising work culture. Her actions acted as a motivator for shifting behaviors, by influencing discussion, observation, and inspiration through her everyday efforts to make sustainable lifestyle choices, and improve her immediate well-being. Her influence questioned the status-quo and brought attention to how our default behavior patterns have contributed to climate inaction; making the simplest choice presented as the "default" option feel like an irrational decision while presenting solutions to make it simple to act in a climate-friendly matter.

The behavior changes that have the largest impact on our everyday carbon footprint, are investments we only have to make once- before the sustainable alternative becomes your new default choice. For example, investing in solar panels on your house permanently switches you to using renewable energy; the same goes for the investments that determine the choice architecture influencing the decisions you make throughout the day.

Stephanie's influence made it simple to act in a climate-friendly matter. These 6 sustainable alternatives to using disposable Styrofoam cups, plastic straws, paper towels, plastic bags, and plastic silverware put an end to the seemingly endless environmental destruction that comes with a disposable lifestyle in the workplace.

Bamboo Cutlery (includes metal straws, chopsticks, wood/bamboo cooking utensils, and brushes)

Greenzla 2-Pack Bamboo Utensils Set | With Bonus 2 Bamboo Toothbrushes | Natural Bamboo Straw, Spoon, Fork, Knife, Teaspoon, Chopsticks, Brush & 2 Storage Bags | Reusable Bamboo Cutlery set

Silicone Zip Lock Bags (STASHER bags; Non-toxic, dishwasher/microwave/freezer/boil safe)

Wood Dish Scrubber (mildew-resistant bamboo preferred for daily use)

Reusable Bag (BeeGreen brand reusable bags; machine washable, nylon rip-stop material holds up to 50lbs, comes in a fold-able 5x5 storage bag for travel & on-the-go use)

Reusable Cup (STOJO Collapsible Coffee Cup; made from recyclable non-toxic materials, easy to clean, collapsible for compact storage & daily use, dishwasher & microwave safe)

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup - Carbon, 12oz / 355ml - Leak-Proof Reusable To-Go Pocket Size Silicone Bottle for Hot & Cold Drinks - Camping & Hiking - Dishwasher Safe - No Straw Included

Reusable Paper Towels (Machine washable, paperless reusable paper towels made with organic unbleached cotton and sustainable bamboo)

Driven by the notable difference these choices had in improving her mental health, and the massive impact these simple changes had in decreasing waste, reducing her carbon footprint, and minimizing plastic use; Stephanie continued to incorporate sustainable solutions into her everyday lifestyle, outlining her favorite recommendations below:

Kitchen

• Cooking with Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Pan/Skillet

• Wood or Bamboo Cooking Utensils

• Bulk Shopping (spices & pantry items)

• Wood Dish Scrubber

• Bamboo Dish Scraper

• Glass Storage Containers

• Silicone Zip Lock Bags

• Stove Top Popcorn Pot

• Rags for Cleaning

• Rags for Napkins/Paper Towels

• Reusable Coffee Filter or Coffee Sock