To Change The World
Here at Sustainable Media, like at CE, we believe that our daily life can affect the world depending on the choices we take in every moment.
Gandhi said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Within the CE team, we all strive to practice what we preach, and we try to do things differently by living our life in accordance to what we believe is in alignment with ourselves and the environment both physically and mentally. Whether it’s taking a step back in an argument and taking a deep breath before responding, meditating or journaling daily, or making an effort to consume less crap, we strive to incorporate what we believe will change the world into our daily lives. Below are 5 ways you can BE THE CHANGE you would like to see in the world.
1. Be Conscious Of What You Are Consuming & Vote With Your Dollars
Before making any purchases, ask yourself the following questions: are you aware of the ingredients in the products you are buying? Do you know where these items are coming from and what’s in them? Are they produced in a way that is harmonious with the environment? Is this meat I am buying come from a factory-farmed animal? By being aware of what you are purchasing you are directly affecting big corporations -similar to the way large groups of people get together to boycott companies. By choosing products that are produced in a more ethical way, you are directly telling the large unethical companies that you are not interested in their product. If many people do this, it forces the company to either change their ways, or go bankrupt.
“Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” – Anna Lappé
If you don’t like food being genetically modified and sprayed with pesticides, switch to organic. If you don’t like chemical additives being added to your personal care products and foods, start to make your own. If you are upset with the devastation of the rainforest and environment, consider switching to a diet consisting of less meat, or a plant-based diet. The list goes on.
2. Limit The Amount Of Waste You Are Producing
Take a look at how much you are consuming on a regular basis. Are you someone who always has to have the latest gadget, the newest shoes, and the most fashionable accessories? A good thing to ask yourself is, do you really need these products? Will having them impact your life in a positive way? Just be more conscious of what you are doing. If you already have a mountain of clothes, try organizing a clothing swap with some friends. Use your gadgets until they actually need to be replaced rather than when the latest comes out, 6 months later.
In terms of actual garbage, try and limit this as well. Be sure to recycle and compost what you can. If your city doesn’t have compost and recycle pick up, it may be a little effort on your part to see this through. Pick products with less or no packaging by buying in bulk, or reusing glass containers. Don’t use the plastic bags for your produce, and be sure to bring reusable bags when you shop. There is a lot you can do to minimize the amount of waste you are producing. For more tips, check this out, She Hasn’t Produced Any Trash In Two Years. This Is What Her Life Is Like.
3. Be Who You Are & Do What Makes You Happy
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman
BE YOURSELF. I can’t stress this enough. Be your authentic self and don’t worry about what other people are going to think of you. At the end of the day if someone doesn’t like something about you, that’s okay! It’s their opinion, not yours. This will not only make you feel better over time, but it will encourage others to do the same as well. Find out what makes you happy and do that. Do whatever it is that makes you come alive and puts a smile on your face. Don’t waste time doing things that don’t give you any real benefit. Put yourself first, and do things for you. Make some time every day for yourself: journal, meditate, take a walk, whatever you want, just do it for you.
4. Change Your Perception, Change The World
Try and see the world in a new light. It is important to be aware of what is happening, but try not to get wrapped up in the fear and/or feeling of despair. Try to see that a lot of what is happening right now on the planet can serve as a wake-up call to humanity. Maybe if these events weren’t taking place, we would never realize that there is something that desperately needs to change. Have a look at some of the positive things that have happened over the past few years, there are some amazing changes, we just have to take a look around.
5. Spread The Word & Believe That You Can Make A Difference
Talk to people about what is going on in the world, and your effort to make a change. Lead by example. Just because others have not yet made any drastic changes in their lives does not mean you can’t. People will see what you are doing differently and ask you questions. This is a great opportunity to explain to people why you are making different choices and why you feel it is important. Consider joining community events that are geared towards raising awareness about various global issues.
Believe in yourself, realize that you do make a difference and that you are here for a reason. Own that in everything you do. Be the best you can be, take care of yourself, and take care of our planet. Together, we can create the type of world we want to live in.
Source: 5 Ways You Can Actually Change The World Instead Of Just Talking About It
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
