I thought I was good about giving back. But after some reflection today I have realized how much I really suck at it. I don't really do all that much at all and it has kind of made me a debbie downer today. In the fall I did the Weekend to End Womens Cancers walk and felt so awesome that I was doing something to help others. I love that feeling....it is like a rush. So why don't I do more? I just do not have the answer to that. I think it is hard to find local things that I can become involved in. Especially something that I will be passionate about. I know it needs to be something that is long term and not just a one day thing. When I was pregnant I would drive by the Rare project sites and tell myself I would become involved. I still haven't.
I don't want to make it seem like I do nothing at all. Because I do. But when I hear what others are doing I feel like my contribution is insignificant. I have always taken the approach of teaching others how to live a sustainable life. That is part of the reason I have this blog and it does reflect in some of the ways I have given back. I went to school for the environment and work in a field that has some focus on it...although not nearly as much as I would like.
I support local farmers, donate to charities and plant trees. Time to really examine what I can do to give back to our community.
Today we are going to go through all our clothing and determine what we can donate. There are people out there who can use what we are no longer using. We will do the same with our pantry.
What do you to give back either locally or globally? Inspire me, inspire others.
Plans
* Get involved with Rare
* Research local opportunities to get involved
* Stop being a debbie downer
Day 1: Consumption Update - Did not buy anything
Day 2: Trash Update - 3 diapers, 4 wipes, 1 cereal bar wrapper, 1 bag frozen peas, 1 piece plastic wrap, butchers paper and plastic from fish
Day 3: Transportation Update - Did not drive anywhere
Day 4: Food Update - 3117 CO2e
Day 5: Energy Update - Doing lots of line drying today
Day 6: Water Update - Need to get some more salt because have hard water spots on everything making it so I have to rewash dishes
Giving Back Updates
Day 8 - Did some work on The GreenPages
Related Posts - Check them Out
No Impact Experiment
Triggers
Random Act of Kindness
Wow, I love your blog! I can't even say what was thrown away today or not. There are no recyling places around here either. I'd love to pick up on some of what your doing! It's great!
ReplyDeleteFound you on the blog hop! I’m your newest follower!
http://blissfullbaby.blogspot.com/
One thing you may want to do is contact your local preschool or public school art teachers. They often keep running lists of items that can be used in art projects. Also, you may want to contact your local Nature Center. I know our Nature Center has a wish list of recycled or repurposed items they can use in educational programs and for the live animal collection. You could cut down on waste AND donate to those in need!
ReplyDeleteThe mere fact that you are tracking your impact is impressive and it sounds like you are doing an awesome job!
@Blissfull - no recycling around there? Holycrap balls. Is there plans for there to be a program any time soon?
ReplyDelete@Mama - great ideas. Thanks so much!
Rare sounds like something great to get involved in. Do you know they have an education program designed where they go into the schools in the Waterloo area and educate the kids.
ReplyDelete