Dear Humble Human,

Yes, we’ve generated lots of waste, but we’re also creative. Consider what happens when we spread the word on minimal waste to generate solutions for companies and individuals? We thrive. Let’s get creative with solutions.

One bright early morning, we’d gone on an ocean tour to seek wild dolphins off the coast of Southern California. Something shiny lay on the water. I asked the captain to retrieve it. A mylar balloon from shore had drifted into the ocean. Sea turtles and other wildlife become drawn to the shiny object, mistaking it for a jellyfish and eating it or becoming entangled in the string. We brought the balloon onto the boat, and I felt great! 

As I left the dock and passed through a park close to Dana Point, I noticed a marvelous display of Happy Birthday Balloons. Someone had intricately placed Mylar balloons all around the pavilion. Even though it looked spectacular I knew where those balloons could end up. I swallowed my judgments and decided to share about the turtles and boat excursion I’d come from. I asked if they would remember to take the balloons down, pop them, and dispose of them in a more responsible way. Great conversation led to solutions. The people agreed. I felt relieved. 

Never the less know it takes courage to speak up. Spread the word, generate solutions for minimal waste.

Don’t Hate. Educate! 

How do we get there? We first have to acknowledge our mistakes and our pain. It’s impossible to heal or reconcile if we pretend we’re not hurt. We can no longer pretend nothing happened; we’ve cut out wildlife habitats and entire ecosystems. The planet is hurting, and everyone suffers.

We need nature; nature needs us to generate solutions for companies and individuals too.

Share your passions with others. Share what you know, what you’ve learned, with the people around you. For instance remind companies how much money they save when they stop buying plastic or paper bags. Use the  Buycott App to support companies who are doing well, and ask other companies to do better. They can reduce their carbon footprints or their packaging. Does cereal need a bag in a box for freshness or would a bag alone suffice? 

Recall that the old adage of supply and demand is vital to changing companies; as consumers each one of us drives the market. Ask companies to step up to our demands. 

Our voices make different choices and encourage others to do the same. We can do better. We simply need to build compassion for each other and the planet. Changing the planet requires us to heal our hearts, be open to surrendering hate or judgment and educate. 

Click here for tips to write effective letters to companies asking them to make changes to your favorite products. The more we the people speak out then more change will happen.

Thank you for reading musings from The Earth Coach. If you like the topic, please share on your social media.