For how can one know color in perpetual green, and what good is warmth without cold to give it sweetness?
John Steinbeck, “Travels With Charley”
As we transition into another season, and after my recent epic evening at the Global Citizen event under the Eiffel Tower, I find myself wondering who else out there is making daily, year-round, conscious efforts to be a true global citizen, and what other practices I might be able to add to my own eco repertoire.
And so begs the questions: What does being a global citizen mean to you? What consistent actions can you take to care for our collective home?
Often I find that we find the problem[s] so overwhelming that we fail to do anything at all and leave it up to “the ones in charge” to take the lead.
The thing is – as proven throughout the past few years – a system is clearly broken in many ways if a problem is continually exacerbated, and there is no time to waste or wait for someone else to step up.
For example: when the government subsidizes conventionally grown crops sprayed with harmful chemicals that damage everything from the soil to the field workers to our gut lining, there is something majorly off.
I know it can feel both challenging and perplexing to override not only the system as a whole, but also to simply shift our own daily habits – especially if we’ve become comfortable with them and they’ve become part of our routine.
In a recent talk, one of my meditation mentors said, “Whenever there is clinging, there is suffering.” If we can practice refraining from clinging to our potentially harmful patterns and make conscious changes day by day in our own lives, we can at least be part of a more positive forward movement.
Yes – we do need monumental changes to be made ASAP. And yet, small modifications in lifestyle habits can make a big difference over time – whether a tiny eco-conscious action transforms into a more natural way of life, or it creates a ripple effect to inspire those around you to take action, too.
The intentional effort you make [however big or small] to also care for the sustainability of your mind and body will better equip us all to be more efficient caretakers for each other and the planet.
It is / we are all interconnected.
That said, although concerts and community have been missed throughout the past 1.5 years, I am well aware that large gatherings are not necessarily 100% sustainable. Thankfully there are more and more earth-conscious vendors [like Coup D’Jus in Paris] with offerings like organic eats and compostable utensils.
And sure, celebrity activists spreading positive messages on various ways of improving wellbeing around the world is a nice touch, but nothing shifts if we don’t hold ourselves accountable for our own actions.
In the meantime, while many of us are doing our best to rearrange le system — consider doing your best to try at least one of the following planetary health practices and see what sticks for you:
- Bring your own water bottle and thermos whenever possible.
- Have one or a few bags handy for impromptu grocery shopping – I even rinse and reuse old plastic ones, and reuse paper bags to store compost.
- Use your own utensils instead of relying on disposables – I carry a bamboo set in my bag.
- Break up with toxic chemicals and be open to trying environmentally-friendlier options for home cleaning products [from dish soap to toilet paper], makeup, skin and hair care, and more.
- Eat as seasonally as possible – this will create more harmony for the planet and your body.
- Shop as locally as possible – whether for food or products made in your area [bonus: handmade].
- Do your best to especially favor organic / ethically raised options for dairy, meat, and fish. I know this is not always convenient or economical, but it will hopefully save you dollars in potentially health issues down the line.
- Shop second-hand with apps like Poshmark, shop your closet for oldies but goodies, and support conscious brands like PACT who favor fair-trade practices / eco manufacturing / sustainable materials. Check my personal discounts for other like-minded brands – from clothing to skincare.
- If and when possible: ride a bike / walk / run / scooter. Reduce toxic emissions and have fun!
- Large corporations don’t make it very easy for us to get around avoiding them, so if you do continue to use Amazon [as I do for my Kindle], at least show them the types of products you want to see more of by supporting earth-centric brands like the ones I share in my influencer storefront.
- Friends and music are also ways of sustaining physical and mental wellbeing, so don’t forget to be with people you love if and when you can, and definitely don’t forget to dance.
Peruse my website for more simple lifestyle practices, offerings, and resources to help us cultivate a sustainable mind, body, and planet on an individual and collective level.
Read the newsletter for the tastiest coziest hot cacao recipe, my upcoming French countryside retreat, mindful living resources and discounts, and good vibes.
Contact me for support in cultivating your own planet-friendly mindfulness tools.
What action can you take today and every day – however big or small – to be a global citizen?
Take good care of your Selves and each other,
xo
S
Photo: Ian Nelson / Grove of the Old Trees, CA / July 2021.
No Comments