My sister and niece came to visit Christmas weekend and we exchanged gifts like most families, and of course we each remembered to include donations. I gave my niece her first adopted turtle via the Sea Turtle Conservancy. The package sent for her included all sorts of information and a certificate about the turtle and she can track the turtle’s whereabouts online at the website. She is studying environmental science and this is one of her passions, so she loved it! When I opened a gift from her, she had donated honeybees in my name to help feed families via Heifer International.
This started me thinking of ways we can all live a greener and environmentally friendly life in 2011.
1- If you cannot adopt an animal from a rescue then at least make a donation to help them take care of the ones left behind.
2- With the economy finally loosening up a bit, remember all the organizations and charities that have suffered the past few years and give them a bit, even $5 really helps.
3- Make sure to conserve at home, it all starts with us individuals! Turn the water off while soaping the dishes, or brushing your teeth. Check for gaps on doors and windows to keep more heat inside.
4- Help your favorite charities by posting and tweeting about them. If you share with your friends what you care about, maybe they will also.
5- When the weather is bad, ask your neighbors if they need anything. They may be elderly or unable to get out because of snow.
6- Don’t throw trash on the sidewalk leaving a trail behind you, like there’s someone there to pick up after you. There isn’t! And PLEASE pick up after your dog! Between the snow, slush, trash and dog poop it’s a mess out there!
7- Be sure to eat healthy foods. Too much junk food, fattening foods or alcohol without any exercise is a bad thing.
8- Try to recycle as much as you can around the house. Reuse plastics and paper.
9- Unplug what isn’t in use, saving on electricity.
10 – Practice what you preach. (I’m going to do more of all of these!)
