The Little Things Make a Big Difference
Each decision we make in the course of a day has a direct and real impact on the world around us.
“Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.” -Carl Sagan
Research and statistical analysis shows that these "little things", when multiplied by millions, actually do make a tremendous difference.
"Little Things" each of us can do daily to help in earth preservation:
(These have all been talked about for years and years but are tried and true ways to do our part for the environment)
1) Reduce (buy less and live more...Individuals who desire less material possessions live happier lives) Reduce the use of packaging by buying whole fruits and vegetables, buying handmade gifts or making them yourselves)
2) Reuse (plastic cups become bath toys, jars become organization stations, milk jugs become scoops, old papers become stapled note pads )
3) Recycle (everything that can be recycled in your area)
4) Repurpose (turn salsa jars into drinking glasses, old ripped bath towels into dish rags, cardboard boxes into nifty storage bins, and old t-shirts into cloth bags)
5) Ditch the toxins in your home! (Responsibly of course) They are unsafe for you to touch and breathe in (have you ever read the labels in full? scary!) They contaminate ground water, rivers, lakes, streams and oceans.
Don't fall victim to the brilliant marketing schemes that trick you into believing you need 13 different types of cleaning supplies. There are natural versions to every cleaning supply on the market today. All you need (to clean most surfaces) is vinegar, baking soda, and a few essential oils. You can buy a gallon of vinegar for a few dollars and it will last months. Baking soda has a variety of uses and it's cheap. Essential oils are $6/ bottle and can be used in so many different ways!
6) Avoid the Big Box Stores As tempting and convenient as they are, we all know that 99% of the items in these stores are made from unsafe materials and in unsustainable ways.
Watch the Story of Stuff
7) Buy recycled paper Spend the extra few dollars. Think of it as your contribution toward a greener future
8) Shop at your local Farmers Market
Most towns have farmers markets at least twice per week. Bring your own cloth bags and support local growers, producers and artisans.
9) BYOBottle
There are several really great companies that sell stainless steel and glass reusable water bottles. Mason jars also work well (crochet or have a friend crochet you a cozy mason jar holder) pack enough water, tea or juice for yourself when you leave in the morning that will last you all day.
10) BYOBags
Keep a stash of cloth bags in your trunk at all times. Use them for everything!
10) Eat Healthier
Make a list of all of your favorite fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Always have them on hand as snacks, instead of buying unhealthy junk food in excessive packaging. Support green businesses that utilize renewable energy in the making of their products. If you eat meat, support small family farms that practice biodynamic or sustainable farming such as Live Springs Farm
11) Grow your own food or join a CSA
Planting a garden is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and your family. It is a good life skill to have. If you don't have the space, join a community garden or join a CSA.
12) Plant native flowers, trees and shrubs
Planting native flora attracts native fauna and promotes healthy and diverse ecosystems. Native flowers attract honey bees and butterflies, which are in need of our help right now.
13) DIY: There are billions of DIY recipes available for everything imaginable.
From DIY laundry detergent to DIY body care products, making your own has become the norm! Sites like Etsy and Pinterest have inspired the creativity in all of us!
14) Get outside to enjoy the beauty we want to protect!
According to Richard Ryan, Author and Professor of Psychology at the University of Rochester, "Nature is fuel for the soul. Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized physically and mentally is to connect with nature." According to an article published in the June 2010 issue of the Journal of Environmental Psychology, ‘Research shows that being outside in nature for just 20 minutes in a day was enough to significantly boost vitality levels.’ Happiness sends ripples out into the world. The happier we are, the more likely we are to commit to earth preservation.
15) Be active in your community
Volunteer with organizations working on environmental issues such as local Stream Teams, operation bright side, local chapters of Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and PIRG
16) Teach the youth!
Teaching the next generations the importance of earth preservation is vital for the future of this planet. Get involved with local schools and youth groups to give workshops and presentations on what they can do for the environment.
If you have already integrated all of these steps into your daily life, Congratulations! You are doing your part for the earth! Add to the list! Let’s collaborate on ways to help!
Every little thing helps! We are all in this together.
Let's uplift, encourage and inspire each other along the way.
Then there are the big ones: (Someday....)
Go Organic! (All the way)
Switch to geothermal
Switch to renewable energy
Switch to a hybrid
Bike everywhere
Plant an orchard
Buy land to protect
Donate to organizations that are active in Hunger & Homelessness, Climate Change & Clean Water Initiatives
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