6 ways to help our planet

Note: We acknowledge that some of the points below may not be economically feasible for everyone and that certain systems limit individuals from participating in these activities.

Our Planet is in a crisis, and we need to do what we can to help. Below we have highlighted some ways we as individuals can help to protect our Planet. 

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Trust me, I know we have been hearing Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle for years, but it's really important. To reduce, reuse and recycle, you must consciously consider the things you use and the waste you create.

Reduce your waste by using less in the first place. You can do this by bringing reusable bags to the grocery store and watching what you buy. Take note of the packaging used on the produce and the products you purchase. If there are alternatives where less plastic is used, opt for that instead. For example, I use a reusable netted produce bag instead of using plastic to bag my fresh vegetables and fruits.

Use reusable items instead of disposable ones whenever possible. For example, bring a travel mug to your local coffee shop instead of buying a disposable cup (many coffee shops have started reintroducing this post-pandemic). Something I have started doing is borrowing items from friends and family. If you are fortunate enough to have a network of friends and/or family consider asking them if they have what you need before purchasing it, especially if it's a short-term need. I borrowed a toaster from my cousin for grad school, rather than purchasing a new one! If you have functional items collecting dust in your home, donate them! 

Recycling can be different in every municipality. Toronto has an app called TO Waste that tells you exactly where your waste needs to go. Check to see if your city or township has something like this. If not, get in touch with them and ask where you can find a waste guide! 

2. Buy better, buy local

Try your best to buy only when you need to. When you have to make a purchase, consider opting for something that is ethically and sustainably made/packaged (the organizations you purchase from should have this information available, and if they don't, steer clear). Buy local! When you buy locally, your money is cycled back through your local economy, which ultimately strengthens the base of your whole community.

3. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed!

It is vital to educate yourself and stay informed. You will be better equipped to have important conversations with the people around you and educate and influence them to keep sustainability in mind. Additionally, protecting our Planet does not only come in the form of protecting the environment, but also its marginalized groups. Intersectional environmentalism "brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequity." Below we have added some resources you could use to educate yourself about some topics in sustainability.

Topics:

Intersectional Environmentalism

Environmental Racism (Africville, First Nations Water Crisis)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Books (we have read or will be reading in our bookclub!):

Braiding Sweetgrass

Let my people go surfing

Silent Spring

So you want to talk about race?

How to be an antiracist

White Fragility

How to give up plastic

No one is too small to make a difference

Scarborough

The Vanishing Half

The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to dismantle systems of oppression to Protect People + Planet

Work for yourself:

1. How is your waste disposed of in your municipality?

2. What kind of information regarding sustainability and ethics does your favourite brand have?

3. Which brands are most of your clothing from? Do these brands tell you how the clothes were made, where the materials were sourced from and who worked on them? Are the clothes ethically made?

4. How much waste do you create in a week? Where does most of your waste come from? How can you cut down?

4. Travel Consciously

Whenever you can, choose a more environmentally friendly option to get to where you need to go. For example, if your residing area is walkable - walk, bike or take public transportation (if offered) to your destination. If you live in the suburbs and are headed to the city opt for a train ride instead of driving yourself over.

Find out what your walkscore is! A walk score gives the area you reside in a rating based on the walkability of your area. Check it here.

5. Get more involved with Nature

Get outside, go for a walk, see what areas you can safely hike, and plant a tree. It's important to reduce that disconnect you have with Nature. The natural environment should be seen as more than an escape from the loud polluted city. In addition to boosting our mood and overall psychological well-being, it should also be seen as a natural classroom where we can see how different species interact to find balance. 

An app we love using to find hiking trails is AllTrails.

6. Volunteer!

Get involved in your community! Check to see if there are any openings for volunteer positions in your local nature reserves, parks, community centers & social impact organizations. It is important to note volunteering may not be feasible for individuals that do not have the time or necessary resources.

Below are just some of the benefits of volunteers:

• It helps you have a broad, open-minded perspective on the different walks of life in your community and those around you. This enables you to become a more empathetic and understanding citizen.
• It gives a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• When you give back to the place you call home, it unites the community and could help bridge some of the social, economic, and political gaps within the community.
• It's a great way to meet community members and network.

We challenge you to think about any environmental or socioeconomic issues within your community that interests you and find an organization that helps to address them and volunteer. You can also create a community organization to tackle problems you are passionate about and speak to your community leaders to get started!

If you live in Canada, Check out the links below:

Goodwork Volunteer 

Volunteer Canada 

Volunteer Match

Conclusion

We all have a responsibility to protect our planet. We as individuals can have a huge impact on the future of our world by consciously thinking about the corporations and policies that we support, the communities that we uplift, and the waste we create. The information above is a way to start thinking about your impact and how you can create change within yourselves and your community.

 

We are nowhere close to perfect, but we are trying our best! If you have any questions or concerns related to this article please reach out to us at sourcing@yannai.ca. Your feedback is valued and encouraged!