There are many social, humanitarian, and environmental issues that demand the attention of do-gooders and Good Samaritans everywhere. It’s hard to figure out which to dedicate attention to during your free time — but what about changing the way you live your life to make it less stressful and more fulfilling? Check out these suggestions for ways to alter your lifestyle for the good of yourself, humanity, and the environment.
1. Donate Clothes
Did you know that the average American throws away 70 pounds of clothing, linens, and other textiles every year? Textiles account for 5% of municipal waste, and yet many people are in need of clothing to keep them warm and help them get jobs. By making it a point to consistently donate old clothing in good shape, you are not only reducing unnecessary waste and emissions, but contributing to a charitable cause. The value of charitable donations are huge!
2. Compost
In the same way that donating clothing to charity has twofold benefits, composting your food waste does a multitude of good. It turns what would otherwise be garbage into rich, fertile soil that has so much value in that it will help grow new food, and it also reduces the amount of garbage bags you will throw out, therefore emissions and overall waste.
3. Standing Up For Your Beliefs
It may not seem like it’ll make a difference in the long run, but making it a point to stand up for what you believe in can have a seriously positive effect on those around you and the cause itself. You’d be surprised how many people reconsider assumptions if they are directly challenged by someone they have respect for.
The average American buys at least twice as many pieces of clothing as 20 years ago– you can afford to part with some of the old. If you have the luxury of buying nice food for you and your family, you can separate it into compostables and noncompostables. If you believe in a cause, you should stand up for it.
The value of charitable donations is monumental when incorporated into your everyday life — consider changing key aspects of your life in order to meet your goodwill goals.