Tread Lightly, Dear One.

Spring is finally starting to show itself in my little spot on this earth. I know, from reading back through diary entries, that last year we didn't really see proper warmer weather until November, so maybe I'm being a bit pre-emptive, but we've had a few days in a row where it has definitely been T-shirt weather. Hubby and I have been doing a massive garden clean-up. The weeds have overtaken our yard and gardens and we were hoping that they would die off when we had a few warmer days but they seemed to have multiplied, not died. We still have a lot of work to do but at least the garden bed is weed-free. I have been able to plant some potted colour (marigolds) - little rays of sunshine poking their heads above the retaining wall. Our mulberry tree is abundant with fruit but I haven't been able to get in there because the weeds were so long around it and I was worried about snakes. So over the next couple of days I'll get out there and pick some of its delicious fruit. We also have limes as well. Yum!

All this flourish of growth reminds me of just how abundant life can be. Mother Earth always comes through with her bounty, even though we trample on her hallowed grounds and abuse her for her treasures. I think we are starting to see that we need to tread so much more lightly than what we have been. I have said this before and I will continue to say it until we start to listen, but Mother Earth, life, is self-sustaining. She will do whatever she needs to do to survive, including getting rid of us. Unfortunately, being at the top of the food chain has made us arrogant - thinking that we rule this planet we live on (and every other part of the Universe). Yet in the scheme of things we are just specks of dust that have existed on this planet for a mere second, compared to the timelessness of the Universe. The Universe will be here long after we have disappeared from existence. We need to realise that the connection between all living things includes us and everything we do has an impact somewhere. So let's treat this planet more kindly.

It can seem like an impossible task when you go down the rabbit hole of information available about saving the planet. In fact, it is overwhelming when you look at the data. It can make you want to pull the covers up over your head and never come out. But all we have to do is start with our little part of the planet. There is the typical recycle, reuse and reduce elements to reducing your footprint but you can also do some of the following:

• Swap out your chemical cleaners for environmentally friendly cleaners. I use a lot of white vinegar and bicarb soda to clean everything from toilets to fry pans. There are also some great products out there now like Tirtyl who sell you containers that are refillable with water and a tablet, reducing the waste products from buying new bottles and reducing the amount of chemicals in your home. I have endometriosis, so it is so important for me to have very little chemicals being used in the house.

• Reduce your washing by wearing clothes more than once. Now for some people this is not viable; I'm thinking tradespeople, chefs, etc. However, if you go out to dinner and you wear a shirt (that you manage not to spill food over) for a couple of hours, then air it out and wear it another time. Reducing your washing, reduces the amount of water and electricity you're using and your clothes will stay looking better for longer.

• Speaking of clothes, stop buying fast fashion! You do not need to update your wardrobe every season. Wear your clothes until they have worn out. If you buy classics then you can wear them for years. If you have clothes sitting in the back of your wardrobe that you haven't worn for years, take them to a charity. People, these days, are especially grateful for charity op shops, particularly if you're trying to dress a family. Also stop buying polyester, acrylics and fabrics that are not biodegradable! There are so many choices for cotton, linen, viscose, bamboo that are reasonably priced. I know that when my T-shirts have done their time in my wardrobe that the majority of them can go in the compost. We have to buy less and buy more natural products if we want this planet to be here for future generations.

• Eat whole foods - vegetables, fruit, meats, fish, grains, nuts, legumes, and if you can afford it, but organic. Better yet, grow some of your own food. It is true what they say about food tasting so much better when you've grown it yourself, and you know that no chemicals have been sprayed on them. We need to stop putting chemicals in our bodies. This is why endometriosis and other reproductive diseases are rife. I was reading an article the other day in the magazine 'Wellbeing', that talked about going back to eating how our grandparents and great-grandparents ate - mostly whole foods, bought local, and in season. It really is so simple to have a varied diet without having to buy processed, chemical laden food.

• Lastly, try and holiday in your own backyard. I know it's exciting and fun to travel to distance places for holidays and adventures, but rather than travelling overseas or interstate every year, maybe make it every second year. Get out and see your state through the eyes of a tourist. Tim and I do this all the time and we have had some of the best holidays this way, without clocking up huge amounts of air miles. Just because we can do it, doesn't mean we should; I think this saying is very fitting when it comes to clocking up frequent flyers. And if you have to fly for work, try to find a scheme where you can offset your air miles with something that is kinder to the planet.

The best thing you can do to help us save the planet, is think before you act. Think about the impact your actions will have on the environment around you and globally. Tread lightly, have respect for all living things and remember that everything is connected.

Until next time...

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