At DoSomething, we’re all about recognizing the ways in which the biggest issues of our time intersect, and mental health and climate action are no exception! No, we’re not just talking about taking a #hotgirlwalk in nature, but that works too. 😉

Young people are the first to point out how marginalized communities are impacted by environmental racism. But here’s the kicker: these are the same communities that are also less likely to have access to diverse mental health resources. In fact, many environmental factors like air pollution and forced relocation due to natural disasters are directly linked to mental illness, including anxiety and depression. It’s the double-wammy of the century and we’re not about it.

Mental Health Awareness Month is still in full swing, and we know that climate anxiety weighs heavily on many young people. The great news is that many of the ways we care for the environment, like participating in a community garden, attending climate marches, or even spending more time in nature, can have a hugely positive impact on our mental health. That’s right, for every two-fold problem, there’s a two-fold solution! The best part is that participating in climate-focused action is not only beneficial for us as individuals, but helps support greener, cleaner communities that help foster healthier bodies AND minds.

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Curious about how our members are bringing the intersection of environmentalism and mental health to life? Here’s a look at how some DoSomething members are tackling climate change through our new Yass Green! program:

“Replanting food scraps is like a learning process that teaches individuals about different plants and how one should grow them," said DoSomething Member Yasmine A., 16. "I treated this campaign like a learning opportunity and did plenty of research on basil plants and even experimented using different techniques for each plant.”

"By collecting our town’s formal dresses and suits and setting up a swap, we were able to create a more sustainable shopping option for our school," said DoSomething Member Isabel C., 17. "Every prom season, students scramble to find a perfect, on-trend, and unique outfit for them to wear for a single night. This process is the epitome of our unsustainable human tendencies, so our formal wear thrift shop was a great alternative to fast-fashion behavior, and also showed our school of the trove of second-hand items in the world just waiting for a new life. We were able to teach our school to value and take care of what already exists- whether that be items we have, or our planet as a whole!”

“Picking up cigarette butts from public trash cans is a beneficial practice for several reasons," said DoSomething Member Kennedy V., 20. "It helps to reduce environmental pollution, prevent fires, set a positive example, promote health, and fosters a sense of civic responsibility. It's a simple act that can have far-reaching positive effects on our communities and our planet, and I encourage others to join me in this worthwhile endeavor. Overall this was a great experience and I’m glad I could influence the community in a positive way.”

$5 for your gratitude… As part of their commitment to supporting youth mental health, The Royal Bank of Canada is donating $5 to DoSomething for every #mypledge video you share expressing gratitude for someone that has helped change your life. This gives one of our favorite expressions – “it pays to do good” – new meaning. Share your video here.

Space news… Astronomers just caught the largest explosion in space ever seen, which shows how far our technology has come but also reminds us how far we have to go to understand the universe. Pretty sweet, right?!

ICYMI… This past Sunday, moms banded together to celebrate Mother’s Day a little differently this year: by calling their representatives to demand safer gun laws. #PhoneCallsNotFlowers

A big W… A woman from Georgia is finding more innovative ways to transform old buildings into affordable housing, which could be a game changer for several communities. Go off, queen!

FastWeb

If you’re going to work this summer, find a job that pays for your college tuition!! Big-brand companies are offering student perks including 100% paid tuition, fees, books & more.

CollegeXpress

Who doesn't love reading?! As we gear up for summer, we're thinking of all the fantastic books we want to add to our "must-read" list for long days at the pool or beach. Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving you the opportunity to earn a scholarship...just by sharing your favorite book recommendation! Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered to earn a $1,300 scholarship: What is a good book you'd recommend to a friend for the summer?

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