Dear Editor:
Are you interested in living more sustainably on our planet?
8 billion and counting...
It’s easy to feel powerless when there’s so many of us - and it seems all the power is in the hands of a wealthy few.
And although this may be true to certain extent, you do have power.
With 8 billion people on the planet every single choice you make has an impact on our environment and global communities.
You can either make choices that reinforce the status quo - exploitation of people and the environment - or something better.
Ask yourself these questions:
Which search engine am I using? There is a non-profit search engine out there that plants trees with their dollars.
What products am I buying? You could be purchasing from online platforms that vet their suppliers for ethical and sustainable suppliers - instead of those who exploit the environment and workers.
Do I use self-care products that don’t have toxic chemicals in them? Check your labels with Environmental Working Group (EWG). They do the work for you!
Am I conserving water? You could save your water as you are waiting for it to get hot, throw water that isn’t too soiled on your plants and trees, etc.
Do I thrift whenever possible? Thrifting in one of the best ways to recycle - it takes the least amount of energy.
Do I limit any purchases wrapped in plastic and recycle that plastic? Recycling is great, but plastic can only be recycled 2-3 times before it becomes too toxic and too degraded to recycle. Try limiting it/reusing it as much as possible.
Do I sign petitions when there is a cause I believe in? Being an active member of society is a very powerful way to make your voice heard.
Do I vote in every election?
Am I planting natives in my yard to feed the local critters? Am I limiting my use of fertilizers, rodenticides and pesticides? We’ve been waging a war on insects - and spoiler alert - winning. Insects are the base of our food chain, our success depends on their success. There’s been a 50%-75% global loss of insects in the last 50 years. Rodenticides kill birds of prey and predators such as bobcats and cougars.
Am I volunteering for causes I believe in? Again, when we are intentional with our time and energy - it has ripple effects.
Do my bank, insurance company and retirement investments reflect my values?
What if a million of us did these things? 5 million? 10 million? 50 million? 1 billion? Together we can make real change! We are powerful! Let’s evolve - together!
Christa Chagra
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