Easy ways to respect and protect Mother Earth
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together … all things connect.” —Chief Seattle
Did you know that last Sunday was Earth Day, celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world? To be perfectly honest, I’d seen it on my calendar, but hadn’t given it much thought. I mean, I didn’t get a paid vacation day, a gift, or even an invite to a barbecue, so it was just another Sunday, right?
Then I went to Sangha, and as it always does, the dharma discussion made me stop and think. I would never let a Mother’s Day pass without honoring the woman who gave birth to me, and I certainly would never treat her with the disrespect that I often heap on Mother Earth–consuming her resources with nary a thought. It’s time to show Mother Earth a little respect and put some thought into my actions.
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” —Jane Goodall
So in celebration of Earth Day, I commit to these three small steps–easy ways to respect and protect Mother Earth:
- I commit to declining the straw when I eat at a sit-down restaurant. That’s one less piece of plastic that must be disposed of somewhere.
- I commit to packing washable utensils in my lunches, rather than relying on the disposable plastic utensils provided at the office. That’s another piece of plastic not in the landfill.
- I commit to being idle-free. That means when I go to the bank, Starbucks, or any other take-out, I’ll park my car and walk in whenever feasible. When it’s not feasible, I will turn off my engine while I’m in line.
These may be just drops in the bucket–they certainly won’t save the planet–but it’s a start. These are small steps to which I know I can and will commit. Once they become habits, I’ll move on to something more. I’ve also noticed that taking these steps has already lead to a shift in my thinking. As I was packing a metal spoon in my lunch, I also put my snack in a reusable container instead of a Ziploc bag. When I walked inside Swig for a soft drink, I bought a refillable mug, rather than another disposable cup.
If we all made even one small change, surely things would begin to shift in a positive direction. Is there something you will do today to protect our environment? Please share in the comments. If you’re short on ideas, I found some good ones in this article, 40 Unexpected Ways You Can Help the Environment Right Now.
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Very worthwhile post! It’s incredible that a small change of habit can make a difference. The plastic straw and the plastic utensils have also been on my list to turn down as has the plastic grocery bags in the supermarket. We also return the strawberry baskets to the grower. What really is troubling for me is the amount of resources we continue to pull from the earth all driven by business.
Thanks Fran. We, as consumers, must become more conscious of the effects of our behaviors. I know I have a lot of room for improvement, but every little bit helps.
These are all great ideas. I would add a total personal ban on single-use plastic bottles. For far too long we have chosen convenience over our precious environment.
Good point Janis. I can’t claim to never accept a single-use water bottle, but I have started carrying a refillable water bottle to work and keep one in the car.
I practice those same earth-friendly behaviors but I could be a LOT better! I cut the soda can holder into bits and recycle everything appropriate! If only we all did just a few of these things. Coming to from Midlife Share the Love, Christie, and back to blogging!
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Terri! If we all do a little…
Absolutely every little bit counts. While I realise I have a bit impact on the earth and use too many resources, for many years we have made a lot of effort to use less resources, recycle and reuse. Collect egg cartons and give them to people with chickens, use a water bottle instead of buying bottled water, turn old clothes into gardening or painting gear before ripping them up for rags, get a ‘keep cup’ instead of takeaway coffee cup, (or don’t get takeaway coffee). A thousand little things we can do – and they do add up.
I love those ideas Chris. Thanks for giving me a few more things to think about.
Small steps can have such a huge impact! Especially in this arena where we need so many proactive people to combat the laziness and destructiveness of the few. I love Chief Seattle’s quote that you opened with. That is one of my all-time favorites.
Visiting & tweeting from #MLSTL
I love that quote too. We sometimes forget that it’s not just about what’s ethical, but what’s best for our own self-interests.
We can all do our own little part, collectively they will make a difference. Mother Earth needs all the help she can get!
Agreed Olivia! Have a wonderful day!
HI, Christie – Thank you for the reminder that every day should be Earth Day. You have given excellent examples of the small things that we can do that make a BIG difference. Great post!
Thanks Donna. When I get overwhelmed by the enormity of something, I also go back to baby steps; just keep moving in the right direction. Have a lovely day!
If we all did several small things to help the planet it would make a large impact. I just bought reusable straws. I like them with smoothies, but hated the waste. This is a compromise and I hope they work out!
Great idea, Michele. I hope they work out for you.
These are all great tips. I have been declining a straw when I go out also. Great quote. #MLSTL
Such a simple thing. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. I love that quote; I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I think my life is a little less disposable than other people’s in the Western World. The only coffees I buy are in china cups while I sit and chat with a friend – no disposable cup. I don’t use drive-thru facilities (because walking in is often faster) and I try my best to recycle everything that fits in that category. I’m also trying to remove any type of sugary drink from my diet so straws aren’t an issue either – hopefully Mother Earth is smiling 🙂
Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
That’s great Leanne. Another added benefit of ditching the drive-up is you move more — less sitting. Thanks, as always, for the great #MLSTL link-up.
Your 3 small contributions are not insignificant, especially if we all commit to them. And as you pointed out, one step naturally leads to another! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Candi. I’m counting on the ripple effect. 🙂
These are good achievable goals to have Christie and I applaud your efforts in thinking about making small changes for a big effect. I have shared your post on Twitter #mlstl
Thanks Debbie. The task is huge, but it’s a start. Thanks for sharing. I do appreciate it. I hope you are having a beautiful day!
Since moving to Germany it has been so much easier to live a more Green lifestyle. We do not go to fast food places, no so worry about over packaging, straws or plastic ware. Recycling is so easy to do here in Germany, and it is expected for everyone. I no longer drive, no a little less of a carbon footprint there. I love your three commitments. Everyone can make a difference!
Thanks Cherie. Germany sounds lovely. I truly hope to visit one day. The United States is such a consumer culture. I’m trying to at least be more conscious and therefore thoughtful about my choices. Have a beautiful day!
Earth Day got by me without a notice 🙁 I use a metal straw and glass water bottle. The plastic water bottles and straws don’t mix well with the essential oils I add to my water. Speaking of Germany, when there I was told it was illegal to let your car idle. Don’t know if that’s true. Thank you Christie for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 27 with me! I shared your post x 4 ♥
Hmm…maybe I need to try a metal straw. Thanks for the idea!
Some very good ideas, once you start with the small things it seems you always work your way up to the bigger things. I know I do a lot more now then I did years ago. Thanks for joining us at bloggers pit stop. Hope to see you next week
Hello Connie and welcome! For me, awareness is the first step. I am definitely more conscious of the impact of my actions now. I love the Bloggers Pit Stop. Thanks for hosting.