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How psychology impacts environment

Wisdom
World Elephant Day

Sandy Olliges M.A. on August 14, 2015

Elephants are important in nature and as spiritual symbols. Elephants are magnificent mammals that live in social groups and care for their young. They are smart and have feelings. Being a keystone species, elephants create and maintain an ecosystem for themselves and for many other plants and animals.

Elephants are important in nature and as spiritual symbols. Elephants are magnificent mammals that live in social groups and care for their young. They are smart and have feelings. Being a keystone species, elephants create and maintain an ecosystem for themselves and for many other plants and animals.

Environment
Developmental Psychology and Environmental Sustainability

Sandy Olliges M.A. on June 29, 2015

In a new book, A New Psychology for Sustainability Leadership: The Hidden Power of Ecological Worldviews, Steven Schein used the lens of developmental psychology to view the motivation of sustainability leaders, and he posits that sustainability leaders have developed an ecological self, a postconventional worldview, and an enhanced systems consciousness.

In a new book, A New Psychology for Sustainability Leadership: The Hidden Power of Ecological Worldviews, Steven Schein used the lens of developmental psychology to view the motivation of sustainability leaders, and he posits that sustainability leaders have developed an ecological self, a postconventional worldview, and an enhanced systems consciousness.

Relationships
Rain Forests and Old Growth Forests

Sandy Olliges M.A. on March 15, 2014

Forests, especially rain forests and old growth forests, are the lungs of the planet. Taking in carbon dioxide that is expired by animals and produced by burning of fossil fuels, the forests produce oxygen that we need to live. Rain forests and old growth forests are homes to numerous species that don’t live anywhere else.

Forests, especially rain forests and old growth forests, are the lungs of the planet. Taking in carbon dioxide that is expired by animals and produced by burning of fossil fuels, the forests produce oxygen that we need to live. Rain forests and old growth forests are homes to numerous species that don’t live anywhere else.

Spirituality
Deep Ecology and Evolution of Consciousness: Part 5 of 5

Sandy Olliges M.A. on November 14, 2013

In this series, I am using chakras as a metaphor for stages of civilization that could occur as the majority of people experience levels of consciousness associated with the various chakras, which are energetic vortices in the subtle body.

In this series, I am using chakras as a metaphor for stages of civilization that could occur as the majority of people experience levels of consciousness associated with the various chakras, which are energetic vortices in the subtle body.

Environment
Deep Ecology and Evolution of Consciousness: Part 4 of 5

Sandy Olliges M.A. on August 8, 2013

Since the consciousness revolution of the 1960s and the back-to-the-land movement of the 1970s, many people have followed a path outside the mainstream of the industrial growth society. In a sixth chakra civilization humans’ connection to the rest of the planet would be experienced, known, and acknowledged by the majority of people.

Since the consciousness revolution of the 1960s and the back-to-the-land movement of the 1970s, many people have followed a path outside the mainstream of the industrial growth society. In a sixth chakra civilization humans’ connection to the rest of the planet would be experienced, known, and acknowledged by the majority of people.

Wisdom
Deep Ecology and Evolution of Consciousness: Part 3 of 5

Sandy Olliges M.A. on June 12, 2013

Enphasis on the industrial-growth society is a result of glorification of fifth chakra technological mastery combined with lust for third chakra power, in the absence of honoring the fourth chakra heart opening. In the recent past, wise caring leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King who espoused love and nonviolence did bring about meaningful change.

Enphasis on the industrial-growth society is a result of glorification of fifth chakra technological mastery combined with lust for third chakra power, in the absence of honoring the fourth chakra heart opening. In the recent past, wise caring leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King who espoused love and nonviolence did bring about meaningful change.

Relationships
Deep Ecology and Evolution of Consciousness: Part Two

Sandy Olliges M.A. on June 5, 2013

Can different worldviews be taught, or do they result from the level of awakened consciousness? Considering this question through the lens of chakra theory, one can view the evolution of consciousness in individuals as well as in society. Even with acts of selflessness and kindness by many, the world is teetering on the brink of disaster, while the rich get richer.

Can different worldviews be taught, or do they result from the level of awakened consciousness? Considering this question through the lens of chakra theory, one can view the evolution of consciousness in individuals as well as in society. Even with acts of selflessness and kindness by many, the world is teetering on the brink of disaster, while the rich get richer.

Relationships
Deep Ecology and Evolution of Consciousness: Part 1 of 5

Sandy Olliges M.A. on May 30, 2013

Deep ecology is based on a worldview of deep interconnection of all beings. In this view, humans may be thought of as the consciousness of the earth. Based on cooperation and nonlinear thinking and valuing intuition, the deep ecology paradigm is aligned with the feminist worldview that values equality and caring in relationships.

Deep ecology is based on a worldview of deep interconnection of all beings. In this view, humans may be thought of as the consciousness of the earth. Based on cooperation and nonlinear thinking and valuing intuition, the deep ecology paradigm is aligned with the feminist worldview that values equality and caring in relationships.

Environment
Worldview Matters

Sandy Olliges M.A. on January 25, 2013

Today, even in light of scientific evidence to the contrary, many people refuse to believe that humanity is causing ecological destruction on an unprecedented scale or that this destruction will have consequences for our children and grandchildren.

Today, even in light of scientific evidence to the contrary, many people refuse to believe that humanity is causing ecological destruction on an unprecedented scale or that this destruction will have consequences for our children and grandchildren.

Earth Overshoot Day Image
Relationships
Exceeding the Earth's Ecological Capacity

Sandy Olliges M.A. on October 9, 2012

According to the Global Footprint Network, August 22, 2012, was Earth Overshoot Day, the day when the global population used up the natural resources that the earth is capable of producing in one year. In 1992, Earth Overshoot Day was in October. Humanity is not only using more natural resources than the earth provides, but also is doing so at a faster rate each year.

According to the Global Footprint Network, August 22, 2012, was Earth Overshoot Day, the day when the global population used up the natural resources that the earth is capable of producing in one year. In 1992, Earth Overshoot Day was in October. Humanity is not only using more natural resources than the earth provides, but also is doing so at a faster rate each year.

World Population Day 2012 poster
Adolescence
Children of the World

Sandy Olliges M.A. on August 8, 2012

The global human population continues to increase, putting a growing strain on natural resources and ecological systems that support human life. The decision about whether to have children, and if so, how many to have, is a very personal one. July 11 was World Population Day.

The global human population continues to increase, putting a growing strain on natural resources and ecological systems that support human life. The decision about whether to have children, and if so, how many to have, is a very personal one. July 11 was World Population Day.

Environment
False Choices

Sandy Olliges M.A. on July 1, 2012

False choices occur when other viable alternatives are not presented, resulting in missed opportunities.

False choices occur when other viable alternatives are not presented, resulting in missed opportunities.

Addiction
Addiction and the Environment

Sandy Olliges M.A. on May 15, 2012

Recently, James Hansen, noted scientist with the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times that development of tar sands as proposed in Canada would propel us onto an inexorable course of global warming that would be disastrous both ecologically and financially.

Recently, James Hansen, noted scientist with the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times that development of tar sands as proposed in Canada would propel us onto an inexorable course of global warming that would be disastrous both ecologically and financially.

Environment
Water Is Life

Sandy Olliges M.A. on March 18, 2012

Last week while driving down I-5 in California, I noticed a number of billboards proclaiming that the current Congress had caused "dust bowls."

Last week while driving down I-5 in California, I noticed a number of billboards proclaiming that the current Congress had caused "dust bowls."