Do Your Part

May 18th 2018

Today is Endangered Species Day and I decided to take some time to talk a little bit about how you can start doing your part to help make the world a better place!

Day in and day out we are bombarded with news about the things happening in our world. Stories of wars, extinctions, health risks, environmental deterioration, and more flashing up on our TV, computer, and phone screens. We sit and we post messages of well wishes or expressions of sorrow on our social media, but have we done our part?

Often times, we sit idly by while things go wrong because we feel as though there isn’t much we can contribute to the situation because we aren’t physically there to help. “I feel so terrible because so many animals are going extinct and there is nothing I can do!” “Oh no, Florida is flooded but I am all the way in New York, I wish I could help!” We enable ourselves to continue speaking without acting without even realizing it.

If you are worried about the environment and about extinctions, don’t feel like you have to book a flight to the middle of nowhere in order to help! Helping and doing your part can be as simple as donating to wildlife organizations or taking small steps to lower your carbon footprint at home! If you see another state or country is struggling due to war or natural disaster, research relief efforts, donate goods to be sent there, and offer support! You don’t need to be physically there in order to make a difference!

This year, I realized I spent a lot of time complaining about how we treat our planet and the animals that call it home, but this year I decided to do something about it. For Earth Day, I donated a little bit of money I had to spare to World Wildlife Fund. I had researched WWF for a little bit and saw it was rated highly by others and were considered to be an organization who used their funds well. That way, I knew I was doing my part by supporting an organization that worked to support the things I care about!

This year I plan to do my part! Here are just a few small ways I am working towards a better tomorrow!:

• Thrifting more! Recycling and upcycling garments are great ways to cut down on waste! The other day, I found a shirt for $3 that looked exactly like a shirt Urban Outfitters is selling for $35. Not only am I saving money, but I am also giving new life to an old garment and not contributing as much to fast fashion companies!
• Donating when I can afford to. I am trying to take some time out this year to donate to good causes. Whether they be environmental, personal, medical, or international, I love supporting causes that mean something to me.
• Staying educated and educating others. You can do a lot with just your voice. Take what you’re learning about things you’re passionate about and share them with people! This post is a prime example of how I want to use my voice to encourage others to do good!

How are you doing your part?

Jess~