Let's Try Together

Being a bit of a tree/bunny hugger, I am going to challenge other "Hubbers" to try and really put into practice a few things over the rest of the year, and to try and keep in mind a few others:

1. Give to a charity: Any amount, be it as little as $5 per month, for the balance of the year. Place a debit order on your bank account and let someone benefit from your kindness each month. If we consider how many people are "hubbing", for each 100 who donate $5 that's $500! Your $5 may be a drop in the ocean for you, but for someone who goes without each month, it will make an enormous difference.

2. Switch one of your cleaning products to an environmentally friendly one: Change your washing powder, or your toilet cleaner, or your dishwashing tablets or liquid to one which is not harmful to the environment - a "green" product. While the product may cost a little more, they usually require less to do the job, therefore your washing powder box will get you 20 washes to the 10 from the non-green product. If you're not sure where to begin, the Internet is an excellent place to shop for these products, many of which can be delivered to your door, without you even having to use your car and your gas! For the ladies, try this with your cosmetics, perfumes and other beauty products.

3. Read the label: Give a thought to sentient beings (sheep, cows, chickens and the many others we rely on for food) which may suffer for us to be able to enjoy a meal. Really give consideration to moving away from battery farmed animals and choose a product which, as well as being better for the environment, is also considerate of the suffering of other beings. Buy free range, or organic. If you only managed to make it one of the items, that's okay. One is better than nothing and baby steps are also good.

4. Reach for the water and close the blinds: By the same token, before you pop that pill into your mouth the minute you have a headache, remember that pharmaceutical companies are responsible for the suffering and death of so many living creatures every year. Try an alternative to merely reaching for the instant relief of a pill. You'd be surprised the wonders it will do to the immune system too!

5. Take other humans into consideration: Give consideration on a daily basis to every who shares the earth with you, and more importantly to those who you interact with on a daily basis. Think about how your actions may affect them and the knock on effects which may be caused. Most often it is better to be selfless than selfish. Think about others who may be in the same situation as you and spare a thought for them. While you may not be "coping" others may also not, and your actions could make all the difference.

6. Get to know your neighbours: I can personally attest to the fact that it is fantastic to live in a neighbour where people know each other and greet each other. In the face a crisis, your neighbours will then not merely stand in the road and watch your house burn, they will most likely be assisting with getting your belongings to safety. What a great thought!

7. Report a wrongdoing: See someone committing a crime, phone the police. Know someone who is abusing a child, contact Childline. Hear of or know someone abusing an animal, act on it! Don't take things lying down. Be principled and moral and speak up against wrongdoing.

The Internet is an excellent place to start with finding out information. Knowledge is power, equip yourself with both. Let's not be complacent and leave it up to someone else. Let's take action. I challenge you!