Save the world = save yourself

Let’s face it; humans are, by nature, pretty selfish creatures. When the average person thinks about saving the oceans, or any other part of the environment, it seems like far too big a task with far too little reward. It seems an impossible task, right? How can one person save anything so big, and why should we have to do it? Setting unrealistic goals, I have found, is the fastest way to ensure failure. Yet, what is even more common than being self-serving? Setting unrealistic goals! Of the average people who think about saving the environment, one will simply say it is too big a task, and serves no purpose for them personally- they don’t do anything to try. One will think it is such a big task they do not even know where to start- so they won’t even try. One will see it as a challenge to be “perfect”- they will go over the top trying to change every single thing about their own life, and will get in everyone’s face trying to enforce that strict way of living onto others- but will typically fail due to their unrealistic goals. The last one, however, sees that every little bit helps, changes their life in a manageable way, and encourages others to do what they can without pressuring about what more they should be doing; they have reasonable expectations for themself and for others, and they implement a change that can be maintained.

When it comes to saving the environment, what many people fail to realize is that it truly is just as much self-serving as it is saving the world! No world = no us. However, it requires a balance between doing what you want, and doing what needs to be done. Today, I want to talk to you about that fourth person. Not to toot my own horn, but I fall into that fourth category. I strive to do what is best for the environment, without breaking my back- and I encourage others to do the same! Not only is that best for us, but also for our future- our children and grandchildren and beyond! My daughter is still very young- only ten and a half months old- but I want to set a good example for her, so she can set a good example for others too as she grows up. If it means doing self-serving things to achieve something great- so be it! It doesn't necessarily matter why you do it, just as long as you get something done!

In order to succeed, you must set goals that are realistic, maintainable, and make a change. I have found that making it fun is a great way to do this! Finding money savers- another great motivator! Changes don’t always have to be strict, they don’t always have to be about cutting things from our lives and making ourselves miserable- instead, use this as a way to add to your lives! Positive enforcement goes a long way, no matter who you are, where you are, or what you’re doing!

Some things are simple- are they all fun? Not necessarily. Are they manageable? Absolutely! Some even save you money- and who doesn’t like having a few extra dollars lying around? These can be big changes, or small- either way, they add up!

Here are some simple changes that save money and the planet, and some that are even fun!

• Use washcloths, hand towels, and regular towels instead of paper towels! It’s simple, saves money, and they can be used again and again for water spills, spit dries for your kids, and any other things that don’t dirty em up too much. You can also add them to those loads of laundry that don’t quite take up the whole washer, so that you’re using it to the max- if you have to use so much water, why not use it to the fullest?
• Essential oil cleaners (One of my favorites)! There are several essential oils that can be used to clean your house, as well as purify the air in your house- such as peppermint oil (also a GREAT bug repellent!), cinnamon oil, thyme oil (which can also be used as a food preservative, and to fight salmonella, and can help you make some great dish soap!), tea tree oil (which has an insane number of uses!), sandalwood oil, lavender oil (also great for sleep and relaxation!), and lemon oil; lemon oil is a great degreaser and window washing oil too! Simply buy big bottles of your go -to oils, get a cheap spray bottle, mix a small amount of the oils with water, and voila! Planet-friendly, kid-friendly, pet-friendly cleaning product for your home- and cheaper in the long run than buying all those other products. For the oils like cinnamon oil, you only need to add 3-4 drops of the oils to one gallon of water for an effective cleaning product- making them last for quite a while longer than the typical cleaning products, which are also harsher on the environment, on you, on your kids, and on your pets (Just make sure to do your research, as certain oils are irritants or toxic to certain types of pets, so make sure you get an oil that works depending on which animals you have!). They also smell great, and with a wide variety of oils that are great for cleaning, you’re sure to find one you like!
• Turn off the water when shaving or brushing your teeth! This might sound a little silly, but it saves on water, which is better for the planet- and for your water bill! If you don’t like silence while doing these tasks, try playing some music instead- a rejuvenating and fun alternative!
• Take showers instead of baths- and if you do take baths, try reusing some of that water for gardening, or put it in spray bottles for when those cats are being pests!
• Buy food in bulk! Buying in bulk reduces the excess packaging, and also saves you money!
• Go thrift shopping! Not only can this be fun, and earn you some pretty cool finds and save money, but it also helps the planet by putting old clothes to use instead of buying new!
• Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot- this can save money, and also significantly reduce your carbon footprint!
• Use reusable shopping bags- not only will this cut down on plastic bags, but you can also make one yourself and design it with the kids to make a fun home activity!
• Switch to LED lightbulbs! They cost more upfront, but they use less energy and last up to twenty five times longer (because they aren’t wasting most of their energy through emitting heat)- thus saving you money and saving the planet in the long run!
• Carpool! Not only can this save money and the planet- but it also gives you opportunities to socialize more and have a fun ride with friends or even make new friends with coworkers!
• Use traffic apps, like Waze! This can save you time, money, and fuel by helping you avoid getting stuck in long traffic jams!
• Spread the word to family and friends- word of mouth and positive encouragement go a long way! You don’t have to do everything to do something! If you do three things on the lists, and encourage three friends to do a couple things on the list, and they encourage three friends and so on and so forth, you just eliminated SO MUCH! All by talking to a few friends and doing a few easy things that can save you time and money! Win-win for all!
• Save leftovers- put them in the freezer if you won’t want them for a while! You can take leftovers and turn them into a new fun meal, and it saves money and the planet by eliminating some of your food waste!
• Cut out air conditioning and use fans, go swimming, or any number of other fun ways to stay cool in the summer! Not only will this save you on your electric bill, but it will also help the environment. And as a bonus, a fan can be put basically anywhere and be pointed right at you wherever you are! Going out swimming can give you and your family fun memories, a great time, and sunshine!

I, myself, utilize many of the things on this list! Many of them I began doing before I even knew they were better for the planet! I use essential oils for cleaning, fans instead of air conditioning, save leftovers and create new fun meal mixes out of them, carpool whenever I can (someone say singing party? Anyone?), take showers instead of baths, use cloths instead of paper towels, use LED bulbs (and sunlight through open windows during the day time instead of lights), have my own fun colorful reusable bags that I decorate myself, buy food in bulk, often thrift shop first, give others tips (and tell them only that they are money saving tips if I know they don’t see the benefit of helping the environment), and I use Waze- which has the side benefit of telling you when and where there are cops around ;) These things might not seem like much, and in truth they aren’t. They’re very easy things to do, with benefits that span to yourself too! You can choose to do as many or as few things on the list as you want or can (and the list doesn’t end there- there are tons of great ways to help the planet!)- it all helps! They all truly do add up a lot. Save the planet, you save yourself- and your kids, and pets, and everyone else you care about! For me, the choice is simple, and it can be for you, too! That's all for today, folks! Signing off!