Making a change in the world can be an easy
part of your everyday life. Here are 10 ways you can make a difference. From Most
Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life
by Zoe Weil
1. Commit to the 3 I's: Inquire, Introspect,
live with Integrity. Expose yourself to information and ideas about most
good (MOGO) living by talking to and learning from people from all walks of
life -- especially people who are also trying to do the most good and the least
harm; by reading widely and deeply; by visiting websites aimed at making a
difference; and by viewing relevant films. You can find a list of regularly
updated websites, books, magazines, and films in the resources if available. Then
introspect: identify your values, consider what is most important to you,
assess your talents and interests, and seek out ways to put these together
practically and productively. Finally, live with integrity. To the best of your
ability, put your values into practice.
2. Work for change. Give some of your
time, resources, and talents to create systemic change that benefits all.
Choose the issues that most concern and compel you, get involved, and relish
the joy that such generosity brings to yourself and others. If you can, make
your career one that is MOGO.
3. Rethink, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. As
much as possible, rethink your use of products that are unnecessary, inhumane,
produced through exploitative business practices, non-recyclable, over-packaged,
toxic, and/or unsustainable. When you do make purchases, choose the most
sustainable, efficient, humane, fairly traded, and healthy versions. Then reuse
what you can, repair what is reparable, and recycle when you are through. And
in the midst of these 4 Rs, consider what you could borrow instead of buy, and
what you could share with friends and neighbors so that they can better rethink
unnecessary products, too.
4. Eat for life. As much as possible,
choose plant-based foods produced close to where you live, grown organically,
and unprocessed. This will improve your health, the environment, the lives of
animals, and the wellbeing of other people.
5. Reduce your ecological footprint. Drive
less, carpool, walk, bike, car-share, and use public transportation more. If
you need to own a car, choose one with the best fuel efficiency to meet your
needs. Choose the most energy efficient and ecologically friendly options for
homes, home repair, appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling. Choose your
recreation and vacations with MOGO in mind as well: an ecotourism excursion
over a cruise; cross-country skiing instead of downhill skiing; canoeing more
often than motor boating.
6. Transform education. People need
relevant information, tools for critical thinking, and motivation to lead
meaningful lives that contribute to a better world. Whether you are a parent,
student, teacher, elder, or concerned citizen, help make living sustainably and
peacefully the very purpose of education at all levels by engaging in dialogue
with lawmakers, educators, and school and university administrators.
7. Invest your money ethically. If you are
going to rely on a mutual fund for retirement or college, choose a socially
responsible investment fund. Ask for a portfolio and assess whether the company
invests in the kinds of businesses you want to support. Seek out community
banks and credit unions, and consider micro-lending and investment in social
businesses as a means of using your money to help others.
8. Build community. Find others who share
your desire to make MOGO choices by joining existing groups or creating your
own group, and invite people to join you. You will enjoy the friendship and
camaraderie, and help make a difference at the same time. Don't forget the
communities of which you are already a part. Get to know your neighbors, and
work with them to make your neighborhood healthy, supportive, and safe.
9. Teach others. Share what you know with
others and engage them in the challenge of living a MOGO life by using positive
communication that does not judge or blame. Listen as often as you speak.
Teaching and learning happen everywhere: one on one, in schools, in religious
congregations, at camps, in families, in print and film, at learning centers,
on social networking internet sites, at senior facilities, and so on. Model
your message, and speak your truth in kind and inspiring ways wherever you are
and with whomever you're in contact.
10. Strive for balance. Set reasonable
goals for yourself, and remember that the "most good, least harm"
equation includes you. You are a role model for a MOGO life, so find the
balance that lets you live joyfully, enthusiastically, and compassionately.
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