Den Fusso

Den Fusso: Cure for Depression is Action!

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MOST OF my life I have lived with low-grade, free-floating anxiety about global warming. The words—Greenhouse Effect—in elementary school were scarier than the monsters under my bed. I thought the “grown-ups” would fix it. They did not! In college, I remember reports of the ozone hole getting bigger; of acid rain being a problem. My environmental anxiety increased. Because the media provided scant reports about global warming, it was easy to “put my head in the sand,” and silence my fears. I understood so little about global warming. I felt powerless. I was just one person—what could I do? My anxiety grew to the point I couldn’t bring myself to watch “An Inconvenient Truth.” I was too fearful of what I imagined the movie would conclude.

“I was just one person—what could I do?”

In 2020, I retired from a lengthy career as a physical therapist. I agreed to spearhead the Plastic Free July campaign for Sierra Club. I wanted to do a proper job but realized my knowledge base was lacking. It was time to read and study. I was forced to finally face my demons. I studied multiple aspects of global warming and learned a lot—both the BAD, but also what’s happening now that is GOOD!

“Be the change I want to see in the World!”

I’m a hiker, a rock climber, and an XC skier. I love the podcast, “Dirtbag Diaries,” about people’s experiences in outdoor activities. Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) supports the podcast. At the start, he always says, “The cure for depression is action.” I think he’s right. I decided to stop wallowing in fear and anxiety, and instead to “Be the change I want to see in the World!”

I now pursue a 3-pronged approach:

  1. Make PERSONAL changes to decrease my own carbon footprint. My husband and I have made loads of easy changes. Now, we toss only 2 lbs. of garbage a week. (The average American tosses 4 pounds a day!)
  2. Volunteer LOCALLY to promote changes that decrease the carbon footprint in my local community (an ongoing effort)
  3. Decrease climate change through the efforts of the GLOBAL community—That’s where Citizens Climate Lobby comes in. With enough public support for EICDA to become law, WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!

I am excited about the future—no more will I be like the adults of my youth. We can do this! I love being around dedicated, like-minded people. It “fills my emotional bank account.” I’ve made many changes, but of all my actions, I believe my efforts with CCL will have the greatest impact. I’m still new to our group—but I will help in whatever way I can. Our future depends on it. I’m glad to be a part of this dynamic group. I hope you feel as I do. If not, email me and let’s talk, or even grab a coffee. I may be able to help you find hope and sleep better at night!

 

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