Earth Day Series 4) 5 Easy Ways to Be Kind to Our Planet

One of the ways Fierce Kindness differs from other self-help ideas is that Contribution is part of our 4Cs philosophy. That’s because we believe that to be truly happy (and live a life of meaning) we need to do something about what’s not working in our world.

We know that the state of the world affects how we feel.

How can it not? Because no matter how much we distract ourselves, the war in Ukraine goes on, rainforests continue to be chopped down, sexism, racism and all the -isms are still there, the pandemic hovers in the background, corporations continue to pollute and choose money over safety, inflation continues to rise…

And the best way not to feel powerless and depressed about it all? Do something!

There are 3 easy ways to do something and feel better about the state of the world

  1. Contribution. Take specific action around something that bothers you. What annoys, upsets or frustrates you in the world? Now consciously do something to reduce or improve that.
  2. Choose Kindness. In a world that self-destructively values money and stuff over relationships and love, choosing to be kind is a key way you can make a difference to the people you encounter—and yourself.
  3. Recognize how you already make a difference. For example, many of you have jobs that are of service to others: nurses, life coaches, parents, teachers and more.

And now we’re going to apply this to our environment! Below are some great ideas for you to 1) Contribute, 2) Choose Kindness towards our environment, and when you come across something you already do, pause and 3) Recognize how you’re already making a difference!

Here are 5 Ways to Be Kind to Our Environment

1) Be aware of the cost of manufacture—even for “green” things

Our environment isn’t going to get fixed by simply choosing green options. That’s because everything that gets manufactured has a cost to the environment. Instead:

  1. Simply buy less stuff. Before purchasing anything ask: Is this a want or a need? Can I live without it?
  2. Recycle. Donate. Upcycle!
  3. Take care of the things you already have. Consider repairing rather than replace. It can seem “costly” financially to repair something when we can replace it for a similar amount. But all we’ve done is turned our savings into a cost to our environment (the energy to manufacture, mining or drilling for raw materials, pollution from shipping, packaging disposal etc.).
  4. Does it need to be perfect? Can you replace less often—whether it’s devices, clothes or something else. Example: I’ve stopped throwing away everyday plates when they get (non-sharp!) chips in them.
  5. Buy more second-hand/used/vintage. It’s fun, you can find unique and unusual stuff, and often supports local charities/your local community.

2) Go natural with your beauty & grooming routines

We all wash our hands/hair and take care or our bodies—and it all gets washed down our drains and into the water system. This means that using natural products in not only better for you, but better for our water supplies—and the other animals that use it too!

  1. Use natural alternatives for your make-up, hand soap, shampoo, facial cleansers, toothpastes and moisturisers, hair styling products, deodorants and more.
    • Educate yourself about what chemicals to avoid as there are many companies calling products “natural” that still contain chemicals like Sodium Benzoate (a preservative linked to cancer) or the skin irritants Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate…
  2. Use fewer beauty and grooming products. We are constantly told by marketers that we smell—and of the countless ways we can hide our imperfections. But is it true? Is it necessary? Consider instead:
    • Skip the anti-perspirant/deodorant on low stress, low activity days.
    • Stop using mouthwash if you clean and floss your teeth regularly.
    • If you wear make-up, wear less and/or have make-up free days.
  3. Use washable, reusable or compostable “tools”. Many products are “one-use” only like cotton wool and cotton buds/Q-tips.
    • Look for Q-tips where the sticks are made of cardboard (not plastic—which is how they used to be!)
    • I love these Bamboo Rounds (washable reusable rounds for your face).

P.S. This trailer for a new 4 part docu-series ‘Not so Pretty’ may make you think again…

3) Power down

  1. Whether it’s your car, or tools for your yard, when it wears out consider going electric rather than using fossil fuel-powered.
  2. If you don’t already, get into a habit of turning off your lights and turning down the heat or air-conditioning…
  3. Use programmable thermostats so that you’re not heating or cooling  when you’re not there.

4) Avoid single-use plastics

We all know that plastic is permanently littering our planet surface—and our oceans. And whilst many are recyclable, the truth is that much of it just ends up in the landfill. Here are some ways to avoid single-use plastics:

  1. Make a habit of using reusable shopping bags (or asking for paper). You can now also get reusable drawstring bags for bulk and vegetable buying!
  2. Check the packaging before you buy and, where you can, choose products that come in non-plastic packaging—glass, wood, metal, cardboard etc.
    • I love, love, love these natural Tru Earth Eco-Laundry Strips (concentrated strips of natural detergent, packaged in cardboard so it also reduces the impact of shipping).
  3. When wrapping and keeping food, skip the clingfilm/saran wrap and unnecessary use of Ziploc bags.
    • You can get re-usable glass, plastic, silicone, metal and even beeswax containers, lids, wraps and more… Check out your natural health food store for ideas.
  4. Get a reusable coffee cup, water bottle, straw—and even travel cutlery for when you eat on the move.
  5. Find ways to re-use! For example, turn yoghurt pots into freezer storage, drawer organizers, plant pots or cut them up into plant labels.

5) Are we Getting Somewhere?

These ideas you’re probably already more than familiar with. But for completeness, be kind to your environment by:

  1. Using public transport, cycling or walking when you can.
  2. Batch up your outings in the car—make one trip with several stops rather than several small trips.
  3. Car-pool when you know several people are going to the same place. Whilst it takes effort, it can be more fun too!
  4. Fly less. We’ve all got used to this during the COVID pandemic. Travel locally instead or make your journey part of the enjoyment instead of rushing to get there…

Wrap-up

Fierce Kindness LogoThe complexities and busyness of modern life can make it hard to remember that we can and already do make a difference.

So as you ponder these 20 ideas in 5 different areas to be kind to our environment:

  • Which ideas above do you already do?
  • Which seem the easiest to start doing?
  • Which ideas could you share with others?
  • And what will you do? Even acting on just one of these ideas is worthwhile. Because starting small is how we make it doable and easier to turn into a habit…
Finally Remember: No Guilt!

Guilt achieves nothing: we can’t change the past, but we can change the future!

What resonated with you in this article? Tell us in the comments below!

If you liked this article about how to be kind to our planet, try:

Image of Young Woman Holding Sign Saying Be Kind To our Planet by krakenimages via Kraken Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.