Easy Activism
In our busy world, many of us our pulled away from our activism efforts due to work, family and other obstacles. Exhausted, we are not able to contribute in a substantial way and hope that others will be there to fill in for us. In reality, most people are in the same situation so this will not lead to significant progress. Thankfully, there are hundreds of quick and easy things everyone can do to help make a difference that don't require much time. The more people that can commit to just five minutes of activism a day, the more positive changes will occur due to the collective effort. Once this earth-friendly attitude is developed, you will be amazed how fun it is to think up new ideas.Here are some quick and easy ways you can make a difference:
Things to do while dining out
- Even if you're not eating at an establishment, simply asking if they have vegetarian items on the menu will let the restaurants know there are people out there that want vegetarian food. Tell them that since you cannot eat there, your lunch group from work or family cannot eat there either. Instead of losing one customer, they're losing many more.
- Don't support a restaurant that offers veal, foie gras, or other exceptionally cruel options. Tell the restaurant manager why you won't be eating there.
- Bring your own reusable food storage container for leftovers. Minimize carrying-out because of the wasteful nature of disposable packaging. The trees, rivers and landfills will appreciate it.
- Support vegan and vegetarian companies. Wouldn't you rather see them stay in business rather than the companies that sell meat and use styrofoam and other harmful products?
- If a restaurant uses styrofoam or other destructive containers, don't use them and request that they look into alternatives. Allow for the extra 30 minutes and sit down and enjoy your meal there. Visit www.ecoproducts.com for great alternatives that are biodegradable or are made without chlorine.
- Call ahead and plan to stay in hotels that incorporate recycling or minimal laundry service. Even if they don't have these services, it helps for the hotel to hear from the public. Don't use as much laundry to cut down on bleach usage.
- If a hotel you are staying in doesn't have vegetarian fare, request it and tell them you will stay somewhere else that offers it. Even if they don't have it, or plan to, it plants a seed in at least the person you are speaking with.
- If the hotel you are staying in has comment cards, mention recycling and vegetarian fare if it is not already offered.
- Call ahead to places where you are thinking about staying. Some places have live animals as fixtures in their hotels and you can let them know you will be staying elsewhere as a result.
- Bring your recyclable products home with you. The earth doesn't get a vacation.
- When booking reservations, inquire about recycling services and request them if they are not already being done.
- The "Letters to the Editor" section is one of the most read sections of the paper. If you see an article that promotes animal products or exploits animals, write to them and let them know how you feel about it.
- If you see recipes, such as veal or fois gras, write to the editor and tell them about the cruel practices that are used to produce these products. Educate them, even if your letter doesn't get printed.
- If you see vegetarian recipes, write and thank them. If you don't, write and request them, especially during Thanksgiving and other holidays that are centered around meat. Offer alternatives.
- Whenever mailing a bill or other correspondence, include a pamphlet in the envelope. On the exterior of the envelope use stickers with a message on them or use a rubber stamp with a positive message on it. This way anyone who handles mail or opens mail can be exposed to vegetarianism.
- If we want more choices for healthier food options, we need to contact the companies that make them. Write letters to companies requesting that they change or “improve” their ingredients by using organic and/or non-GMO ingredients and replacing honey or other animal products. Also request that they use recyclable and minimal packaging.
- Send e-mails. Search the various websites of the companies that you like and contact them via their “contact us” link. Tell them how good their products are and why you support them. Request more vegan options too.
- For those of you without a computer, or who prefer more personable contact, the telephone is an excellent resource.
- Write to newspapers and request healthy vegan fare in their “food” sections. Submit vegan holiday recipes during the holidays.
- Give eco-friendly or veg friendly gifts such as canvas bags, reusable mugs, veg cookbooks, or gift certificates to natural food stores. All of these gifts send an important message.
- Bring your own bags to package produce. Plastic produce bags can be re-used if rinsed out, air-dried, and kept clean. Better yet, invest in several re-useable cotton drawstring bags to use for this purpose.
- Always keep an extra cloth or re-used shopping bag in the car in case you stop at the store unexpectantly. Also use for shopping other than groceries.
- Keep utensils and an empty Togo ware container with you for leftovers to be prepared in case you eat out. This works for potlucks and friends' houses also.
- Use a re-useable water filter at home and cut down on plastic bottle usage. AMERICANS USE 2 1/2 MILLION PLASTIC BOTTLES EVERY HOUR! Invest in a good water filter and refill glass or stainless steel bottles rather than contributing to the landfills and the production of more plastic.
- Spend the extra time to regularly visit a farmer's market and help support local organic farming in your community. Locally grown food tastes better too.
- Invest in a good plastic bottle to refill with filtered water to take with you.
- Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!! Cereal boxes, soy and rice milk containers, plastic bottles and cans, office paper, and tissue boxes. Look in your area to see if drop-off centers are available to recycle items other than bottles, cans, and newspaper.
- Don't purchase items that contain too much packaging. Buy in bulk and save money too. Buy less prepared foods, eat out less, and eat a more whole foods diet to minimize wasted packaging and resources.
- When shopping for clothes, avoid clothing that requires dry cleaning-a very destructive practice due to the heavy chemical and plastic bag usage. If you have garments that need to be dry-cleaned, look for safer and alternative “green” companies.
- Write to get off of junk mailing lists to minimize junk mail and the energy required to produce and recycle it. Website to learn more about recycling and how to get off junk mailing lists: www.ecocycle.org/resources/ecogetofflists.cfm
Provide a shining and positive example for your friends, co-workers and family how easy it is to live an eco-friendly and vegan lifestyle!
*We are always looking for new ways to spread our message. If you have anything you would like to see added to this list, please share your ideas with us at: questions@practicecompassion.com.
Thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place.