By Lynn Capuano
This time of year is a time of reflection for many people in our community. With the summer ending, the start of a new school year, it makes sense that we look back on what we have done in the last year and look forward to what we hope to do this year. Some of that includes thinking about what kind of people we want to be and actions we want to take to improve our community and our world.
It can be overwhelming.
But this time of year, I pause and realize how important each small step is and am re-inspired to keep trying. So today I offer you who may be feeling the same way or have felt the same, some small steps that are significant.
I hope people reading this will respond and leave comments with their ideas of small steps because I certainly don’t have all the ideas.
In this age of electronic communications we have forgotten the impact a phone call and a handwritten note can have. Next time you’re inspired to sign a petition in your email, follow it up with a phone call or a short note.
It’s just as important to call a legislator or executive who aligns with your beliefs as one who does not. They need to hear from all their constituents whether to encourage them to change their view or to reassure them that they are accurately representing their constituents.
To find your federal, state and local legislators and executives go to www.elections.ny.gov/district-map. It only takes about 10 minutes to make a call or write a note, but the impact can be tremendous.
It takes five minutes or less to make a donation on-line to an organization fighting for something you believe in.
They need the money to continue their work and if you believe in what they stand for, be part of it by giving them much needed financial support. If you have more time, call the organization and ask how you can volunteer.
You may have certain professional skills they need. It’s that much easier for you to help in a way that is already familiar to you.
Pack your lunch tomorrow in reusable, non-plastic containers. The pay off to the environment (and your wallet) is well worth the adjustment and it doesn’t take much time.
If you need help finding good storage/transport options, post a comment and I’ll give you some suggestions and I’m sure other readers will as well. To save time, pack your lunch as you’re clearing up dinner. Leftovers make a great lunch!
Tomorrow when you enjoy your packed lunch, you can feel good about not adding to the waste stream and climate change.
Another great reusable option is to use a reusable, insulated mug for your hot and cold drinks. I’m in the habit of bringing my insulated cup everywhere I go whether it’s full or not.
This way, if I have the urge to get a drink somewhere, I don’t have to struggle with the guilt of using a disposable cup. This one takes nearly no time at all. Just grab the mug and toss it in your bag and you have it whenever you need it.
There are even mugs that can literally be thrown into your bag full and they won’t spill. As for washing, most places that serve hot beverages will wash your mug out with steaming water before refilling it.
Then you just need to wash it when you get home with you regular dish washing. Those of you who prefer cold beverages, the options for insulated cups with their own straws are innumerable.
Bringing your own means you’re not using a plastic straw and you’re not using a plastic or other disposable cup. That’s a double win!
If you are bolder, bring your own leftover containers when you go out to eat. Then you don’t have to use whatever disposable container the restaurant will use. Less waste, less consumption of resources and very little effort on your part. A small step with big significance.
One step that takes no time at all since you’re already doing it is talking. Talk to your friends, your family, people you work with. Exchange ideas, hear opinions, explain your perspective.
This is how we influence one another and influence can turn into action and action makes change. People don’t know things you know and they certainly don’t know your perspective.
Engaging in conversation with people in your life about issues you care about matters. It educates others, it expands the universe of people aware of the issue, it fosters creativity in resolving the issue and it gets other people to share the burden of that issue making it more likely the issue will be solved.
There are lots of organizations out there that can give you pointers on how to have difficult conversations if you think the issue is controversial. Rather than avoiding the topic, take a few minutes to read some tips on how to talk to other people about the topic and dive in.
Finally, and above all, VOTE. This is without question the single most important thing you can do. Our very democratic existence depends on every citizen exercising their absolute right to vote.
It may take more than the five or 10 minutes most of the other suggestions here require, but it is well worth it.
When the opportunity to be heard by registering your vote presents itself whether in a primary, a local special election, or the presidential election, prioritize it and find the 20 minutes it will take for you to get to your polling place, sign your name and fill out your ballot.
That is democracy and that is something we all have to make time for no matter how busy are lives are.
