Simple Steps

YOU can change the world — through citizen activism and conscious living. Choose an issue, get educated, unite with your peers, spread the word, and take action today. Environmentally and socially responsible choices in lifestyle, schools, and communities are brilliant places to begin. Whether you are age 5, 15, or 55, you can be the change you wish to see in the world.

Seeking inspiration as to where to begin?

an easy one-two-three…

— Pick up the phone to call your local government representatives about the issues that matter most. You can send an email or post on social media, but speaking on the phone and flooding voicemails makes a far greater impact. Look up your local elected officials using any number of online tools and start dialing to make your voice heard loud and clear!

— Make a meaningful change at your school, office, or home. When you take tangible action as an individual, the impact is noticed and felt by countless more around you. That ripple effect is critical in shifting hearts, minds and behavior. Demonstrate and share your commitment to sustainable, conscious lifestyle choices widely to inspire interest and action from friends, families, colleagues, even strangers.

— Mni Wiconi. Water is life. The power and relevance of those words extend far beyond the Standing Rock nation – to all of us, all life, all industry, all corners of earth, for all time. May we conserve, steward and protect this sacred resource with heightened commitment and dedication at each and every opportunity.

Eighteen go-to simple steps…

Reduce consumption. Do you really need everything you buy? What could you live without? Asking yourself these questions is step one in living green. Saving resources and money while reducing clutter and waste is good news all around!
Clean up! Whether or not it is yours, take that extra second to pick up waste (from the sidewalk, playground, beach, park, you name it) in its proper place: a trashcan, recycling bin or compost heap.
Eat organic. Support organic farming. Look for the certification. There are a million and one reasons to do so – for your health and that of the soil, water, air, and all species with whom we share this planet.
Upcycle! Possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing old items. Mason jars become flower vases, newspaper transforms into wrapping paper, food wrappers can be woven into purses, socks make stellar puppets, and that is only the beginning. Get crafty!
Go zero waste. Choose reusables! Why take single-use plastic bags or bottles? Metal and glass containers are better for your health (no leaching), kinder to the environment (less waste), and more durable. Bamboo utensils are a great addition too.
Carpool, ride the bus, bike, or walk. Lessen your carbon footprint, starting with transportation.
Flip the switch. Leaving a room? Going to sleep? Turn off or unplug all unnecessary electronics and appliances. It saves energy and lowers your bills!
Opt for organic cotton in clothes, bedding, and more – especially feminine care, like tampons and pads. Did you know that conventional cotton is one of the most pesticide-laden crops in the world?!
Use safer and healthier personal care products, skin/hair/body care, and cosmetics. Start by focusing on the four basic essentials: soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste. *Check out our Dirty Thirty (a list of commonly found egregious chemicals to avoid) and Greener Alternatives (companies vetted for safety, sustainability, and efficacy), as well as EWG's Skin Deep Report.
Support local products and production. Not only does this support community economies, but also reduces the need for resources in transportation.
Take a reusable tote with you to the grocery markets and to other stores as well! Say no to both paper and plastic.
Donate and / or buy second-hand! Have some clothes or toys or books or even furniture sitting around your house that you don’t need? Give it away – because chances are, someone else could put it to great use. Check out what vintage and second hand stores have to offer! The repurposed, preloved, and sharing economies are certainly eco-friendly.
Set up proper multi-stream zero waste systems in your home or school. This is a simple, yet high impact change you can make tomorrow.
Buy fair trade. Look for products that are fair trade certified in every category. Vote for social justice with your dollar.
Seek out recycled paper made from post-consumer waste. This is vital in saving trees and forests worldwide, simply due to how much paper we use each and every day.
Compost! Save vegetable and food scraps and work them into gardens – in your backyard, at school, or in the community. Create a healthier environment from the soil up!
Buh-bye, paper towels. Get yourself a reusable personal hand towel that you can tote around and use in place of paper. It’s not only eco, but far more stylish too! When in doubt, air dry.
Volunteer with organizations that are doing good! As co-founder of a non-profit, I know the extraordinary value that volunteers bring to the table. Think global, act local.