Leave encouraging, inspiring, or funny notes or quotes in a library book or other random places (without littering of defiling 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
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 a values based-life we are also living with meaning and purpose.
- Polly Campbell
Your old cell phone 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.
Empower an entrepreneur with a loan through Kiva. You can give as little as $25 to small business owners in developing countries to help eliminate poverty.. Throughout 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.
Encourage community management of forests. If there are common property lands nearby you that are degraded, work with local communities and environmental NGO’s to establish sustainable community forestry that benefits everyone. Get involved at treesforthefuture.org and meet your fellow tree huggers!
Eat like a Beatle! Sir Paul McCartney and many other celebrities support Meat Free Mondays. Check it out at meatlessmonday.com. The Belgian city of Ghent has instituted a Meat Free Thursday. Choose a day of the week to eat vegetarian or vegan and try to stick to this one-day diet each week. This global movement is saving water and preventing deforestation, not to mention its enormous health benefits!
Don’t buy fur, ivory, or other products derived from endangered animals. By purchasing these things, you are personally contributing to the extinction of an entire species without realizing it. And we know you don’t want to do that. Fake fur is lots more fun. If you want to know specifics about poaching or endangered species, go to worldwildlifefund.org.
