Today is Earth Day and you know what that means--encouraging (or annoying? depending on your perspective) reminders to be responsible in how we treat our world. I apologize for a repeat of the same message, but as trite as it sounds, it's truly an important aspect of making mindfulness happen in our lives. Becoming and remaining aware of our choices and how they impact others as well as the world around us is essential. This means, not only treating yourself and others well, as we've been contemplating, but also making deliberate choices to do better when it comes to recycling and reducing waste as well as your "footprint."
Click here for 31 "Green Tips" (including Podcasts) from the Environmental Protection Agency on what you can do to help do your part for a healthier Earth. Check out the website for some basic, but helpful ways to do your part. If you don't yet recycle, you may be able to get free pickup in your area with one phone call. If you don't really reuse, talk with your family to reflect on what comes into your home that you can repurpose (one thing we do is repurpose glass jars for food and juice storage). Use your imagination and you'll surprise yourself!
Today's Tip: "During hot weather, don't top off your gas tank. Refuel your car or truck in the early morning or the evening when it's cooler. A small fuel spill may not seem like much, but every spill evaporates and adds to air pollution, and fuel pumps with vapor recovery systems can feed a spill back into their tanks – after you paid for it. So, in hot weather – don't top off!"
I know some of you are reading this, thinking: "Ok. Enough with the reduce, reuse, recycle already..." I hope you don't feel that way, but even if you do, it's good to get periodic reminders. I'm not saying it's always easy. Or always cheap/ free. Nor am I claiming to always do everything I write/ contemplate/ encourage. But I'm present and I'm giving it my best shot. I'm trying everyday to contribute, grow, and give. What about you? What can you do today to give back? It doesn't have to be a tree-hugging day, it can simply be making the world a better place through reaching out to others with everyday gestures.
No matter what, decide what gesture you can make today. It can be grand or small, but make an effort. Maybe walk or ride a bike up to the store instead of driving. Perhaps take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Or maybe forgo the disposable utensils with your takeout lunch. Whatever you choose, make it happen today.
I leave you with a few quotes to help empower, uplift, and embolden you to make a decision to give back in some way today.
“It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” --Mahatma Gandhi
“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” --William Arthur Ward
Here's to years and years of happy and healthy Earth Days to come! Happy Earth Day!
Labels: Go Ahead--Try It!
