All you need to know about…

giving happiness global impact

New Ways to Volunteer to Increase the Health of our Planet

New Ways to Volunteer to Increase the Health of our Planet

The 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 Plastics

Work 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.

ocean clean up

2. Urban Gardening and Green Spaces

You 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 Projects

Help 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.

plant trees

4. Recycling

Take 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.

recycling

5. Community Composting Programs

When 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 Advocacy

Educating 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 Money

You 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 Use

To 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 Year

Earth Heroes Wanted: 5 Fun and Easy Ways to Give Back to Nature

Tammy Lawrence
+ posts

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.

Patty Benfeito
+ posts

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.

Share Article:

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)

Your contribution will create
a ripple of good in the world

We can’t change the world alone.

We can when we work together.

Every dollar given to 365give is action for a better world.

Donate Today

[email protected]

Send us a message