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I've been thinking a lot lately about what I can do to make the world a better place. The world is so big and it is filled with so many troubles. I have always had a passion for animals and nature, yet her I am, almost 40 years old and haven't really done anything big to make an impact. I have made personal life changes such as giving up meat and help whatever animal crosses my path that is in need. I am raising my boys to be compassionate and have spread awareness of the issues that have captured my heart, but I want to do something bigger. How can one little person change the wrongs of the world. I don't have a lot of money to give organisations, I'm a mom and can't hop on a plane to go off to lands far away. What can I do?
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What you are doing is doing more impact than what you think! You figure if you are teaching your sons this- they will also be teaching others- kind of a trickle down effect. You are doing "little" things that really do add up- even by posting on this board- you are teaching others awareness.
I really can't think of anything that you can do that does not involve a lot of money- except for the simple things that we all can do on our own- when you go somewhere- make it look nicer than when you leave (if you go to the park and see garbage- pick it up and dispose of it properly), take care of your yard and every year add new plants and a tree (my mom adds a tree every year!). If you see someone who may need help- help the the best you can (donate clothing to goodwill and salvation army)- donate a bag of dog and cat food to the animal shelters- there are so many little things that we can do! HTH!
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I agree with Stevesgal!
There is so much you can do when your heart believes in something. If you can't go, give. And just by cutting back on meat, reducing consumption, driving less, using less energy, and picking up litter, you're impact is more than you could imagine.
Even if you just inspire one to change, you're life has had a tremendous impact. And you continue to inspire us here on the boards.
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Steve'sgal said pretty much what I was going to say. You are just one person, but just you supplying info here opens eyes and helps. We may not agree on everything, but you are a good person and you are always trying for the greater good. You often show us articles, and leave them up for discussion. Knowledge is power. Just the bit you do at home and share does really help others out there decide to change. Know that you are an asset to this board, your family, your community and the world.
Yes, one person can make an impact. You do it every day. Your heart and just the fact that you don't just talk about it; you do something about things, is a big deal.
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Stevesgal said it very well
The kids and I did are parts this week (imo) I bought 3 cloth bags (its a start) They watched some of 20/20 with me about Earth Day since then I have not had to remind them not to run the water constantly while brushing their teeth. Yesterday I had a bag(yes it was plastic) in my stroller and I asked them if we should pick up any liter we see well they decided on cans and plastic bottles. Sadly we had a bag full from their school to our house. However guess what today NOTHING was on the ground. Ds and his friend told their teacher what they did and she told the class, so who knows maybe we could start a trend with the kids!!!! All 5 of them had fun it was like being on a treasure hunt.
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How about signing up to volunteer at your local hospital. There are lots of babies that need to be rocked, someone to be read to, or just to have someone stop in and say hi.
On that same idea, volunteering at a school, the aspca, anywhere there is a soul to be touched.
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[quote=stevesgal]What you are doing is doing more impact than what you think! You figure if you are teaching your sons this- they will also be teaching others- kind of a trickle down effect. You are doing "little" things that really do add up- even by posting on this board- you are teaching others awareness.
ITA! You don't know this, but since reading *your* posts I've gone organic with some of my veggies and fruits, have cut down on meat consumption, and have started using environmentally safe beauty and home products!!! I've started kitchen composting again, and using kitchen rags instead of paper towels!! I've forgone the plastic bags at stores on occasion, I just hand carry my item and receipt out. This has spread to my dh also, he has prepared our composter, is looking into organic lawn care. AND we're all recycling! It definitely makes a difference.
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Oh my goodness...thank you for your sweet words everyone. Your posts felt like hugs. I love the new ideas too. I hope we can keep this thread going to inspire others the way you have inspired me.
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Treehugger, I totally agree with the other posts! You really do make a difference. Your posts keep me informed as well as encouraged me to try more organic foods. Your posts also remind me of the impact my family has on the environment and helps me change that for the better. I also pass along quite a bit of the information I get from researching some of the things you mention. That keeps the chain of information moving. Keep all your posts coming...maybe this is your niche...your way of making a big difference over time.