Day 7, the call to get involved, got me thinking about what I already do and what more I can do in the realm of bringing awareness and change. We can change our own behavior, but until we can get many more to do the same, it doesn’t mean much. It’s not enough to be doing the right thing in our own little isolated bubble. I don’t think of this day as “no impact” but as “much impact.” So here’s my Impact List:
- I’m going to be more involved with contacting my elected officials and making my voice heard. They need to know that we’re invested, we’re involved, we care, and will hold them accountable to helping alleviate the pressing environmental issues of our time. Food availability, water conservation, electricity, transportation, trash, consumption, all the elements of No Impact week are areas that need major attention, and we’ve got to get our lawmakers involved.
- Now that I’m working less, I have more time to be involved in my community. I’m going to start volunteering again at my local food pantry and will look for other ways to be involved as well.
- I’ve lived in the same place for going on 4 years and hardly know any of my neighbors at all. I’m going to start making a real effort to get to know them and connect.
- It’s easier to make better environmental choices when money is not a factor. Opting for organic fruits and veggies, phosphate-free dishsoap, energy star appliances, eco-conscious packaging, recycled materials, free-trade goods, installing solar panels, all of these things are more expensive. Maybe not by much, but for someone on a very tight budget, every penny counts. For low-income individuals, these options are simply not available, and we must demand better for everyone. Change can’t just come from the middle and upper classes. It’s up to us to advocate for community gardens, share recipes for easy-to-make at-home cleaning recipes, and in general, speak up on behalf of those who can’t or don’t have the resources to speak up for themselves. We’re all in this together.
- I’m also going to continue blogging and sharing my own story to show that it is possible to make changes, how to get started, and how to keep going.
