30 small ways to make the world a better place
Sometimes, the world just feels too much. Too much noise, too much waste, too much pollution, too much division, too much violence, too much war.
It’s easy to lose motivation, and lose hope. We might wonder who on earth are we to be living the lives we’re living, or doing what we’re doing. To wonder what difference we really make in the world. We’re just one person, one drop in the ocean, trying to move against a tidal wave.
But little drops of water make the mighty ocean, as Julia A.F. Carney said in her poem.
In fact, just like a drop in the ocean, the small acts of kindness you make can ripple out into the world, causing a chain effect of kindness far beyond what you might even realise.
By showing up in the world in small ways that are aligned to our values, we can inspire and encourage others to do the same. And many small acts add up to big acts.
Here’s 30 small actions you can take that can ripple out and make the world a better place:
Smile at someone and say hello when you’re out for a walk.
Next time you’re in a cafe or shop, ask the person serving you how they are.
Compliment a stranger if they’re wearing something you like.
Try and buy things from anywhere except Amazon.
Buy a book from an independent bookstore.
In fact, buy anything from independent shops when you can.
Think twice before you buy.
Support a small business by sharing something of theirs.
Buy an actual album from someone you stream a lot of.
Sign a petition that matters to you.
Donate to a cause you care for.
Volunteer, if you have the capacity and time.
Buy some art.
Make some art. Make good art, make bad art. Make any art.
Create. Bring something new into the world.
Try to be a calmer driver (Ogmios’ School of Zen Motoring videos on YouTube are great to help with this one).
Ask a human instead of AI.
Do something you’re a little scared of.
Watch or listen to something that’s been recommended to you.
Listen to a podcast on a topic you normally wouldn’t choose.
Just listen. Next time someone is talking to you, put your own agenda down and try to really hear what they have to say.
Give someone you love a surprise hug.
Ask for a hug.
When someone you care about is sharing something they’re struggling with, ask if they want to be helped, heard or hugged.
Add a bee-friendly plant to your garden.
Unsubscribe from emails you’re not interested in (it not only helps your sanity, it reduces your carbon footprint too).
Use your local library.
Do something nice for yourself. Fill your own cup so you can better support other people.
Ditch the plastic washing-up sponges. The best compostable alternative I’ve found is the Ecoliving Kitchen Loofah, it works just as well.
Watch the sunrise or sunset. Appreciate this world you’re a part of.