‘’Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.’’ – Dalai Lama
We are all connected
Earth is one big system which we, human beings, are a part of. We may forget that while living out our life day by day – we wake up and drink our coffee, prepare ourselves for the day which comes with a load of tasks, never-ending to-do lists and meetings, quick lunch, more work, groceries, dinner, and then we spend an evening swiping through our social media, watching some Netflix and going again to sleep – just to repeat it over again.
Very recently all our lives got disrupted by the pandemic, causing us to reconstruct our days, reflect on what is important, focus on our health and well-being more than ever before. And above all else – making us realize how interconnected the world is. How one thing leads to another causing a chain reaction in everything you do, and in one moment you realize – your life has changed forever.
Our choices make up our life
While change can take many shapes, in our routines we tend to forget that most of the time we have a choice and that many of our choices combined create a specific result. For the better or worse, the long-lasting ignorance of our collective action is also our wake-up call. It is no news that our planet is being exploited to a such a rate that the impact on the environment will be irreversible in less than a decade. Every day our actions either add to that dystopian scenario or lead us to a future more prosperous than ever before.
This is what the Guide is about. It is about offering you a choice. A different choice. A choice that, when made consciously, provides gratification that reaches far beyond what we immediately experience. It is a choice that empowers you, that nurtures you and your environment. It is a choice that we will all be grateful for when the harmony between nature and humanity is restored.
Start Small
We often think that change has to be something huge and noticeable to leave an impact, but in reality, it can start with something small, simple and immediate. As we mentioned before, it can be something like taking a shorter shower, purchasing local products, or take the public transport.
However, these choices can go beyond this. For example, on social media you can choose to follow a page or group that focuses on preserving environment and it will affect what appears on your news feed.
Another is choosing organizations such as banking and insurance – by opting for a sustainable organization you also support where they further invest their money in. Will it be an oil tycoon or reforestation company? It can also be buying a Fairtrade product which significantly reduces the chances of people being exploited for a little wage and no safety and social security in the third world countries.
There is an infinite amount of opportunities where you can take immediate action. The good news is – you do not have to become a hard-core social activist or vegan to leave an impact (although these can help greatly). Even one new habit will leave a ripple in the water.
Will you join?
Let yourself explore this new world – there is a lot to discover. Besides the obvious benefits that these alternative ways provide, such as saving resources, getting higher quality products and supporting a larger cause, you will notice how the action itself brings satisfaction.
