The last few weeks, we have seen the most beautiful landscapes. Towering rocks in the Fiordland National Park, the turquoise waters of the alpine lakes, fern covered hills near the coast. The sea lions basking in the sun, the tiny prints of the penguins from their pre-dawn return to the sea, the birds circling the rocks looking for food. Every turn in the road is a new scene that no camera could really capture.

I have quickly been reminded how small I really am in this universe. It’s humbling and a bit freeing. I can’t carry the entire world on my back because I am just one tiny person on this big, beautiful Earth. This quote is written on the front page of my journal and is a reminder for me everyday.

I am constantly reminded how quickly this planet is being destroyed. Each glacier that we see has shrunk faster in recent years than ever before. If we return in 20 years, they will be close to gone. The national park asks people to take photos from that same angle so they can see how the landscape is changing. You can see ours in the photo below. The penguins that call New Zealand home are becoming endangered with each road built and new predator introduced. Their habitat is shrinking every day.

What do you do?

Climate change and its environmental impact is heavy. It can be a bit overwhelming. The internet helps deliver information, but it doesn’t give an easy starting point.

Maybe you are already a huge advocate for the environment and you’re living off the grid in an earth home made from secondhand materials.

Maybe you are drinking out of a plastic straw as you read this completely overwhelmed by concepts like carbon offsetting and composting.

To be fair, I’m definitely more towards the latter, but trying every day to learn and understand how I can make changes that make me happy and reduce my impacts to the planet.

No matter where you fall on that spectrum, I need you to see that you are a teeny tiny part of this big and beautiful world. And in your tiny little corner, it’s important for you to do something. Here are some things that we have focused on that don’t require much sacrifice, but will make a difference. They will most likely simplify your life as a whole.

Try one of these somethings:

Clothing

Take a break from purchasing clothes for the rest of the month. Maybe watch The True Cost on Netflix to learn a little more about the impacts of the fashion industry. If you need something specific, try using Poshmark or a secondhand store. This is a good time of year to go through your closet. Take the items you haven’t worn in a while and try them on. You either found yourself a new outfit or something to donate.

Meat-Free

Go Vegetarian for a week. I promise it’s easier than you think it is. We decided to try 30 days meat free and have been that way for 7 years now. Click here to see a Pinterest board of meals we’ve actually made and loved.

Fall in Love

Learn about something new. Read about an animal you’ve never heard of or the plant life in your region of the world. I’ve been reading lots about the Blue Penguins and it helps me have another reason to walk to the grocery store. Just looking at pictures of them and knowing the impact my actions can have on their existence is powerful. If you want to fall in love with them, here is the site that our current AirBnB helps support.

Gentle Reminders

Remind friends to bring their reusable bags when shopping. Maybe you need one yourself. We brought two of these (see here) to New Zealand with us because they fold down so small and they are great to transport groceries, wine or whatever. One of my favorite ideas is using these as gift bags as a way to introduce to friends that might not use them now.

Allow Time

Slow down a few times a week. I’ve noticed that lots of the waste in garbage bins are caused by convenience. People want everything right now and fast. I know I’ve had many to-go containers, coffee cups and plastic straws in my lifetime. You don’t have to always hurry. Taking the time to slow down and have your coffee in a ceramic mug instead of a paper cup is better for you and the planet.

And because sometimes you need a laugh…

Note: this video is not appropriate for kids. We watched it this morning with coffee and have been singing it all day.

Like I said, this stuff is heavy and sad and real. But you won’t help anyone by being doom and gloom all the time. Use your voice, make changes in your routine and most importantly, remember that you are one and you can do something.