I got a direct message on Twitter yesterday from a man who said he didn’t believe that small changes/steps could really make a difference. I’m a passionate believer that they can, and that the alternative – all of us thinking “why bother” because the issues we face are too large, could be totally catastrophic. When I gave birth to my daughter almost nine years ago, the green landscape was very different, especially in mommy land: no one was talking about BPA-free
bottles, phthalate-free plastics, and the importance of organic produce. Most people didn’t know about these issues as it hadn’t become mainstream, and so we microwaved our
BPA plastics, blissfully ignorant of the dangers. As information started to leak out, it was the small changes/actions that moms began to take, that really 
made a difference. Moms are a force to be reckoned with and if we don’t like something or God forbid think it unsafe, the company in question is going to have to pay big time! We started demanding transparency, safer bottles, toys, and food, and little companies, then massive corporations took notice and had to make the changes that we desired. So you can’t tell me that small changes don’t make a difference.
One writer, blogger, journalist, scientist or doctor, who has done their peer-reviewed research, can move mountains. Now that most of us are socially networking in some capacity, the opportunity for small changes becomes even more potent. With just one 140 character tweet, someone can tell us all to stop using a certain product, or to start supporting a vital cause for environmental/social change.
So don’t let anyone tell you that the small changes that you’re making in your life today, aren’t paving the way for a healthier planet for your children’s children. Every action you take affects someone, somewhere. You can be a total inspiration in your everyday life, just by making a few simple changes.
Moreover, whatever changes you’re making – recycling, reusable totes/water bottles/, composting, cycling (and the list goes on..), will make a huge difference with just about every human being you come in contact with, starting with your kids. For them to grow up and question, as they do, all of your actions – better that they be green! To show our kids that we are trying to be responsible and accountable in our everyday actions, and that everything we do has a direct consequence, is a lesson that many of us didn’t grow up with.
Since I wrote my first book, Gorgously Green, the eco-space has come alive with everyday people like you and me making small changes. Many amazing organizations, school, groups, non-profits and other forces for good, simply started with one person saying to another. “Wouldn’t it be great is we could..”
With Earth Day just passed, I encourage you all to bring the focus of protecting the Earth by way your actions, into your life everyday. Continue to think about the small changes that you you can make today. Big changes – anything from switching to solar, to getting an environmental Bill passed in the Senate, can take time and involve many obstacles. The one thing that they all begin with, however, is a small step in the right direction.
I totally agree. We need to do all we can in little steps – that is what makes a difference. I loved your cheat sheet awhile back, but I can’t find it online now. Keep up the great posts.