4 (Inexpensive) Ways to Support Bushfire Crisis & Our Earth

I don't there's anyone who hasn't heard of, seen or been touched by the fires that have been burning through our country (Happy new year right? For so many of us, sadly not really)

(Heads up: This is fairly long email about a topic I'm super passionate about, especially when thinking about our children and the next generations to come. So while I would love you to take the time to read this if you can - promise it'll be worth it -  I'm also okay if this isn't for you as I know we're all at different places and headspaces in our life and that's totally cool too! Love x)  

As someone who never watches TV or mainstream news, even I got the gist of how devastatingly the bushfires have hit our country (social media has become the new news medium but that's a whole other article).

At the same time I also felt a bit overwhelmed by all the calls to donate, requests for help, charity fundraisers - as well as unsure and stuck about how I could best contribute. As much as I'm heartened by the way this tragedy has brought out so much of what is positive about the human race, I also believe there's a greater, bigger picture to this situation that not enough people are doing enough about.

Whether the issue is climate change or not, no one can disagree that the way we're living currently is taxing our poor Mother Earth, is not sustainable long-term and will very likely leave behind a not-so-beautiful country for our children. Wanting the best for them should extend further than making sure they eat good quality food or what school they'll go to as none of that will matter if the world they live in is polluted and sick.

If you're also struggling to know where to donate, are maybe hesitant to donate because you don't know how much of the funds will actually get to those who need it or don't have a lot to give, then these easy and (nearly) free tips will help our country regenerate and also address a longer-term, bigger picture issue that's affecting our world today.

Four easy ways we can (inadvertently) support the bushfire crisis and start to change our Australia and the world for the better:

 1. Reduce your waste especially food waste. The Government estimates 5 million tonnes (!!) costing 20 billion a year goes to landfill EACH YEAR. Think about what means not only for the planet but for your wallet. Don't waste food - buy what you need and if you have leftovers, cook into another dish, freeze or at very least compost. Avoid the single use bags at the supermarket; your apples will be totally fine sitting naked in your basket, I promise. Use those mesh produce bags or do what I used to do for small things like manderines - use the paper mushrooms bags instead. When you eat sushi, say no to the plastic container and the soy sauce fish - get it in a paper bag or direct in your hand and use sauce out of the bottle instead. And seriously, if you're still buying water in plastic bottles or getting coffee on a regular basis in takeaway cups - invest in yourself and get a reusable water bottle or cup. Kmart & Target do cheap but trendy looking versions of all the expensive brands.
Bonus: I'll happily gift anyone who doesn't yet have one, a stainless water bottle! Just send me an email and I'll put one in the post for you (in a compostable satchel too :))

2. If you're not doing so already, learn how to recycle. It's not just paper, bottles and cans but even soft plastics and packaging can now be recycled at nearly all Woolworths and Coles through REDcycle - the key is anything you can scrunch. For a list of surprising things you can recycle see here. I was super happy and totally surprised that you can even REDcycle those baby food pouches! Last year the QLD government also brought in the container refund scheme for cans and glass bottles, which you can get paid as vouchers for supermarket shopping or straight into your Paypal account. 

3. Be mindful of water and electricity usage - given the recent crisis, I think we've all realised that our water supply shouldn't be taken for granted. We're on rainwater tanks so are motivated to take heed of our usage but so many of us still leave the tap running while brushing our teeth, wash produce under a running tap or don't use the single flush function on our toilets. All these tiny little things count! Electricity is another resource that we've come to take for granted growing up in a developed nation. Switch to LED lights (up to 80% more efficient than fluorescent or incandescent lights), think about installing solar or just switch off appliances at the wall (yes, they drain electricity even if not in use). The thing about being less wasteful is that you'll also usually save money, and who doesn't want to do that!

4. Share respect and care of our planet with your children - This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take care of our earth and make sure it's well looked after in future. Kids are naturally curious learners and love being in nature, plus they do what they see so being a pro-active, non-polluting nature-loving parent/aunty/uncle/friend will make a significant difference to the way they see the world. I think one of the reasons why so many of us don't implement earth-friendlier methods is not because we're wasteful, materialistic people - but because we lack awareness of the impact we're having and an appreciation of the natural world we live in. We can only value what we love and respect, and that starts with spending more mindful time outside, going for walks, playing on the grass or at the beach, collecting leaves and simply enjoying what Australia is known for best. (I have to admit I'm just a little bit proud when my two-year old sees rubbish on the street during our walks and straight away says 'bin' so we have to pick it up and throw it away properly!)

I think what will make the recent bushfires an even greater tragedy is if nothing changes in how we treat, interact and live in this beautiful land we call home. 

While doing these things aren't going to change the state of the world overnight, they're small ways that we can start to make a positive move against future threats of climate change. Depending on large scale companies and businesses to initiate the change can be frustrating and passive - but as consumers and customers, we can push them in the right direction while doing our bit by starting with small actions at home that we do have control over. 

Sissy

P.S. I've included plenty of links with useful information that can help you even more. Sharing or forwarding this with your friends and family is also another small step that you can make!

P.P.S. If you're still looking for a place to donate where you know your money will go to where it's needed, Against the Grain Health are running a GoFund me Campaign to support the Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Fund in Victoria (unfortunately the bulk of public monies raised so far are going to NSW only). These Sunshine Coast-based guys make amazing, natural eco- and baby-friendly products and I know them personally and love what they're trying to do to help our earth. They have no idea I'm sharing this so it's purely because I trust them and know they have the very best of intentions - plus I also love spreading the word about great products that other people would like!