Global Solidarity Checklist

I've heard more than a few people say, "But living a globally-conscious life is hard." I don't think so! Not necessarily! If we all made small changes, we wouldn't be so threatened by huge problems. Here are a few easy steps to being a better human being.

Do you:

• Wake up in the morning and smile?


• Buy fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, sugar? (The first three are available everywhere)


• Eat organic, locally grown foods? Search for farmers' markets?


• Buy from local vendors instead of big chains?
• Look for an alternative if it says "made in China"?


• Make attempts to car pool? Own and use a bike? Ride the bus every once in a while?


• Reuse plastic bags? Even better, bring reusable bags to the grocery store?


• Compost?
• Take five-minute or cold showers?


• Carry a thermos and avoid plastic bottles?


• Unplug electronics and turn off lights when you leave your room or house?


• Recycle? Even if that entails driving somewhere?


• Search for/attend cultural or educational events in your area? (My favorites: Race for the Cure, casino rueda lessons, Ghanaian drumming)


• Greet homeless people, and consider whether or not to give them money if they ask?


• Write in a journal?


• Read a book instead of watching TV?


• Exercise 30 minutes a day?


• Click the magic food button at www.thehungersite.com every day?


• Give a monthly donation to an organization or charity of your choice? (My favorites: Homeboy Industries, Catholic Relief Services, Portland VOZ)


• Listen whole-heartedly to the people around you?


• Send letters to your friends?


• Do things you thought you couldn't do?


• Read the newspaper or browse a news site? Particularly the global affairs section?


• Contact your Congressman/woman or Senator about issues that are important to you?


• Pray, reflect, or just take breathing time for at least 10 minutes every day?

Please, please, please add your own thoughts to this list!