In a world that is constantly moving—constantly changing, it can be easy to find ourselves feeling as though we have less and less time to give back to our community. The good news is that giving back does not have to be time strenuous. If we have a minute or more of free time in our day, then we have time to give back. Three easy ways we can serve our local communities include recycling, donating, and showing kindness.
The first way to give back is to be consistent with recycling. According to Waste Management, the items from our homes that can be recycled include bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. The idea is that the items going in the bins should be fairly cleaned out, with no objects, food, or liquids remaining inside. Recycling is a great way to contribute to the overall sustainability of the environment. Although it may seem like a small task, the impact is anything but.
While recycling is beneficial to the environment, the next way to give back is beneficial to people. Donating old and gently- used clothing to donation services such as nonprofits is an easy way to make a difference. It can feel so easy to grab a trash bag and simply want to throw out clothing that is no longer wanted or needed. However, there are people within our local towns and cities who are struggling to clothe themselves or their families. Donating is a great way to serve the people within our cities, and it does not have to stop with clothing. Any belonging in good condition that is no longer wanted or needed in our homes can be donated. A great way to go about preparing for the donation process, is to have bins and boxes that are labeled and kept separate. Within these bins and boxes could include items that can be saved for family and friends, items that are not salvageable and need to be thrown out, and items that can be donated.
A third and final way to make a difference in our communities is to simply show kindness to others. We live in a world where there are many unique voices with untold stories. We never know what others are going through so sometimes, all it takes is a friendly gesture or a word of encouragement such as a compliment, to make someone’s day. An example of a friendly gesture is smiling. Exchanging a smile with someone is a beauty within itself because it expresses positive emotions such as happiness and love. Other gestures include anything that involves aiding where it is needed, such as holding the door for others. Acts of kindness like these are remarkable ways to make a difference in the lives of others because they are done through assuming the best in both ourselves and the people around us.
The list of ways to make a difference is endless and varies from the smallest of actions to the greatest of actions. Staying informed on how we can be a part of the greater change that our communities need is so valuable in striving to make the world a better place. Something to keep in mind is that each of us knows a network of people. In other words, this means that we have a means of influencing others. What we say and what we do is remembered by others; if we can use our knowledge, our words, our abilities, and our actions for good, we never know who we may inspire.
Article submitted by Lindsey Thoman.
