Day 12 – Oct 5

We are lifelong recipients of the Earth’s generosity, from the water we drink, the food we eat, the air we breathe, to the ground beneath our feet.  Our lives and bodies continuously recycle carbon, water, air and sunshine – the four elements.

Today, take a few moments to be kind to our mother by giving back to the environment in some way.  Do what calls to you, but here are some ideas of how to step up your support for the earth:  You could plant a tree, reduce your water use, and be more mindful about recycling.  You can make an extra effort to unplug appliances when they are not in use, and switch off unnecessary lights.  You might find some reusable take out containers to keep with you when you eat out and need to take leftovers home.  Commit to give up using plastic straws when buying to-go drinks.  Invest in vegetable bags to use at the grocery store instead of the plastic ones provided.  Cut back your consumption of meat.  Make a plan to walk, bus or ride share more.  Do some research on cleaning products to use around the house that are organic and biodegradable.  Look for alternatives to using chemical fertilizers and weed killers for your yard.  Think through ways to buy less, buy local, reuse and waste less.

Each small thoughtful act of conscious consumption can connect us more deeply and meaningfully to the earth, our mother.  Small steps that care for the environment add up.  I know, it does not feel like enough, but we are not alone in our commitment to heal our environment.  Remember that grassroots actions have been known to catalyze great change.

If you want to step it up, make these actions something that you will stand by for the rest of the year, creating new healthy habits that care for our precious planet.  As Marshall McLuhan says, “There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth.  We are all crew.”