We’ve cultivated our little spot in the solar system, passed down to us from every generation that came before. As children, and in tandem with our own surrounding culture, we learned to model behavior on how to care for the land, the sea, ourselves and each other.  

Whether we act with care or carelessness, compassion or cruelty, generosity or greed, we have the ability to choose our own individual way of relating with the planet and its inhabitants.  

From our first breath to last, there are infinite opportunities to help influence our environment for the better. We can make a conscious decision to act with intention and care. Let's strive to keep our planet just as lush, diverse and habitable as it's been in our lifetime and for generations to come.

If you can read this, then you too can do something! Below are a few small  ways to create a life more in balance with our planet.  

Take a hike. Simply spend time getting outdoors to remember why it’s so important to protect our world. 

Try eating just one plant-based meal per week. The Environmental Defense Fund reported if every American switched out chicken for plant-based foods at 1 meal per week, "the carbon dioxide savings would be equal to taking more than half a million cars off U.S. roads.” Wow. 

Cultivate a small vegetable or flower garden that provides food for you and beneficial insects (like bees) impacted by pesticide use. Make your own natural cleaning products! There are an incredible amount of toxic ingredients that we’d do best staying away from.  

Pressed for time and cant make your own? Pick up cleaning and natural body products from a company focused on natural ingredients. These products should contain ingredients we can actually pronounce listed on labels.   

Make the switch to reusable cloth shopping bags. Its a no brainer to stash a few bags in the car for last minute errands.  

Change your light bulbs. Not super exciting but switching to CFL or LED lighting options can have a great impact on energy use. 

Analyze your personal impact on the planet. Take a long, hard look at your energy usage and see where you may be able to make adjustments.  

Really, just honor the earth simply by trying to be the best person you can be. Such good will can have a domino effect, inspiring others to contribute in their own way as well.  

We spend our lifetimes being nourished and enlivened by the rain, sun, soil and wind. Our experience is blessed by other living beings, from plants to insects to birds and humans. We receive so much and giving back just naturally feels good. When we live our lives with intention of leaving this temporary home a better place for generations to come, we are perhaps leaving behind the best gift of all.