Is it your goal in 2019 to start being more conscious about the environment and watching your habits and actions, but have no idea where to start? Try these six tips to make a difference.
1. Educate yourself
Researching about the environment is a fantastic place to start if you’re fairly new to environmental issues or you are looking to touch up your knowledge of the subject. The internet (and my blog, Gippsland Unwrapped) is full of useful information that can help you better understand and develop an awareness of environmental issues like waste and consumption.
Be sure to educate yourself before you start implementing actions, as it’s always good to understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. For example, many people jump into the zero waste movement by buying new things – there can be more appropriate ways to have an impact.
Try expanding your horizons as well in terms of resources, so that you gain a holistic perspective about the environment and its issues. While the internet may have loads of articles, look at books and maybe even public speeches to see what knowledgeable professionals are saying about the topic.
Related posts:
- Start Living Plastic Free Without Spending A Cent
- 3 Guidelines For Successful Plastic Free And Zero Waste Living
- Our Plastic Free, Zero Waste Family Home (Your Complete Guide)
2. Teach others and share
Once you’ve gathered your knowledge base it’s only right to share what you’ve learned with people you know. They say education is a powerful weapon, so using your “ammo” to help spread awareness is very important.
Sharing what you’ve learned with people (more than just family and friends) has never been easier with social media now part of our everyday lives.
Social psychology research tells us that social media is a tool of cultural change and can actually mold our society’s value system. It plays a large role in influencing consumption patterns and lifestyle.
So, the more we portray sustainable consumption habits and lifestyles, the more chance we have at creating sustainable social norms and a more sustainable future.
Find the Gippsland Unwrapped blog on social media platforms:
3. Set an example
One easy first step for being more environmentally aware this year is to be mindful of your waste and to properly recycle. In your home, try taking simple steps like getting separate waste bins to help you remember to separate waste from recycling, or to store certain items in until you are ready to take them to a recycling drop off location.
Setting an example not only makes you feel great but also raises environmental awareness in people around you. Your actions might start conversations about why you do certain things, and also helps people to see sustainable behaviours as normal, leading them to think about their own behaviours and adapt to fit in.
More information: Recycling in Gippsland.
4. Try fundraising
If you’re looking for a more “hands-on” experience, getting some friends or family together to raise money for an environmental cause is a great way to raise awareness. There are tons of ideas out there for throwing a successful fundraiser, and organising an event like this has never been easier.
Walk-a-thons and recycling drives are always great ideas and can lead to a big turnout, but don’t be afraid to try more unique fundraising ideas that might resonate better in a more niche community.
Fundraisers are a win-win as well, because not only are you raising money and awareness, but you also meet new people and connect with more inspired people who can carry out and spread the message you’re trying to advocate for. There are so many great charities to choose from as well, so try getting active in your community!
Related posts:
5. Join a local group
Other ways of raising awareness in yourself and others include joining a local environmental group or activity, or starting one yourself. This is a great way to do some good while meeting new, inspiring people who can teach you more about the message you’re trying to advocate for.
Related posts:
6. Stop waste at the source
If you really want to make a difference, it is essential to raise awareness within businesses, governments and media too. They need to know we care about environmental issues and the impacts of their operations on the planet.
You can write letters, sign petitions, make submissions during public consultation periods, leave messages via social media, invite staff to be part of your events, or participate in peaceful rallies.
Related posts:
- An Open Letter To Business Managers
- Ask Businesses To Take Responsibility For Their Waste
- You Have An Opportunity To Demand Product Stewardship & End Planned Obsolescence
- Orang-utans Need Your Help NOW, Here’s What To Do
Gippsland Unwrapped 
Love this article! This year I’m really wanting to up my ‘everyday advocacy’ game, and this article really helps.
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Excellent, I’m glad to hear that. 🙂
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Excellent post. Often the hardest thing is just starting. Once people start they often get inspired to keep going, particularly if the community they find is supportive.
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That’s a great article. Sounds very motivating. Strange as it may seem, I started my way to zero-waste lifestyle not with sorting trash or reusing glass bottles instead of buying water in plastic but… with furniture. I had an old sofa which looked very shabby. But I loved it a lot and couldn’t part with it. One day it occurred to me that I could put a beautiful cover on it and continue using it. I did so, and my sofa is still with me! After that I had many thoughts about reusing things we usually discard, and finally started trying to reduce the amount of waste I produce.
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That’s wonderful. I’ve always been a bit that way inclined too.
I just can’t understand wastefulness. People used to call me a cheapskate because I wouldn’t just go and replace things with new things but now now I wear the badge of ‘frugality’ proudly, I know that’s slightly different to what you’re talking about but it’s related.
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