Save the Planet

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference” - Nelson Mandela

At our most recent Celebration – Spring Equinox – on the Hill of Tara, I felt called to ask Mother Earth for forgiveness on behalf of humanity for the wrongs we have done and are continuing to do to her. I thought about this later and wondered was I DOING anything to back up my words? Could I in any way “walk the walk” rather than simply “talk the talk”? Furthermore, could I as a solitary individual hope to have any impact on what is happening to our wonderful planet?

I had a think about it and the answer to those three questions are Yes, Yes and an emphatic YES! Let me elaborate…

In many areas of my life recently I’ve been inclined to DO things and not just talk about it. The reasons for this can be analysed later, but I suspect it’s something to do with the Covid Pandemic, my age and the prevailing Energies at work. Whatever the reasons, I’ve taken to seeking out ways of helping our planet and have found that there are many ways this can be done – ways that I would like to share with others.

Essential Oil-Based Washing Up Liquid

I started with Essential oil based washing up liquid which came in a recycled and maybe more importantly reusable plastic bottle. I also bought a 1-gallon container of the liquid to refill said bottle. While I’m not endorsing or advertising any products here, this liquid works as good as any other chemical-based ones I’ve used and has the blessing of other members of my home. (This blessing is a thing I would recommend most highly). Try out different brands – some may work some may not - & try and get others on board without badgering them. I find that gradually introducing new products with a brief explanation of why I’m doing it and a promise that if it doesn’t work, we’ll go back to the regular, chemical based, planet-destroying one!

Plant based Laundry Sheets

After the successful introduction of the washing up liquid there was no stopping me. I got plant-based Laundry Sheets (which dissolve in the washing machine), eco fabric conditioner (Reusable bottle), eco dishwasher tablets and more. All do as good a job as the usual products we were using but without the chemicals, including plastic which we’ve cut down drastically.

Laundry Sheets: No chemicals, no plastic packaging & more space in the cupboard!

There’s lots of products available in supermarkets and online and most of the products are reasonably priced. I’ve cut out using aerosol deodorant (natural roll-on works), bottled shampoo/conditioner (both available in chemical-free soap-like bars), petroleum-based candles (beeswax), plastic bags (paper)…the list goes on and on.

Razor

One day I was shaving and had a thought as I looked at the shave foam spray, the plastic razor and the (AWFULLY expensive) 5-blade razor…

So I got myself an “old-fashioned” razor, complete with shaving brush, blades and shaving soap. Not an atom of plastic present and it works out cheaper in the long run.

Toothpaste and mouthwash

Then there’s the plant-based toothpaste and mouthwash – complete with either bamboo toothbrush or plant-based replacement heads for an electric toothbrush. Seriously, there’s an amazing variety of Earth-friendly products out there.

I’m not highlighting these facts for narcissistic reasons, rather I’m hoping to show folk how easy it is to access these products, to change buying habits and to help lessen the negative impact that we humans are having on our home planet. I’d also like to illustrate that as individuals we CAN make a difference in the world – TO the world.

“Be the change you want to see in the world”

This is probably where I should refer to Mahatma Gandhi and his oft-quoted “Be the change you want to see in the world”, which I would do, except for the fact that it is my understanding that while he said something similar, he didn’t say that - what he actually said was much more profound:

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body.

If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

I would suggest starting off slowly, trying various products until you find out what works for you. More importantly, what works for Mother Earth.

I’ve a bit more to go (my glass food storage containers have plastic lids for example) but that’s ok, at least I’m doing something and I firmly believe that if a few people who read this are inspired to try similar measures the word will spread and while I alone can only make a small difference, together we can have a huge impact.

For an example of what’s out there, check out the following sites and know there are many more all over the world. Many local supermarkets also stock eco products.

https://www.lillysecoclean.com... https://www.faerly.ie/ https://www.earthmother.ie/

https://www.ecover.com/ https://theecoset.com/

I’m off for a coffee now – using my reusable travel mug of course! Pat F. April 2023

Phillippi Corriedales' uses of wool