August 2025: planetary & personal health
Each month, we break down our topic into four weekly modules. Catch up on previous editions here.
This week's module: ACT
- ✅ CONNECT | Conversation prompts on the health of our ecosystem
- ✅ LEARN | The public/planetary health paradox
- 🎯 ACT | What you can do towards a resilient and healthy planet
- REFLECT | Art, poetry, and commitments
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Here's what we'll learn today Reader
Hi!
Welcome to our ✨ACT✨ module of our August changeletter on planetary x personal health. Catch up here if you missed the previous ones.
Last week, just for fun, I went to Worldcon, the largest SciFi/Fantasy convention. I was pleasantly surprised to see how deeply authors are thinking about fiction as a blueprint for hope, and all the complications that come with it.
We talked about fiction that centers the working class, worldbuilding that showcases disability representation, storylines that rely on ecological health, and more.
One of the authors made a point that blew my tired mind: with every technological invention, new disabilities arise. For example, with the advent of the touchscreen, dry skin became a problem!
So, we will always be having conversations about our health and how it changes with our surroundings. The more proactive we can be, the better of we'll be too.
I hope you enjoy the actions I put together for you today!
We can't do this without you Reader
A wee lil note: if you enjoy getting these Changeletters and you would like to make a gift of reciprocity, a $9 contribution would go such a long way. Especially if you make it monthly! 100% of this work is me sitting behind my keyboard stressing about if anyone cares about this stuff, so encouragement and financial support is so greatly appreciated!
Thank you Lisa, Ruhi, Rose, and Houghton for supporting this month!
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Your bite-sized action plan Reader
✅ ACT by choosing an area of advocacy based on NCCJC's 4 R's for Social Transformation framework.
- RESIST gas stoves and swap yours out for induction. Gas stoves leak even when they are off! Having a gas stove in the home can increase the risk of childhood asthma for 42%! The great thing about planetary x personal health is that there are sooooo many changes you can make on all levels: individual, household, societal. Get an induction stove. Lobby your landlord for a heatpump. Take your retirement savings out of fossil fuels. (Some of these are costly, but some just require persistence. One thing at a time; you got this. Today, your action is to just make a list of changes you want to make for next year.)
- REFORM by spreading the word that the climate crisis is a human health crisis. The Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility has a "prescription for climate action" with reforms you can get involved with. One easy thing you can do at your next appointment? Talk to your doctor about the importance of climate advocacy! Here are some more expert-guided advocacy resources.
- RE-IMAGINE how urban design and the systems around you can make you healthier. Is it access to fresh food? Walkability? Wheelchair ramps? Community healthcare clinics? This article from Grist showcases some solutions to make cities more pedestrian-friendly, like creating more parks. Get involved in one of these modifications!
- RE-CREATE by planting native plants. The health of our ecosystem affects the health of ourselves. Plant native plants!
- RE-CREATE community care: please god check in with your human friends. We often think of "community care" as this nebulous concept. If you're tripped up by it, focus on the people you already know and have in your life! So many folks are turning to AI chatbots for mental health support. Technology has its place, but personally, I want to live in a world where community is irreplaceable. It takes courage to reach out (especially if you're the one going through a hard time), but check in with a human person. This week. This right here is your sign.
As a final note, you can always write back to me in these emails too. It may take me a while to reply (months instead of the seconds-long waiting time you might get with the bots), but I am human and I am here!! (Above all, check in with someone who knows you.)
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