Ripple Effects Require Energy

Ripples are waves of energy, essentially. So what type of ripples are you sending out?
Think for a minute about how the ripples you create are affecting and multiplying by the billions of other people all across this one, precious Earth...

Kenai sending out ripples in the Eel River.

The intention and purpose of the ECO-MAD movement is to connect with ourselves on a deep level, hopefully allowing us to discover and develop true contentment through selflessness and then setting examples which cast that contagious conscientiousness into the world. Every single one of us has control over our own thoughts, choices and actions. Each individual has the power to manifest and exemplify positivity, kindness, compassion, love, personal growth and evolution, action and achievement, and amelioration of our lives and the state of all living things on this planet. Every passing day it becomes exceedingly vital that we focus more on what it is we are emanating from within ourselves to the rest of the world.

Initiating proliferation of these meaningful conceptions and intentions unfortunately requires more time, energy and thoughtfulness than most may be willing to give or more than we believe ourselves capable of giving. But as of today, let us make no excuse nor justification for denying this planet, the future generations of our species (our children!) and ourselves of what we know we need to do. Put as simply and generally as possible, we are capable of and imperatively need to Exert Conscientious Options regularly in order to Make A Difference which is urgent and crucial.

The way we should view this idea is that every step in the right direction helps. We may not get everywhere we're going in one quick sprint, but every time we put one foot in front of the other we are closer to our goal. And everyone goes somewhere at some point right? So there's no denying that we're technically all in this together, and there's no reason to walk in opposition because it only does more harm than good for everyone. In other words, no matter what someone believes about ideas of humanity, climate change, social justice, ethics, etc., there's absolutely no reason not to use our personal power as individuals (and our combined power as a species) to try to improve the systems that influence everything and everyone on this planet. A movement of collective action meant to have only positive effects!

**Put It Into Practice**

Yes, this does mean putting in the extra effort and energy to do things like choosing the less-convenient alternative; taking the time to research candidates and policies and then voting; researching before decision-making so we support people/ companies/ industries doing it right; investing extra money into something more ethical or sustainable; washing/ bringing our reusables instead of buying disposables; denying ourselves the coffee if we forget our reusable cup (or at least refusing the plastic lid and going 'topless'); remembering our own bags for produce and groceries so we don't have to use/ dispose of new ones every time (I personally make bags out of old t-shirts); shopping at bulk food stores whenever possible; seeking out whole foods to snack on instead of plastic-wrapped processed things; opting for second-hand clothing (and taking care of the clothes we own) before buying new; spot-washing garments instead of putting it all in the laundry, and keeping in mind that there is always an option which is better for us, others and the environment.

As the ripples undulate they begin with us and move outward, affecting our close family and friends, acquaintances, strangers, community, society, and the global populace. Try it! Make a few changes in your lifestyle and see how others notice, then realize how you feel knowing that you're making a positive difference in the world around you. Then make a few more changes. You don't have to promote it or preach it, simply do it. In my experience, setting an example always leads to other people being curious and initiation of a conversation. Plus, it feels great to be a trend-setter for normalizing things that should be routine already (sure, you may get some 'looks' or have to deal with some patronizing attitudes, but what does that matter when you know that what you're doing is helping?).

Making informed, ethical, sustainable decisions ripples beyond just those who immediately recognize it, as well. And it's no secret that money makes quite the splash - sending out some of the most gigantic, far-reaching waves. So for example, if we choose to buy something sourced, made and/or sold locally, we're most likely contributing to our community (money stays local, supporting local industries/ artists/ shop owners), society (helping strengthen society's sense of community with human interaction, less packaging so less waste) and the global populace (not supporting sweatshops or child labor or other unethical practices on the other side of the world somewhere out of sight and mind). No matter what we decide to spend our money on or where we purchase from, it's significant to understand the power our consumerism has (vote with your dollars) and the importance of researching the different aspects of where/ what/ how/ by whom things are made. We must not take it for granted that many of us have access to this privileged resource called the internet, which if used right, can unveil immense amounts of credible, applicable information useful in our decision-making.