Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Repurpose or Just Make Due
Everyone says they are concerned about the environment and that is a good thing. Then, you have some very vocal, prominent people who say many things. Unfortunately, you rarely, really see them do anything other than complain about everyone else and that is so very negative.
“You need to reduce your carbon footprint. Why are you driving that mini-van/truck/type of vehicle? You’re so inconsiderate.” Ever notice they ask the family of 5 why they are in a minivan but the people complaining jump on planes, drive cars in mega-cities and live in huge mega-mansions.
“You should recycle things, stop wasting money and help out.” You are quietly giving things to the Salvation Army, Goodwill and your local church and you even shop there. But they don’t seem to clean out their large homes and donate their clothing, electronics, toys, books and games.
“You should re-use things to bring down your consumption.” But I see them constantly in new clothing that is pricey and subjugates whole economic systems, driving new cars, parked at their new home with new gizmos.
“You should reduce what you use.” But they use up tons of gas to go drive out to get something to eat. Or when they make someone drive it to their door, they are getting disposable everything; bags, cups, plates, plasticware, straws and all of the wrapping things come in.
“You should just make do with what you have.” But they are constantly going on expensive vacations, using exclusive salons for hair and manicures and out buying themselves something new.
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Repurpose or Just Make Due
Go ahead and impress me and everyone else by setting an example. And by that, I don’t mean that you go and buy a Prius that is super expensive and has a battery that leaves an immense carbon footprint. Don’t fly to some gala to be photographed with other people writing checks for a better, cleaner planet. Don’t skip the Zoom meeting you could do and have yourself chauffeured to a conference. Don’t have an immense fundraiser with tons of people driving in to see and be seen. Don’t lecture everyone else about what they should be doing. Don’t keep using plastic bags at the grocery when they are not recyclable and drink water from petroleum based plastic bottles.
My challenge is for each and every one of you to do something constructive and be positive. You know what you and everyone can do? Solids, sensible practical things that will actually help you and others.
Do be nice to people who are working for a living. That person that you didn’t think twice about last week is now essential personnel. You didn’t think about what they really did or needing them until you needed them.
Do give food and drinks only to a homeless person so they have sustenance. Bring blankets or jackets and cards for shelters and churches.
Do clean out your closets and donate things to charity. Those old jeans, last year’s fashion and used clothing along with sheets, blankets and towels are all usable and wanted by someone. If they aren’t usable, they would make great rags that are then used as material to make clothing and other housewares in many places.
Do give money to bona fide charities and churches. They are on the front line in communities for helping the mentally ill, homeless and poor. They know who needs water, food, clothing and shelter where you wouldn’t know where to start.
Do shop local and eat home. When you go out, eat local and support local restaurants, shops and businesses.
Do bring a bag to pick up garbage when you go running. Wear gloves when you do that to keep you and everyone safe.
These are only some ideas of what you can do to truly help. I repeat myself saying, go ahead and impress me and everyone else by setting an example. We’ll wait.