5 Ways to Help the Planet

There is a strong and subtle shift that is happening in our society today. I’m not sure if you can tell, but more and more people are beginning to change the way they perceive the world. Our connection with our environment, our planet is getting stronger. We are beginning to realize that our being itself is rooted in the far depths of this planet that we live on. ​

There’s a thought in Ayurveda that says that our bodies are just a microcosm of the greater macrocosm. That which is outside, is within. Everything that happens on the inside of our bodies can easily be seen outside of our bodies. This belief is one in which I whole-heartedly believe in.

The amount of effort we put into taking care of ourselves should be matched with taking care of our environment. After all, we don’t call her Mother Earth for no reason. There is a beautiful prayer in Vedic tradition that is recited before you step out of bed asking for forgiveness from Mother Earth for every step that we take on her day in and day out. Our own physical strength is given to us so generously by the elements of this universe. The sun, moon, water, all of it—without it, we would be nothing.

Again, we don’t call her Mother Earth for the sake of it. My teacher, Dr. Lad, once said that to be a true Ayurvedic Practitioner you must care for the planet. Those words ring true today more than ever.

This year, I’ve made it a point to make a bigger effort in taking care of our Mother. I’m not claiming to be perfect by any means, nor am I saying that I’ve been able to day in and day out follow each and every step to a tee. BUT, I am saying that my awareness has increased a lot! I now feel a small pinch when I’m having to go against the steps that I’ve put into place to help our Mother.

Below is a list of 5 things (besides just recycling) you can incorporate into your life to make a small, but big impact on our planet.

1. Let go of the plastic straws! Don’t ask for one when you go to restaurants. If you have a to-go cup, forgot the lid and straw. If you absolutely must have a straw, carry one of these stainless steel straws around. The ones I got came in a pack of 4, so you can conveniently place them wherever you need!
2. Buy a reusable coffee cup. Last year, my husband and I pretty much got coffee every. Single. Day. I’m so embarrassed to admit how much garbage we created with his habit. This year, I bought myself and my husband reusable coffee mugs. Ones that we both love and totally fit our style. The best part, most baristas and coffee shops aren’t going to mind. Even better, some will even offer you discounts for bringing in your own mug! Check this glass one out that our local barista says is the best out there.
3. I didn’t realize how popular disposable dinnerware was. Take a little time to wash your plates or stick them in your energy-efficient dishwasher! If you just can’t get around it sometimes, opt for biodegradable versions. There are a ton of options out there at all different price points. Remember, we’re taking care of our MOM! Do this. It will make a difference.
4. Wire hangers. Personally, I hate these things. They are the bane of my existence. I don’t like them. But, my husband needs his freshly pressed shirts dry cleaned. I’m not going to push my ways on to him. The crappy thing about the wire hangers is that they’re not recyclable. So I was stuck in this “what the heck to do with these things” place. So, I asked my dry cleaner if I could send them back and if they could reuse them. Guess what—they can! So now, every time I send our clothes in, I send back all the wire hangers. Problem solved!
5. Finally, the easiest one of them all. Buy a reusable water bottle. I’ve sworn off plastic water bottles. I now carry a water bottle with me at all times. I know the counter argument—“well, I can just reuse my plastic water bottle for at least a week or so.” Actually, that’s really unhealthy. Lots of bacteria start to grow around the lid and top of the bottle; quite literally a breeding ground. Not to mention all the bad side effects of BPA. I won’t go into that story. Buy a water bottle. The planet will thank you! (Ps—here’s my favorite one!)

Here it is folks. Do some good out there! It’s the least we can do! Happy tree hugging everyone!