Here’s What Happens When We Work From Home
A forecast of benefits from permanently reducing our carbon footprint
After three weeks of slowed activity, there are crystal blue skies in Los Angeles, CA.
I’ve never seen clear skies in LA for my 48 years on the planet. We needed a pandemic to start paying attention to climate change.
People stopped driving 2 miles to their Zumba classes, followed by a smoothie in a plastic cup. They survived without stopping by the store for their favorite ice cream.
Think of the folks who used to run around town by themselves in their cars, stuck in traffic, to meet their selfish desires or assuage their fear of “not enough.”
They were trying to earn a living to support their families. The only viable job was 15 miles away, and a smoothie and Zumba on a lunch break helps break the monotony and keep them going.
But we’ve stopped everything anyway. And the skies cleared. Los Angeles isn’t the only place affected by people staying home. Cities around the world have significantly less pollution after a short time of inactivity.
Please, think of how we can keep ongoing, pollution-free skies. Consider the changes we made now as a stepping stone for the future. Those of us who can work from home, let’s look at a long-term plan.
Think of the errands run multiple times when once a week would do. Pump some air in your bike tires and give it a spin when the time is right. Walk to nearby places more often. Use public transportation. Maybe now is the time to quit smoking. Connect with coworkers and fellow parents for a carpool.
We need to reconsider energy-efficient, environmentally friendly practices on a full-time basis.
I’m sure we can come up with ways to put them into action. See how we’ve already started?
We’ve only slowed down for a few weeks. Think of the implications when we change our behavior for months or years. There’s much to think of here. Later, when our activities aren’t limited from fear and imposed isolation, can we self-regulate and heal our planet? I’m sure we will.
Now is the time to reflect. Now is the time to re-evaluate our lifestyles. Now is the time to heal ourselves and our Mother Gaia.
The day I saw this photo, I asked no one in particular, “What if we all worked from home?”
I didn’t think this through to the end. However, ideas and visions came rushing at me.
Globally, millions of people do the daily grind at a job site, away from their home. The message said you have to work hard if you want to succeed. How many of them work at jobs they despise?
How many more of them are parents who rob Peter to pay Paul with child care expenses? Full-time working parents often sacrifice valuable time with their children for a paycheck. They’re forced to choose between food on the table and bonding with their families. I’ve felt this push, and I work part-time as a content writer. We’re in the middle of a big scam.
Most of us operate under the belief we have to send our kids somewhere, or we can’t earn money. I understand. We can get sidetracked when parenting during work. I have a multitude of distractions by myself. When my kids are home, there are new layers to address.
But then it hit me. I have a choice.
My particular work is flexible. I’m efficient with my children here. I’m currently typing this while they watch a show. We spent the day together, hiking and eating meals at the table as a family.
We learned many things today. We got to see an ant eat at the wing of a dead baby bird. We went grocery shopping, which is a lesson in cooperation, money exchange, and a bit of social time with fellow shoppers. We’re not shy here in New Mexico, even with 6 feet apart and adorned masks.
On our hike, they tested their agility climbing rocks. We talked about local cacti as we walked. They learn social skills and emotional regulation in every interaction with me and each other. I have enough time to work, and they have enough time for “school.”
We took care of our needs today. But I had to be flexible. I had to get creative with our time. I had to think outside of the box.
I don’t have a box anymore. I’m wide open to new ideas. I can generate income with my many skills and talents.
That’s when I thought of my friends who are in service to others.
I wondered how they could use their skills in another way. For example, I have a friend who’s a hairstylist. I suggested she start YouTube tutorial videos for revenue while she waits to have in-person appointments. Or maybe she has an interest or talent in something else to share with others.
If our skills or services are suddenly no longer needed, as is the case now, we need to be ready to branch out. We have to be willing to try new things.
What if most of us worked from home? What would it look like for our planet? What habits would change?
Prepare for goods and services to change, permanently.
I got a sewing machine as a gift the other day. I haven’t operated one since junior high. Now I get to learn a new skill. I know I don’t want to buy cheap clothes from Target anymore. Most of their clothing comes from China. They’re not producing as much as they used to, as companies closed down due to Coronavirus.
This is yet another blessing in disguise. If I can’t go to chain stores for cheap clothes that don’t last and overload our landfill, I’ll need to find them somewhere else. I could go to our local thrift store more often. I could learn to sew my kids’ clothes. Sewing appeals to me on a few levels. One perk is my ability to be self-sufficient. And I get to lighten the burden on the earth with long-lasting, quality clothes.
Final thoughts
Covid-19 isn’t only reminding us to care for our physical health. We’ve had our minds blown wide open. We’ve been preparing for this moment. When we go back out into the world, let’s remember it’ll never be the same. It’s an astoundingly good thing.
I’m a fan of silver linings. If you can find yours in the melee, I promise you’ll be healthy and satisfied. We’re high-frequency beings of light, even if we can’t see the glow. The message is clear. We’re overdue for an upgrade.
The clear skies of Los Angeles prove we can solve our pollution issues. What if we keep clearing? What other solutions would we find? Working from home is one of many changes we can make to address climate change and our well-being. We’ve got this.
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