It seems that the world is falling apart all of the sudden and we are surrounded with disaster. People are being killed, homes are being torn apart by hurricane Matthew, college students are being sexually assaulted and swept under the rug on campuses across the nation, pit bulls are being banned from Canada, and Haitian death tolls are rising as you read this. There are so many problems that I'm overwhelmed with sadness at the fact that one person can't save the world singlehandedly. What's even worse is that disaster is always occurring and people always need saving, but it seems that more and more often Facebook trends determine how widespread news becomes and how many people want to help. Whatever your motives, here are some things you can do to make the world a little bit brighter no matter your political affiliation, geographic location, or financial ability to help out. Be the change you wish to see in the world and you might just see that light passed back around to you. However, don't do it for what you'll get in return, do it because you want to make a difference.
1. Pick up after yourself.
The world is a damaged place because of all of the horrible things that we as humans do to destroy it. The least you can do is pick up after yourself. Don't throw glass bottles on the ground just because you're on a college campus, and if you want to ruin your own body with cigarettes please don't throw the butts out the window of your car. So many animals face dangers every day that they shouldn't have to worry about because careless people think the world is their trash can.
2. Smile at strangers.
This practice could quite literally save a life. It seems like such a small thing to do and that person you think is giving you the stink eye might not even be looking at you, but smile anyway. You don't even have to wave if you don't want to. Spread kindness and at least acknowledge the existence of another person, they might be questioning their value as a person and you could change their life. Even if it isn't that serious, a simple smile from a stranger can brighten anyone's day. It's time to change the idea that every time someone is even remotely nice to a person they must have underlying motives.
3. Donate canned goods.
We all have that weird can of green peas or ravioli that we've had since freshman year that we really are not going to eat, no matter how poor and hungry we are. A lot of organizations (especially around college campuses) have events that offer free admission if you bring x amount of canned goods. This could feed a little kid whose family lives off of the local food bank, and there will be several people in need once the impact of Hurricane Matthew is fully assessed.
4. Be the person that makes sure people get home safely.
If you see someone walking alone, see if you can help them get where they need to go safely. Take notice of the world around you, and if there's a group of guys staring at that girl stumbling down the street, pretend that you know her and walk up and keep her company. With the number of rapes and sexual assaults that happen every day and go unreported, you could save her a lifetime of hurt by showing her that you care and making sure she doesn't become one of the many people afraid to come out and share her story because universities and political figures don't seem to care. If you're a man, be Joe Biden and not Donald Trump. The good guy wins more than you think in the long run.
5. Tell your friends how much you love them.
If your friend has vanished for a while and you haven't heard from them, check in. You never know what is going on or why they seemingly dropped off of the face of the earth. If they just need some alone time, don't sweat it. However, make your friends know they're loved and that you notice their absence before they return.
6. Recycle.
See #1. A lot of campuses and other areas provide free recycling bins. Do a quick internet search about landfills and the waste we as humans create, and then do your best to reclaim your waste and recycle what you can't reuse.
7. Educate, don't antagonize.
*Educate yourself, before you educate others.*
Last but not least, put an end to the negativity on the internet and in the vibes you send to the world around you. There is plenty of it to go around already, and you're not going to change that disappointed Bernie supporter's mind that Trump is a misogynistic bigot. You can provide information and valid content matter without cursing someone out. Be kind in educating others, because pushing your agenda on someone in a hateful manner is going to make that person associate hate and pushiness with your cause and make it that much harder to support. You are the face of your cause and you represent it everywhere you go, keep that in mind. Be kind to those who think differently, educate them if you feel they are blindly supporting a cause they think is benevolent. Understand that the previous generations are wary of change and older norms are still valued by some. Learn how to make change sound appealing and less forced, and people will follow (or not, but that isn't up to you to decide).
