New Ways to Volunteer to Increase the Health of our PlanetThe health of our planet is an ever-growing concern for the world. We need to ensure that the planet’s well-being continues to grow in a sustainable way, in an eco-friendly environment. There are many ways that we can volunteer to continue to make the planet a healthier place. Here are some ideas of new ways you can take the initiative today to make a difference.1. Cleanup of PlasticsWork with organizations or start your own initiative to clean up plastic pollution, whether it be the ocean, rivers, lakes, or even land. Plastic can degrade to microplastics, ingested by wildlife, and end up in the human food chain. One of the organizations whose main objective is to clean up oceans and rivers of plastic is Ocean Cleanup.2. Urban Gardening and Green SpacesYou might want to start a greenspace, by creating space of your own or joining a community that is already thriving. There are many new ways to create green spaces no matter where you live including community gardens, rooftop gardens, vertical gardens in urban centers, or creating an indoor green space on a window sill. It also reduces the urban heat island effect (when cities replace natural land with surfaces that absorb and retain heat, ie. buildings, pavement, etc), and increases mental well-being. This helps people in cities reconnect with nature and make the best use of limited spaces.3. Tree Planting and Restoration ProjectsHelp plant trees or participate in habitat restoration projects. Research organizations that are involved in reforestation or revitalizing habitats and try to incorporate some of their ideas into your volunteer experience. The goal is to reverse damage to forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems with new ways of approaching and thinking about our forests and green spaces.4. RecyclingTake the time to recycle within your home, at work, or at school. Ensure that you are putting the correct items in the compost, recycling, and waste bins. Recycling helps to conserve our natural resources, reduces the need to create new materials, and saves money. It’s a win-win for everyone.5. Community Composting ProgramsWhen starting or joining a community that reduces organic waste, they also create a movement of sustainable waste management behaviours. The effects of this type of movement lead to soils that are healthier, a reduction in waste in landfills, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Volunteers can share ideas and new ways of thinking about the waste we create and how to reduce it while positively affecting our environment.6. Environmental Education and AdvocacyEducating others about the environmental issues we face and what people can do to sustain our planet can be beneficial. Many people are unaware of the everyday practices they can initiate or become involved in to help grow the health of our planet. This could include workshops, free talks, and providing educational documents to help raise awareness.7. Host an Event to Raise MoneyYou could host an event to raise money to donate to a charitable cause with a mandate of growing a healthier planet. There are many individuals, companies, and organizations that are willing to participate in a fundraiser, but just don’t have the time or the commitment to put into hosting – but send the invitation and they’re there!8. Turn Off Lights and Unplug Electrical Devices When Not in UseTo reduce your carbon footprint, make an effort to turn off lights and unplug any electric devices when not in use or not needed any longer. Saving electricity whenever we can will help sustain our environment and prolong its life.There are many ways that we can participate in ensuring that our planet continues to grow in a healthy way. If you would like to help keep the planet sustainable or would like to share your ideas, please visit 365give.ca to be part of a giving community of like-minded individuals and help make the planet a healthier place!For more giving inspiration, visit the 365give blog or read these posts:10 Healthy Habits to Help Our Planet this YearEarth Heroes Wanted: 5 Fun and Easy Ways to Give Back to Nature Tammy Lawrence + posts Bio Tammy was born and raised on the North Shore of Vancouver and has always believed in supporting the community. She spent years in non-profit work advocating for girls and women in sport and physical activity and then moved on to fundraising for Big Sisters. She currently works from home as a freelance writer while raising her kids. Always passionate about children and youth and giving back to the community, Tammy found a perfect fit with 365give. Tammy Lawrencehttps://365give.ca/author/tammy-lawrence/ Sharing Love Made Easy: Everyday Acts to Show Care Tammy Lawrencehttps://365give.ca/author/tammy-lawrence/ You Can Help Those Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfire Tammy Lawrencehttps://365give.ca/author/tammy-lawrence/ Eco-Friendly Wellness: Simple Resolutions to Protect the Earth and Your Health Tammy Lawrencehttps://365give.ca/author/tammy-lawrence/ Kickstart Your Year: New Year’s Practices for Personal Growth Patty Benfeito + posts Bio I am a mom of 2 amazing teenage boys and I work in the healthcare field in Human Resources. I love spending time with my partner, Tim and our kids. I enjoy reading, going for walks, spending time at the beach and hanging out by the fire pit delighting in bonfires in the summer months and going for long country drives, stopping to grab an ice creram somewhere along the way. My passion in life is to help others and be the change I want to see in the world and hence why I am a part of the 365give.ca team and movement. Patty Benfeito#molongui-disabled-link How to Spread Peace and Love in Everyday Life Patty Benfeito#molongui-disabled-link 10 Simple Acts of Giving That Improve Mental Health Patty Benfeito#molongui-disabled-link 10 Ways to Embrace Do1Give Day in your School or Classroom Patty Benfeito#molongui-disabled-link 12 Ways to Spread Seeds of Happiness in Your Family Share Article: