A Day Isn't Enough
Going Greener: Appreciating Earth every day of the year
Have you noticed that there’s a day for everything lately? Some are silly things— did you know today is also National Jelly Bean Day— while others are helpful reminders about appreciating others: National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is also today.
Some causes and groups receive a month for awareness and acceptance. I’ll admit that until I began researching for this article, I had forgotten that April is also now considered Earth Month. I wonder how many others are unaware or have also let this slip from their memories as time goes by?
But for some things (like acceptance and recognition for large groups of people), a month, and certainly a day is not enough.
And I’d say the same is true for our Earth.
Literally on Fire
I don’t want to spend too long here, one because it’s already well-known and two because it’s depressing, but it’s sad when the Earth is literally on fire and that’s not even the biggest threat to its survival.
It’s humankind.
Owning the Problem
National parks, public lands, the Environmental Protection Agency (which was created in large part due to the awareness spread by the first Earth Day in 1970 . . . so sometimes I guess a single day *does* make a difference), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and too many entities to list here are under attack by those in power.
Fortunately there are people organizing to fight these policies. They have to be careful, of course, so some are even using SECRET CODES to communicate important messages and plans. It’s easy to feel powerless when stakes are high and such a daunting task is put before us, but there is a resistance movement against these recent assaults, and for that I am glad.
Even still, it isn’t enough. Problems existed long before the current administration’s term. Just because the political winds are not blowing the way we wish they would when protecting this miraculous planet that sustains us all, does not mean we should throw our hands up and just give up entirely (though I will admit it is sometimes tempting to do so.)
Going Green(er)
Before 2025 even began and the picture I imagined for our country didn’t even include half of what I’ve seen the past four months, I had a motto for my year: “Less Noise. More Green.” (This is a slightly modified J.R.R. Tolkien quote, by the way, for those who may find it feels familiar.)
I wanted to tune out the extraneous, the unimportant, and quite frankly, the things I knew would irritate me once the end of January arrived.
I feel my best when I am in nature, and though it might not bring the same immense feeling of joy and peace for others as it does for me, I feel we all need more green and less noise in our lives today.
But where will we turn when the green is gone?
My Side Quest
Like Bilbo Baggins (please leave the short jokes at the door), I have found myself on an adventure: a side quest, if you will.
There was some intention at the start of the year, yes. But it was more about stepping away from distractors like social media and unnecessary tasks that stole the precious time I could be spending stepping out into nature to breathe, feel, photograph, think — or not think — and just be.
This quest was prompted largely by our decision to boycott Amazon, which I wrote about last month. As we stepped away, I began researching better places to spend our money, and this naturally led me to explore ways to incorporate greener businesses and lifestyle choices along the way.
And down, down the rabbit hobbit hole I went!
Sharing My Adventures
What have I learned? What do I have to show for the many hours I’ve been checking out companies, reviewing tips for Low Buy (read: Greener) shopping habits, and doing better by our Earth in general?
Three lists! I’ll admit I’m proud of this. I’ve made something actually tangible and had a ton of fun creating it for myself and others like me who just want to control what we can to do our part for the Earth: our actions and our money.
The lists, like me, are growing. :)
They are meant to be looked at as options, considered for what may work or may not work, for you. I won’t be doing them all. That’s why I love the idea of green(er). Of “more green.” The goal is just to do better.
If you are already a “pro” at green living, they may not be the best fit for you. In that case, I hope you will consider dropping by and commenting with some tips of your own!
If you are learning, hoping to learn, or just curious, please consider swinging by too. I’d love to know your thoughts and if you find anything especially useful or if you have other questions you’d love for me to investigate.
The Lists
The first list is focused on No Buy, Low Buy, Greener shopping suggestions primarily focused on using free community resources and buying second hand.
https://benable.com/ctrlzdigitaldesigns/no-buy-low-buy-eco-friendly-shoppers-recommendationsThe second list is my newest and centers more specifically around going greener when it comes to our eating habits. I have more tips to add, as I just created the last section today! (I was determined to get it in today’s post. :D )
https://benable.com/ctrlzdigitaldesigns/earth-friendly-diet-tipsThe third list provides some product suggestions for going greener this spring and summer. Many are items I consider “essential” in terms of having a safer, greener summer, and you may already have products/solutions like these in your home. I’d love your suggestions to add to the list, either green brands you love or product types I have not yet included.
https://benable.com/ctrlzdigitaldesigns/going-green-er
My actions matter. Even if I can do only small things, I will do them. The photo above is a bag I designed and that I carry every day. It keeps me focused and is a great reminder. The advice is simple, and simple actions can lead to big things.
Happy Earth Day, Earth Week (yes, it’s that too), and Earth Month.
May every day be Earth day.
Amanda