Spending your time, energy and money for the greater good feels fulfilling. Donating to a charity, volunteering in a local garden, organizing a community clean up is not always easy on your schedule and budget. Here are some things that you can do for the people and the planet at no cost to yourself, need very little time, and only give you more energy. Many of which you can do without leaving your house.
1 Amazon Smile
If you want Amazon to donate to a charity of your choice, you need to start each shopping session at the URL smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will donate 0.5% from your eligible purchases.
2 Ecosia
This one’s a repeat from the list of 10 ways you can befriend the planet from home because it deserves a reminder. Ecosia is a search engine that uses the ad revenue from your searches to plant trees where they are needed the most. By searching with Ecosia, you’re not only reforesting our planet, but you’re also empowering the communities around their planting projects to build a better future for themselves. They have a web browser for your phone and an extension for your existing browser.
3 Carry a bag
A simple way to avoid using new bags is to use what you have. Thin reusable bags made of any material will fit into your pocket on the go. As long as it is being reused, even a plastic bag will help. Feel free to pick up some trash in this bag on your next walk.
4 Exchange or donate stuff
All of us have so much stuff that if we share, we wouldn’t have to buy multiples of the same thing. Swap your clothing, kitchen items, books with your friends when you invite them over. This way you don’t have to discard what you don’t want and you gain what you need. If you have your own lawn or a backyard, open your own little library or a garage swap outside and exchange with your neighbors. Or simply donate the unneeded items to a charity such as your old glasses!
5 Adopt a plant
When your friend is going on a vacation or moving to another place, adopt their plant even if it is for a little while. Your friend and the plant will both thank you. It only needs some space, water, sunlight, and love.
6 Bring the piggy bank back
If you had a piggy bank as a kid, it’s time to bring it back. Put all your change here so that one day all you need to do it drop it off for a cause that matters to you. Or keep the change handy so that you can give it to a homeless person when you see them.
7 Sign up for organ donation
This is very personal and it is totally alright if you do not want your organs to be donated. But if you do decide to register, you can do it easily online, and you will be able to save someone’s life someday.
8 Look at nature
How can you help nature just by looking at it? By being aware of your surroundings, you are able to understand the ecosystem you live in. We share our neighborhood with so many trees, birds, insects and pollinators that help shape our world. May be it is too hot outside with no sign of water and just by observing this you are able to put out a can of water for thirsty birds outside.
9 Use both sides of the paper
Check to see if you can still use the unused side of the paper before discarding it. This will save another paper, another tree. Write away on those empty envelopes if you may!
10 Spread the word
If you know of a person or an organization in need, all you need is to pass the information to someone who you think might like to help. Start your own crowdfunding if you may. Share this list so that more people get ideas to do more good. :)
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