30 little ways to put some good back into the world

You know those times when it all just feels a bit hopeless?  When every time you turn on the news there’s something else happening that makes everything feel a bit heavier?

It can be really easy to think that there’s nothing we can do at those times.  There’s no way that one single person can really make a difference or put things right.

But imagine if every single person did one little thing.  Think how quickly it would all add up.  Think of the difference we could all make together if we all did one of these little things to put some good back into the world.

1. Smile at people.

Anyone and everyone you pass on your way to work, on the school run, at the supermarket, in the park – if you catch their eye, give them a warm smile.

2. Recycle.  

Do your little bit to reduce waste and help the planet.

Start with recycling glass, tins, paper, and plastics.  Then take it a step further and start taking your soft plastics, the kind that loaves of bread come in, to somewhere like the Co-op who will recycle them for you.

3. Make an eco-friendly switch.  

Think about the things you use every day and see if there are any eco-friendly alternatives you could try, like:

• Replace kitchen roll with microfibre cloths
• Switch to cloth nappies instead of disposable ones
• Take a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks in plastic bottles when you’re out
• Swap cotton wool balls for washable bamboo pads for cleansing your face
• Walk when you can instead of taking the car

4. Use your leftovers.

One little thing we can all do to help the planet is to be more mindful of the food we end up wasting.

So keep an eye on the things in your fridge and rescue them before they turn and end up in the bin.  Veg that’s almost at its limit can be cooked up with some stock and made into a simple soup.  Leftovers from dinner can be eaten as a quick lunch the next day.  And we all know by now that bananas that are good and brown are perfect for turning into banana bread!

5. Try meal planning.

On the same topic, meal planning can really help reduce the amount of food we waste.

Knowing what meals you plan to eat each week and then only buying what you need to make them will mean that you don’t end up with extra bits and pieces going past their use by dates in the fridge.

6. Give away something you no longer need.

You never know who might be desperately looking for the things that are just sitting unloved in your home.

So pass on the clothes and toys that your children have grown out of, books that you’ve read but won’t read again, kitchen utensils that you have duplicates of, and all the other things around your house that you don’t have any need for any more.

You can donate things to a local charity shop or ask around your friends and family to see if anyone could make use of them.

7. Buy someone a bunch of flowers.

Next time you’re at the supermarket pick up a bunch of flowers and then give them to your partner, your child, your dad, your neighbour, or a passing stranger in the street.  It’s a small gesture that will really make someone’s day, and that then has a ripple effect as they pass that happiness on to other people.

8. Just be kind.

In everything you do, in all your interactions with other people, and with yourself.  Just be kind.

9. Be thankful.

Even if it’s just for blue skies, a hot cup of coffee, or a quick chat with a friend.  Take the time to acknowledge the good things in life.

10. Hold the door open for someone.

It’s such a small thing to do but it’s all these tiny gestures that add up and put so much good back into the world.

11. Let someone in front of you at the till.

When you’re doing the big weekly shop have a quick check behind you, and if the next person is just getting a basket of bits then let them go ahead of you.  It won’t slow your day down much but will make things just that bit easier for them.

12. Buy the big issue.

And have a chat with the person selling it when you do.

13. Write a letter of thanks.

Reach out to someone who’s made a difference in your life, or in your child’s life, and let them know that you’re grateful.

14. Give grace.

Know that everyone out there is just doing their best at the moment.  We have no idea what things they’re struggling with on top of everything that’s going on in the world.  So be patient.  Be kind.  Let mistakes go and just cut other people a bit of slack.

15. Share happy things.

There is so much negativity on the news and on social media at the moment, so when you see something good or happy make a point of sharing it. 

Spread happiness whenever you can.

16. Have fun.

Whatever is happening in the world, know that it’s ok to still have fun and be silly and enjoy life.

17. Tell a parent they’re doing an amazing job.

Parents don’t hear it nearly enough and it can make a huge difference to be told you’re doing well, especially when it feels like you’re barely treading water.

18. Share your skills and knowledge.

Don’t gate keep.  Share your knowledge freely.  If you’re doing well at something, then do what you can to bring other people up to meet you where you are.

19. Bring flowers into your home.

Even if you’re the only one who’ll see them, they’ll make you smile and then you’ll take that happiness out with you into the world.

20. Shop at small businesses.

That saying about a real person doing a happy dance whenever someone buys from them?  There’s so much truth in that.  It means the world to small business owners when someone chooses to buy from them.

So whether it’s heading to Etsy for your Mother’s Day gift or getting your fruit and veg from the local market you’ll be putting a lot of good into the world when you shop small.

21. Support small businesses online.

If you don’t need to buy anything you can still make a big difference to small business owners by supporting them online.

Make a point of liking, sharing, and commenting on their social media posts to show your support and help spread the word about how great they are.

22. Educate yourself.

When you know more about the issues other people face you can do more to help and put more good out into the world.  Look beyond your own life and experiences and see things from other people’s point of view.

23. Be an ally.

Support, stand up for, and listen to those who need it.

24. Think of the people coming behind you.

Both literally and more metaphorically, try to leave the world a better place than it was before.

Don’t litter.  Pick up after your dog.  Plant seeds of kindness in your children.

25. Phone your parents.

26. Be open with your children.

Find an age-appropriate way to talk to your children about the world.  Help them to grow up openminded, kind, and accepting by showing them families and lifestyles that are different from your own.

27. Carry out random acts of kindness.

Look for opportunities to do nice things for other people.

It can be as small as leaving your pound coin in the trolley for the next person to use, or feeding the birds in your garden.  But every little action puts that bit more good out there.

28. Compliment others.

Any time you think something nice about someone, make a point of actually letting them know.

Tell them you love their outfit, that their new haircut really suits them, that you’re impressed with something they’ve done at home or at work, or just that you enjoy spending time with them.

29. Learn to really listen.

Then when you ask someone how they are, really listen to their answer.

30. Walk away.

There can be so much nastiness both online and in the real world, so make sure you don’t add to it.

If someone says something or shares something that you don’t agree with, ask yourself these questions – Does this impact me in any way?  Is this hurting anyone?  If the answer is no, then just walk away.

Don’t comment.  Don’t get drawn into arguments.  Just walk away.