You stand in front of a full-length mirror. Your reflection stares back at you. It’s a good day: you pose, smile at your attributes and even snap a selfie. You take in this moment, knowing it is temporary; on bad days, every pockmark, stray hair and wrinkle stand out, inescapable. Whether we realize it or not, this is also how we treat the Earth. On good days, we bask in the sun, sing in the rain and take in the refreshing scent of nature around us. On bad days, smoke, smog and heat either force us to go inside or stomach the less-than-favorable weather conditions. Either way, the air on these days is further polluted by our complaints, rather than empathy and action on behalf of a planet that is constantly suffering from the effects of climate change — whether or not we can physically feel it. 

This is my last column, and I wanted to do something different. I can spew facts about the environment all day long (thanks AP Environmental Science), but recently, my environmentalism has overlapped with another relevant movement: body positivity. 

Just like our bodies, the Earth deserves unconditional love and support for both its beauty and life-sustaining functions. We need to appreciate the Earth on all days so that we can continue enjoying the purity of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the nature we inhabit.

You stand in front of a full-length mirror. Your reflection stares back at you. It’s a good day: you pose, smile at your attributes and even snap a selfie. You take in this moment, knowing it is temporary; on bad days, every pockmark, stray hair and wrinkle stand out, inescapable. Whether we realize it or not, this is also how we treat the Earth. On good days, we bask in the sun, sing in the rain and take in the refreshing scent of nature around us. On bad days, smoke, smog and heat either force us to go inside or stomach the less-than-favorable weather conditions. Either way, the air on these days is further polluted by our complaints, rather than empathy and action on behalf of a planet that is constantly suffering from the effects of climate change — whether or not we can physically feel it. 

This is my last column, and I wanted to do something different. I can spew facts about the environment all day long (thanks AP Environmental Science), but recently, my environmentalism has overlapped with another relevant movement: body positivity. 

Just like our bodies, the Earth deserves unconditional love and support for both its beauty and life-sustaining functions. We need to appreciate the Earth on all days so that we can continue enjoying the purity of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the nature we inhabit.

Humans emit 33.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere a year, overwhelming the oceans, animals and ecosystems worldwide by this influx of toxins. The Earth’s integral appendages are at our mercy and disposal. Humanity is violating every rule of self-care for the Earth, and since plastering it with facials and spa days is not an option, we need to find ways to start physically taking care of our planet. 

The educational website “Learning to Give” defines sustainability as a “lifestyle made up of decisions that protect the natural environment and drive social and technological innovation to solve environmental problems.” So, start pursuing that lifestyle! Imagine going on a diet — exercise, healthy food, all that good stuff — but for the planet’s health. I’ll even give you a three-part plan.

Part one: Meatless Monday. Seriously, skipping one hamburger saves the emissions generated by seven miles of driving. I know it tastes good, but there are lots of delicious plant-based meat substitutes (and veggies!) that will save both you and the planet a case of indigestion. 

Part two: Walk somewhere. My rule is that if a location is fifteen minutes away or less, walk, bike or skate yourself there. The world’s new workout regimen starts with you! 

Part three: If it’s not reusable, revolt against it. Plastic bags alone kill 100,000 animals a year, so it’s officially time to start bringing your own to the grocery store. Buy a reusable water bottle and swap out paper towels and napkins for cloth substitutes available on Amazon and Etsy. Trust me, they look way cuter, too.

California is moving swiftly toward its annual season of “bad days”: fire, drought and heat waves that have recently ballooned in their frequency and severity. Let these remind us that our actions directly impact the planet, and it is our responsibility to help her feel her best. Just as we’re starting to appreciate our bodies, we should start to appreciate the Earth, too.

In a general sense, industrialization has led society to believe that the Earth is here to serve us. Humanity has learned that money may not grow on trees, but we can cut trees down for money. The Earth provides for our lives, and as a result, we need to consider the impacts of our actions so we can keep the things we love, including our planet, long into the future.