Some things are a part of my routine. To explain how I care for our home I had to actually think about it. While we should strive to have this routine, at the same time we should be looking for ways to improve.
Here are some examples that are integrated into my life:
REUSE –
Water is the best place to start. Instead of being a part of the water bottle problem commit to permanent refillable bottles. There are hundreds of companies who make them. How do I get water then? In a refillable 5 gallon jug. They company I use is local and we trade them in for a full one as needed. Many planes now have water filling stations where you can fill your own. Either way eliminating the need for more plastic bottles can save not only our planet but its inhabitants.
I know we all make fun of our grandmothers for saving butter dishes, but they had a good idea. We can wash and reuse glass jars and plastic food containers. Another fun way to reuse is by giving used books to those who will enjoy them. Both of these can reduce the landfills from filling up.
RENEW –
Plant a tree, or join an organization that plants them such as, Earthborn Holistic. Create your own garden full of flowers, plants and vegetables. They can be sustained with a compost pile, right from your own rubbish.
The introduction of bamboo farms are also an incredible way to save the tree extinction, while putting more oxygen back into the atmosphere.
If you’re not buying recycled products, you’re not really recycling.
Ed Gegley, Jr.
RECYCLE –
Read the labels of everything you buy. Most things are recyclable and people do not even know. All communities have a recycling center close to them. All paper is recyclable, including those documents you do not want others to see due to any personal information they contain. Shred them! Some banks have a monthly shred day where they will do it for you.
There are specific plastic bags, such as dog and cat food that can also be recycled. Many companies have made great strides in giving us a better product in all ways. Someone them are: www.how2recycle.com where you can find a local drop-off site. My dog food bags are recyclable through www.terrarecycle.com Amazing to know that not one bag in his 2+ years ever went to a landfill. For more life lessons from Link, please read, 7 Lessons I learned from Link
LEAVE NO TRACE
This concept is not new and is a pillar to many great organizations. It can be implemented in our daily lives. The core belief is that after any visit there should be nothing left behind. Taking with us any and all things we brought with us. This includes gear, water bottles and trash. It also means that we enjoyed nature and left it untouched.
In our family we also implement the idea that we leave it better than it was. Meaning, if someone left trash, broken glass, objects that do not belong, we pick them up and dispose of them properly. Recently, on a hike we were able to do this. Cleaning up as if it were ours, because in essence it is.
A Daily Practice –
It is our responsibility to be advocates for all of nature. We all can take the initiative and bring balance and harmony if we strive to put forth more effort to clean up and care for our home. A crucial way we can do this is by educating each other. It is essential.
Connecting Nature To You
- How can you make greater effort to help create change?
- Start with one small action, and encourage a friend to do the same.
- Join a movement such as Think Green, Sierra Club Foundation, or a local group just getting started.
- Think of every place you go as home and give it the same care and love.
Share your ideas in the comments.