Since the election,
let alone inauguration, the onslaught of negative information, angst and fear
is overwhelming. While it may make for great SNL ratings, the long-term effect
of a continuing barrage of this type of news isn’t healthy. This is not to say
you should just ignore what’s happening. That’s not smart either as there is
too much at stake. Rather, limit what and how much you read or listen to so
that you know what’s going on without becoming traumatized by it. Check sources
for accuracy and please, the situation is bad enough without
reposting canned messages from various groups to Facebook and other social
media sites. Not only are many of the messages shaming and damaging, it's not
helping to further our ability to work together to create strong and diverse
communities that support all of us.
Recently, my
community has been heavily impacted by fire, which resulted in my writing on my
Facebook page. It is
amazing how obsessed one can become over the current political situation. Two
fires in our town, made me realize once again that it all starts in our homes
and communities and we need to take care of these first and foremost. If
they're in order, the rest will fall in line.
Some of the most effective and sustained changes come
from the grass roots up and the individual can make a difference. The “power of
one” can move mountains.
Change is about
action. Leaders and good followers are both needed To that end, below is a guide to aid you in helping families, communities,
and ultimately the country thrive. Note that in an effort not to repeat myself
too much, as I’ve dealt with aspects of this before, there are a lot links to
previous posts/topics that relate. If it seems like there is more on
“purchasing power” it’s because I haven’t really covered that topic before.
LITTLE THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE: Small acts- such as a kind word, a helping
hand or being present during someone’s difficult day-can be major changes in
other peoples’ lives. Take the first step. Check out
For family and friends who may be sick on
injured, check out the following:
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD: Vote! Write/call your local and national
representatives on issues that concern you. Work with condition specific
organizations (e.g. American Lung Association) to lobby for health care changes that will make a difference. Run
for local office and/or support someone who is running and shares your
viewpoints. Donate/volunteer for organizations that work to keep air and water
clean. Participate in how your town, state and country is governed.
PURCHASING POWER: When, where and how you shop can have an impact
so become an empowered and careful consumer. Not only will this be helpful to
your wallet, but you can make political statement, aid the environment, and
reduce waste as well as unnecessary clutter.
Is it a Need or a Want: We are continually assaulted by a constant
barrage of advertisements, from many different sources, about what you must
have in order to be happy, content, valued etc. Stuff does not make you
happier.
We have gone from
investing in good quality products to the over consumption of mass-produced
goods, many of which are not needed and are designed for a short life.
Disposable doesn’t mean it disappears.
So before you make a
purchase of any type, ask yourself the following questions:
• Do I have
something that already could serve the same purpose or is it something I could
borrow or could I make it myself? Do I really need it?
• How will I
recycle, compost it or reuse it when I’m finished with it? Our landfills are
rapidly overflowing, thrift stores are bulging with unwanted and discarded
items, and third world countries are being negatively impacted by not only our
consumerism, but our need to “do good” by foisting our excess on them. Is Your old T-shirt hurting African Economics?
Buy to Last a Life Time: If we make purchases that are designed to
last a life time, be repaired and even passed on to the next generation, we can
help reduce the problem occurring in landfills all over the country.
Sustainable Purchasing: Our purchases have a wide array of hidden
impacts-environment, health and even social, check out the following links
about healthy and sustainable purchasing:
• Environmental Working Group’s Consumer Guides: Includes a wide array of ways to find out
what’s harmful and what’s beneficial such as cosmetics (they rate 80,000
personal care products) Healthy Cleaning products (ranks 2,000 household
cleaning products) and even Rate Your Plate (rates over 80,000 products).
When you shop reduce packaging by bringing your own bags (recycled t-shirts make great totes) even for bin items.
Shop Local, State, Country: The dollar you invest in your community is
an investment in your surroundings, so ultimately it’s an investment in your
self. However, not all communities offer everything. Shop locally, your state
and your country. Check these lists for
made in the USA
Experience Over Things: There is a large
body of research that has concluded that experiences are a better buy than
things. Traveling to an interesting place will provide more lasting
satisfaction than upgrading your car, even if they cost about the same amount.
That sounds strange at first, because a car lasts longer than a two-week
vacation. But the vacation involves anticipation ahead of time as well as
memories afterward. The vacation is more likely to be with someone else, and
social activities tend to promote happiness more than solitary activities. Experience Over Things: The Future of The Consumer Economy
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