Finding Your Path to Creating Positive Change
by Katherine Roseth, Lakewinds Natural Foods
While driving home from work one evening, I thought about how I'm not on the front-line supporting a great cause. Sure, I occasionally donate money, buy organic products, and recycle, but my support does not go too far beyond that. People driving past me looked at me strangely while I carried on the conversation by myself. As I drove, I thought how passionate I feel about issues, such as conservation, animal and human rights, and recycling. I asked myself, "Am I doing enough? What more can I do? What can I do, as an individual, that would have the greatest impact?" During my private conversation, it occurred to me that there is no doubt others asking themselves the same questions.I started to surf the Internet for some answers. Quickly I realized there are several choices I can make. There are ways I can help protect our environment and help others without necessarily being on the front-lines of a cause -- and more importantly -- still have impact. I found three major areas where a person can create positive external change: home life, locally and globally.
Actions on the Home Front
The great thing about home conservation is that it's easy to do, convenient, and does not demand a lot of time. You may practice some or all of these activities in your home already, but pursuing home conservation gives you the opportunity to talk with your family about changes you can make together. Maybe post a list on your fridge on ways to create an environmentally-sound home. Here are a few ideas that you can do:- Reduce waste, conserve water, and recycle. If you are not sure what is recyclable, call you local city hall.
- Use public transportation or car pool whenever possible. Let your local government know that you want to support the development of efficient and environmentally-sound public transportation within the Twin Cities.
- Buy green products, conserve energy, and reduce the number of toxic chemicals in your home and garden. There are a number of green products available at Lakewinds Natural Home such as non-toxic, natural cleaners and energy-efficient light bulbs.
Actions within Your Community
- Volunteer with a work team, church group, or friends to clean a park trail or roadway, or serve a meal to those in need. You can often find projects that need volunteers on a one-time or periodic basis. Look for listings in your local paper or contact a non-profit directly.
- Create a healthy, local economy by supporting locally-owned businesses. While large stores and franchises present a variety products, small businesses often excel at service.
- Donate money or equipment to local non-profits. Frequently non-profits have equipment needs to help the front-line support staff do their jobs. Call or visit an organization's web site for their requests.
- Exercise your right to know. Contact city hall to find out about the quality of your water, your proximity to toxic waste, and what chemicals and air pollutants are in your area.
- Keep your neighborhood safe and clean. Get to know your neighbors, including adults and children, living immediately around you. Gather together for a neighborhood garage sale or for National Night Out.
Actions Locally, Nationally and Beyond
- Introduce your employee to an organization like the Community Fund Drive (see web site listing below) and encourage them to provide financial support or fulfill equipment needs.
- Listen for donation requests made by large non-profits such as The American Red Cross or the United Nations. Organizations like these will often work with the media to communicate needs due to natural disasters or to provide war relief.
- Send E-petitions to government contacts, which can be found at sites like the Sierra Club. Also e-mail government offices/contacts regarding specific concerns you have. The 20/20 Vision web site offers advice on how to write government officials.