Hey earth muffins! Do you volunteer?? I think any sort of volunteering is a great way to “walk the talk” when it comes to a green, low-waste lifestyle. It is one thing to share eco tips on a blog or Instagram account; but, it is even better to get out there and do the work yourself! π Not only does it help Mother Earth, but, after volunteering, I promise you will feel amazing about yourself and your hard work. Even in the midst of a pandemic where some opportunities have been shut down, there is always something you can do. Here are my top suggestions on how to volunteer in 2021 – get excited to help the earth! πβ€οΈ
Check out your local river clean up options!
The city I live in does a massive river clean up each year. Due to Mister Corona, this year it took shape as a “come when you can” event that lasted multiple weeks. Instead of one day of hard work, the work was split up by volunteers who could come when they had time. I think this is an amazing option, as it still helps the river but allows volunteers to avoid spreading germs. If you live near any large rivers, lakes, or waterways, see if there are any local events coming up near you! While it is February (and many places are just ice right now), most organizations will set the date for clean ups many months in advance. This is the perfect opportunity to get it on your calendar now so that there is no way you will miss it! π
Volunteer for your own clean up!
Who said you need to volunteer with another organization? Especially if you are scared to catch any germs being around others, this might be the better option. Pick something rewarding:
~ Carry a trash bag with you on a walk and pick up litter in your neighborhood. Some people enjoy “plogging“, which is picking up trash as you do your daily jog. π
~ Gear up and clean out a pond or river or beach or park. Pick a place you love to spend time at and make it better for its other patrons!
I personally love this option because it is totally up to you on what to clean up.
Do some gardening at a community garden.
While this might be unrealistic for those of us with freezing cold weather right now, your community might still have gardens in greenhouses! Or, check out local composting services and see if you can be any help to them. Gardening is such a great way to be one with the earth, and it feels great to dig around in some dirt every once in awhile. π If you can’t find any community gardens near you, try making some plans for growing your own garden when the weather is warm again! This will allow you to 1) grow your own food and 2) share the excess with those around you.
Go out and take some photos for your local parks!
Did you know that many nature organizations are always looking for photos to include in their advertising? I would do some research of local orgs and email/call to see if this is something they would be interested in. Then, take some cool shots in your favorite places and send them over! Not only is it awesome if your photo is used, but it helps save nonprofits money that they would have spent otherwise. Now they can use that money towards something good for the planet!
Volunteer by planting some trees π³
Look up tree planting in your community – you might find some awesome groups that do this often! If you don’t want to actually plant the tree yourself, consider saving some money aside or starting a fundraiser for an organization that does the actual planting. For those who really don’t want to put in any effort, switch your search engine to Ecosia! The ad revenue from using this browser goes to planting trees all over the world – already 117 million trees have been planted just by people doing what they usually do on Google. π Such an easy way to make a difference!
Spread the word about sustainable living!
The last “how to volunteer” suggestion I can give is to share and preach sustainable living everywhere you go! As I mentioned in my post about why you should go green in 2021, one person CAN make an impact… So just imagine if that one person turns into two and then four, etc. Just talking to people about simple sustainable swaps can go a long way; or you could make an eco-Insta page or start a blog like Life of an Earth Muffin. π Your voice is powerful – make it heard!
Love,
Jenna β₯
Great tips. I have been picking up trash in my neighborhood. People just dump their crap anywhere.