Love Notes

     Leave encouraging, inspiring, or funny notes or quotes in a library book or other random places (without littering or refilling public property).  A simple note stapled to a bulletin board, taped to a column, or written in chalk on the sidewalk may influence in wonderful ways- you'll be like a secret agent who brings happiness to others. this website has fun examples that might give you some ideas: artofgettingstarted.com.

Live Your Values

     When we are on track, living close to the things we deem important- the things we value- we feel happier. This isn't flash happiness, it isn't the kind that lasts for a few minutes when we get a new toy, or enjoy a concert. This is the kind that lingers in the background of our lives. The kind that even in moments of sadness or frustration, never completely disappears, because if we are living in a values based-life we are also living with meaning and purpose.

    -Polly Campbell

Give Life

    Donate blood. One donation can help up to four people. If that's not inspiring enough, every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion due to various injuries, illness, or conditions. Donating is completely free and completely safe at bloodcenters.org. Go to the American Red Cross website (redcrossblood.org/make-donation) to find a location near you. And did you know you get cookies and juice after your donation?

Detox Your Diet

     Buy grass-fed, hormone-free, organic, and free-range meat, dairy, and eggs. Many grocery stores now have organic sections with produce that doesn't contain chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. These choices are better for you and the earth because no chemicals go into the soil or water. These items cost a little more, but for the sake of your health- and taste buds!- it's worth the price. Human-made pesticides and fertilizers require energy and resources to be manufactured and distributed; they also pollute the air, soil, and water, and have been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in many cases. Vegetables that are grown organically require less fossil-fuel to be grown, pollute less, and are far less likely to cause any health issues. Prevention Magazine (prevention.com) offers lots of good information about food safety and what to avoid. Healthier is also happier!

The 411

     Your old cellphone is taking up space in your drawer when it could be helping a victim of domestic violence. Donate it to shelteralliance.net to keep your phone out of the landfill and know you are helping families in need.

Help Those Who Help Themselves

     Empower an entrepreneur with a loan through Kiva. You can give as little as $25 to small business owners in developing countries to help climate poverty. Thought the life of the loan, you will receive updates on the progress of the project and will be paid by the borrower with Kiva Credit- which you can use to fund another project. Through Kiva.org, I have bought some really lovely pillows, baskets, and bangle bracelets made in India by creative, hard-working women.

Throwing Shade: Trees Are Good For Us

     Encourage community management of forests. If there are common property lands nearby you that are degraded, work with local communities and environment NGO's to establish sustainable community forestry that benefits everyone. Get involved at treesforthefuture.org and meet your fellow tree huggers!