Although it is controversial, I am convinced the whole climate change narrative is nothing more than a money grab by the people at the very top who control the money in the US,
collaborating with other governments around the world. I won’t give any
more attention to climate change; however, I do believe we have a responsibility
to do our part to address the destruction of Mother Earth.
This blog is written to help you show gratitude and love for Mother Earth
and to help clean up and protect the planet for future generations.
These six steps are high-impact, and when combined, will create major change in
the individuals and the environment. You can lead a life you’re proud of that
benefits you, your community, and the entire planet. All these tips are free
to implement and may even save you money.
1. Show gratitude
So many of us take the benefits of Mother Earth for granted and rarely, if
ever, stop to express our gratitude for the life-sustaining benefits she gives
us. If you don’t already, start a gratitude journal and every morning write
down 5 things you are grateful for. You can include other aspects of your
life that you appreciate, but be sure to include gratitude for fresh air, clean
water, and nature.
One of the best ways to show your gratitude for Mother
Earth is to reduce the amount of waste, reuse items instead of throwing
them away, and recycle whenever you can. We create so much trash that it
takes hundreds of years to decompose. When we compost our food waste,
fix things instead of throwing them away, and repurpose old items, it makes
a big difference in the landfills and in our environment.
2. Reduce the amount of stuff you buy
Americans are notorious for being overconsumers. We buy far more than
we need, and it ends up as clutter in our homes and offices, sitting in
storage facilities we pay extra for, and finally as garbage in our landfills.
When you think about buying something new, stop and ask yourself if this
is something you really need or is it an impulse buy? Is it something you
can buy used? Can you find a website or neighbor and barter for it? Check
your closets. We also buy too much clothing, which are also overfilling
landfills. We think we’re helping by donating the clothes, but they are often
sent to poor countries where they are overwhelming the economy. We can
live sustainably when we buy less, buy organic and green clothing that are
better quality.
3. Use other forms of transportation
Instead of automatically getting into the car to drive short distances, slip on
your walking shoes, ride your bike, or take public transportation. I learned
first-hand how enjoyable and freeing it is not to use a car. I have been living
outside the US where it is common not to drive a car. I walk or take public
transportation everywhere I go, and I love it. I don’t miss driving at all; I’ve
already lost 15 pounds, and I feel good knowing that I am contributing to
reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, reduced oil
consumption, and reduced traffic congestion.
4. Be more considerate
Be the person who considers how your actions affect other people,
animals, rivers, forests, and the entire earth. You can start by educating
yourself on how you impact the environment. You can easily find resources
online to help you understand how you can help preserve natural habitat
and wildlife, even in your local parks. Do not litter or use harmful chemicals
or pesticides. If you do, be mindful of not throwing them down the drain,
which could harm wildlife or end up in drinking water. Help others become
aware of their impact on the environment and other living beings.
5. Save water
The EPA reports that the average American family consumes more than
300 gallons of water a day. Fresh water has become scarcer in many parts
of the world, and we must help conserve water for future generations.
Reducing water consumption also helps reduce energy use and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, water is vital for the health of
the ecosystems, and reducing consumption helps to ensure that all plants
and wildlife have enough water to survive.
6. Reduce in-home toxins
I am amazed at how many people continue to buy in-home products that
are known to be highly toxic and even cancerous. The EPA tells us that the
quality of air indoors is more than ten times more toxic than the air outside.
This is because people continue to buy conventional household cleaners
that are highly toxic. Choosing eco-friendly, non-toxic products like
detergents, dryer sheets, perfumes, candles, and air fresheners will go a
long way in keeping the indoor air clean and making your home healthier
for you, your family, and friends.
By incorporating these steps into your daily life, it will help you
cultivate a sense of gratitude for everything that gives you life and
contributes to your overall sense of well-being. This will eventually
increase your personal happiness and fulfillment. Mother Earth thanks you, and so do I.
LaVera J. Forbes, PhD, MS, CHN, is the founder of Dr. LaVera’s Healthy Aging, LLC. Find free healthy aging resources at drlavera.com.
© 2026 Dr. LaVera’s Healthy Aging, LLC. All rights reserved.