These days, reading the news and keeping up with social media can make things seem pretty gloom and doom; air pollution is being produced at record amounts each year, our oceans almost have more plastic in them than fish, habitats are being lost due to commercial logging, and the list of endangered species is ever growing.

Now, at this point you are probably asking yourself “Why am I reading this, this is so depressing?” and my answer to you, reader, is to fear not, because there is hope. Hope that comes from the Power of the People!

So, what is the Power of the People?

The Power of the People is the creation of the National Parks system, it is the movement towards natural products in the market place, and it is the increasing investment in renewable energy.

It is the creation of organizations like the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the rebounding of endangered species, the creation of the Clean Water Act, and so much more.

In summary, the Power of the People is the ability to say “that’s enough!”; it is the ability for individuals to come together and defend what they believe in, and what they love.

Although in current times a large number of people are becoming frustrated with the lack of progress due to larger interest groups and governments, it has never been more important than now to stand for what you believe in. Sure you as an individual may not be able to tackle a large organization, but the collective voice is what will bring about change. Knowing this, here are a couple ways that you can make a difference and voice your opinions not only as an individual, but also as part of the collective whole:

The Consumer Holds the Power

In today’s market place the consumer holds the ultimate power, and plays a role that is almost equivalent to being a God in the market place. The consumers are the ones that bring about the “life and death” of those companies in the market place through supply and demand, and deliver either “punishment or reward” based on a company’s behavior.

Just think about how much you spend every year on clothes, food, toys, books, bedding, furniture, pets, children, and so much more. Every time you purchase an item, you are unconsciously making a decision to endorse the company or individual who produced that product. With this knowledge in mind exercise your power as a consumer by consciously thinking about how your purchases align with your beliefs. Two potential ways in which you can do this include:

Playing Judge and Jury

You, the judge, get to ultimately decide whether a company gets the punishment of losing your business, or rewarded by earning you as a loyal customer. As always the judge always looks to the jury for knowledge, and in this case your fellow consumers will serve that role. Guided by the experience and knowledge of fellow consumers you have the power to make an educated decision about how your choices are going to impact a company.

Take this article about the boycotting of Exxon Mobile for example: https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/03/us/six-groups-urge-boycott-of-exxon.html in it consumers and environment groups were able to “punish” the company because they did not live up to the environmental safety standards of the consumers.

Do Your Own Research

A great example of doing your own research can be seen when comparing agave syrup, a natural sugar substitute, to honey. Agave syrup is often used in the place of honey by many vegans because agave is derived from a plant, and honey is considered an animal product by some. I do not support or condone a decision either way, but my point in using this example is to point out how unsustainable agave can be. While there many be a large abundance of Agave Espadin (the plant agave syrup is derive from) the plant is notorious for taking a long time to mature. To learn more about agave and sustainability you can visit https://www.mezcalreviews.com/mezcal-sustainability/

P.S. Agave Espadin also plays a key role in the production of tequila

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

While not entirely necessary, monetary donations can be beneficial to action groups, charities, and foundations that protect and support the same values that you do!

Join an Action Group/ Volunteer

If you can not dedicate the money to an action group, charity, or foundation, volunteer work can be seen as equally important, and still a great way to support the groups that fight for your values

VOTE!!!!

People for the love of all that is good, get out and vote! Not just for the big presidential elections, but also for all of them! As a citizen of the state it is not only your civic duty, but it is also your constitutional right! Regardless of who you support, you should go out and vote for individuals who represent your beliefs

Challenge the Status Quo

Whether it be at your work, school, home, town, state, or even country challenge the status quo if you don’t like how something is. Given when moving forward to make a change it is important to assess the risks! When bringing up your idea make sure to frame it in a positive viewpoint and be specific as to why you think it should change, and what benefit it would bring.

Wrapping Up

Overall these are just a few of the many way in which YOU can make a difference! In these times, it is most important to remember how powerful you really are, and to never give up!

I would love to hear if anyone has other ideas, comments, or questions!