Is Your Love of Nature Genuine or Toxic?

With Thanksgiving and the holidays just around the corner, this time of year often inspires us to reflect on the many things for which we are thankful. For those of us who call ourselves nature lovers, it’s easy to come up with a long list of natural spaces that we adore – forests, parks, oceans, mountains, lakes, you name it! And it’s not hard to recognize the many physical and mental health benefits that we reap from spending time outdoors.

But I think we can all agree that appreciation without action is pretty empty. There’s a reason it didn’t workout with the person who always said they loved you while directly contradicting themselves with their behavior. We know that’s toxic. Don’t be that person. So while loving the earth can be a feeling, it must be an action. Here’s some actionable ways to show, rather than just tell the environment that you genuinely do love and care for it:

Reduce single-use plastic waste
Ditch plastic water bottles for Coastal Clear Water Co. or use your own reusable bottle. And don’t forget your reusable shopping bags!
Repurpose or mend what you have
Avoid contributing to waste and get creative! That ripped shirt can be a dog toy, and that box can be an art project!
Buy Thrift and Second-hand
Instead of participating in consumerism and fast-fashion, find unique and useful items all while saving money!
Save energy
Unplug electronics when not in use, and ensure that your light-bulbs are energy-saving.
Go green on your commute
Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation instead of driving alone. If you must drive, consider investing in electric or eco-friendly cars.
Reduce water waste
Take time-efficient showers and only run washing machines and dishwashers when full.
Eat smart
Opt for climate-friendly diets by eat less meat, generating less food waste, and buying locally-sourced produce
Volunteer
Use some of your holiday free time to help out at wildlife and conservation organizations in your area
Talk about environmental issues
Start and continue these conversations with family, friends, and bus-buddies. Together we can go much further!

This holiday season, leave your empty love out in the cold. Show the earth how much you truly love it with ACTION.