This day never passes without some reflection and intense sadness. Only last month did I first visit the 9/11 Memorial, and I wish it had been alone and not with our visitors. While I loved taking them there, it was just too solemn a place to “visit.” I’ll go again by myself.
So maybe instead of trying to forget those feelings that seem still fresh as yesterday I’ll share with you ways in which we freelancers can do some good in the world. Here are ways to give back:
Tutoring. Do it for free when you can. I teach English to a Vietnamese woman. You can teach someone new to the country how to speak, or you can teach a kid struggling in school how to write effectively. Give of yourself a little and the rewards to all will multiply.
Purchasing wisely. Yes, I’m a shoe addict, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do good while I feed my habit. I buy a lot of Toms shoes for two reasons – first, I love their shoes; second, I love their One For One program. I buy a pair, they donate a pair to someone without shoes. And the packaging is almost 100% recyclable. It’s a win-win.
Time. Part of our meditation practice includes service to others. One of the projects we’re trying to put together is scheduled visits to a local nursing home. Just to say hello, to read to someone, to visit, to get to know them and give them something to look forward to.
Recycling. There are days I feel like Mother Earth and days I feel like I’m battling the entire universe to keep one plastic bag out of the landfills. But if everyone would make a conscious effort to put that container back into use instead of into a dump, the difference would be huge. Start by choosing products whose packaging is not excessive and is easily recycled. Then challenge yourself to get more in that recycling bin every week than you get in the trash bin.
Composting. Sure you can. No matter where you live, there’s always a way and a need for composting. They make cute sink-top compost bins and big-assed, outdoor ones. And if you have plants, compost is a super idea.
How do you do right for the world?
In my post today, I said 9/11 is our Pearl Harbor. It was a long time before I went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial, even though I visited Hawaii every year. I probably only went then because a friend wanted to see it. I have not seen the 9/11 Memorial. They are difficult for me. My thoughts and prayers to all those touched by 9/11.
I like the idea of do good Tuesday. As you know, I am addicted to walking 60 miles in 3 days to raise money for research for a cure for cancer. As I always say, I can't walk away.
I am a nut about recycling, too. I was a supervisor of Volunteer San Diego and need to find something similar here in Boise.
A simple do good that takes very little – smile and be pleasant to someone – even (maybe especially) that person who is not so friendly. You never know what's going on in his or her life.
I'm totally putting the countertop compost keeper on my Christmas list!
A few years back, someone I know very well boasted about being "green" when a few feet away (in their home) sat a big carton of brand new plastic water bottles. Riiiight.
I love this post, Lori. This is something we should think about every day.
Cathy – great comment about a simple smile being a way to do good. We were talking about this at church the other day, that no one seems to actually look at each other anymore, at least, not strangers. I've been making it a point to look a people in the eye and smile. As you said, you never know what someone else is dealing with.