Tutor disadvantaged kids Work at a local soup kitchen Work with a charity like Habitat for Humanity.
Be consistent about recycling. Reduce the waste you produce and compost. Use less paper Conserve water and grow some of your own food. If you really want to help your local environment, buy and install solar panels for your home and switch to public transit, a bike, or an electric vehicle. Increase positive impacts. Notice how your happiness and well-being are interconnected with other people and the natural environment. Learn how you can leave a legacy of sustainable happiness.
In America, for example, only about 50% to 60% of eligible voters actually vote during the presidential election. And that number tumbles to about 35% to 40% in midterm elections. [4] X Research source Imagine the changes people might enact if 90% of people voted during presidential elections and 60% of people voted during midterms!
Always, always feel free to contact companies to let them know what you’re doing and why! Some, not all, businesses actually care about what their customers want. They’ll never know how to change if people don’t tell them.
Combine good citizenship and environmental cleanup by volunteering with your city to plant trees, maintain sidewalks, and keep green spaces green. Never litter when you’re out and about — always try to find a proper trash can or recycling bin for your trash! Clean up trash that you do find, even if someone else dropped it.
You don’t necessarily have to donate money. Some nonprofits accept educational materials, clothing, or other supplies. Call or email to ask what they need. Some really want awareness most of all, so you can help by spreading the word, in addition to any physical donations you can make. Volunteer or be part of fundraising efforts for charities that do good abroad. Run a half marathon or other fundraiser to raise funds for an international charity of your choice. Look for programs that allow you to fly out and volunteer in person. Consider other options, like providing input, advice, or tutoring to small nonprofits and organizations over the web.
Fair Trade items will almost always be labeled as such. If you’re unsure, try to at least avoid items that are often unethically sourced. Coffee, bananas, cocoa, many tropical fruits, wine (mainly from California), clothing items (mainly from China, Bangladesh, and SE Asia) and jewelry are often unethically sourced.
This is an especially good way to help women and other vulnerable groups to support themselves.
Conserve as much energy as you can. Producing energy is very taxing on the planet, often requiring the burning of gases or the production of nuclear energy. Any energy you don’t use can then be used for more important things and less power will need to be produced overall. [6] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Department of Energy Official site for the U. S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source Turn off lights in rooms that you’re not in, take colder showers, switch to energy efficient light bulbs, turn off your computer when you’re not using it, etc. There are lots of ways to conserve power!
Compost your excess organic waste. Get or build a large bin that can be left outdoors, as well as a small one that can go in your home. Collect all of the food scraps that are leftover from eating and preparing your meals, as well as things like yard waste, and deposit these items in your outdoor bin. Use a pitchfork or rake to turn and mix the compost regularly. You will also need to add soil on occasion. One it has turned into a homogeneous mixture, it’s ready to be spread in your green spaces. [7] X Research source Recycle more and correctly. Most cities will come and collect your recycling along with your garbage, though they’ll be kept in separate bins. Recyclable items vary by city, but generally most plastic jugs, metal cans, and paper are all recyclable.
Encourage and vote for legislation that protects animals. Only buy products that do not contribute to animal abuse. Donate to charities which help animals, such as the Humane Society, The Marine Mammal Center, or the Performing Animal Welfare Society.
One such charity is Days for Girls.
For example, if someone is carrying groceries to their car and they drop a bag, help them by picking up the groceries and loading them back into the bag. The simple things like that are very much appreciated by anyone!
