I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, Let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again.
- STEVEN GRELETT
In one unusual moment, I found time to watch, and surprisingly finish, a movie at home last Saturday. The movie was “Evan Almighty” starring Steve Carell. I remember watching Jim Carrey’s “Bruce Almighty” before and I would say both had the same kind of comedy and tag line. One thing that struck me though in this later version is the use of the “ARK” which was expounded well in the movie to mean “Acts of Random Kindness”. This was linked to Carell’s newbie-politician character who wanted to change the world! God asked him to build an Ark, just like Noah in Genesis 6:14, and this eventually saved lives from a flood that came, similar to that in the bible.
The story seemed simple but the message was very timely and appropriate at this time. It could mean doing acts of kindness to other people for peace or to the environment to save it from its impending destruction.
With the drought we are experiencing now, I would like to focus on ARKs for the good of the environment. It is reported that never has the need for mass participation in random acts of kindness to the environment been so critical, as the Earth and all who inhabit it, face the threats to survival posed by global warming .
Acts of random kindness was originally defined as any selfless, compassionate act that people perform to help strangers. The concept has evolved to include random acts people do to reduce pollution, conserve energy, preserve habitats, promote conservation, protect wildlife, reuse resources, and other environmentally positive activities.
ARKs that focus on preserving and maintaining environmental integrity can literally take just a few minutes to complete. Whether the random acts involve removing a plastic bag from a pond so the wildlife in the area won't become entangled in it, turning off a dripping faucet in a public restroom, or not throwing garbage in the rivers and esteros , the cumulative effects make a positive difference.
Do an ARK for the environment every chance you get. You may be surprised at how many opportunities you have to make a difference during the course of a normal day. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- When you see a leaky faucet in a public restroom, turn it off and conserve water . Report a persistent leak to the proper authorities.
- When taking a walk, pick up trash. If you find a recyclable item, such as an aluminum can, recycle it.
- When strolling or taking a hike, bring along a bag and pick up any trash you find along the way. Recycle anything that is recyclable.
- Make homemade cards by recycling used greeting cards and using other found materials to decorate them. Encourage your children to do the same.
- Close any open case doors you see in your house or the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
- When purchasing one or two items that are easy to carry, especially items already in a bag such as a bag of fruit or bag of cat food, do not take a plastic or paper bag from the clerk.
- After you have finished reading a newspaper or magazine during your commute or while waiting for a jeep or the LRT, offer it to bystanders.
- Make small signs with tips on how to save energy and put them in appropriate places, like next to light switches at work or in the restrooms.
- Periodically check the office, school, or church refrigerator and freezer to make sure they are at the proper temperature and that the seals are tight.
- Offer to help an elderly or disabled neighbor who may be physically unable to recycle.
- Donate your extra ceramic coffee mugs to your office, classmate, or friends. Offer to bring reusable mugs to any small gathering at which refreshments are served. Always bring one for yourself (keep one in your car so you won't forget).
- Report polluters to the proper authorities. A company's vehicle may be spewing excessive smoke, for example, so a call to the company's local or state office may be appropriate. If you notice someone dumping illegally, note a license plate number if possible and report it to your city, county, or state environmental office.
- Practice Reduce/Reuse/Recycle by giving items away to people who are looking for them
Aesop said, "No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." When it comes to helping preserve the environment, every ARK helps!
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/volunteerism/pr/random-acts-of-kindness.htm
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