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These 17 Things Are The Most Important In Everyone’s Life

everyone wants the same thing in life

Recently a spike in human suffering has risen around the world. This pandemic has bubbled over emotions brewing under the surface. So now we’re seeing outbursts of racial tensions, hunger, and anger. People are in a mad search to find things that are the most important in everyone’s life. This anger comes from suffering an acute case of “world order”.

Historically, pockets of tension have already risen up to create awareness. But, all around the world, their rise and fall eventually fade away. The world’s sense of order remains intact and its business, as usual.

The struggle to get those things most important to everyone’s life

People who “fight the system” want a sense of order. This order would give them the right to live free from persecution. The trouble today is the distribution of wealth is so badly skewed. Therefore, making it near impossible to fix fundamental social issues. People want to live their dreams, capture happiness, and enjoy life. But, segregation from these values is the root cause of poverty around the world.

So, how do we make everyone’s life great? The definition of greatness can mean so many things! But, to me, I believe it’s achieved by solving more problems than we create! There is one organization that dedicates it’s time to solving problems made by the current world order.

The United Nations is well respected and one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It’s a panel of sovereign states bound by a treaty that acts as a charter. This charter was created after World War 2 to prevent wars in the future. Its duties include but are not limited to maintaining peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

They’ve created 17 sustainable development goals that are important in everyone’s life. It’s basically a framework that will give the people in the developing world sustainable lives. These people want to live more like us.

END POVERTY

The good news is extreme poverty has declined over 25% in 25 years. However, the bad news is COVID-19 threatens this progress. The World Institute For Development, Economics & Research has issued a warning. Global poverty will increase by 8% within the global population. Nobody wants to live in poverty. The means for a living is one of the things most important in everyone’s life.

ZERO HUNGER

Wars and conflicts coupled with climate change and economic downturns have caused hunger to increase over the past five years. A quarter of a billion people are at extreme risk of starvation! Only a profound change will manage to feed those in need and the additional 2 billion people expected by 2050.

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

This umbrella of well-being supports women and children. Children 5 and under that live in poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Yemen have a poor chance of survival. So, they’re educating women in contraception and maternal health. It’s the continuing fight of diseases such as Malaria, AIDS, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis. So that global incidence will decrease. The UN has also proposed a goal for universal health care.

QUALITY EDUCATION

It’s hard to believe that there is still 617 million youth who lack basic math, reading, and writing skills! 50% of these children struggle to get an education because of regional conflicts. All children should have equal opportunity to access all levels of education every step of the way. Knowledge is one of the things most important in everyone’s life.

GENDER EQUALITY

Currently 1 in 5 women between the ages of 15 – 49 experience physical or sexual abuse by their partner. Giving girls confidence is important. The best way to help is by giving opportunities for quality education and leadership roles. Laws should soon pass so children won’t be forced into early marriages. The violence still happens today and unfortunately, the COVID pandemic is working to reverse the limited progress.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Billions of people don’t have access to clean water! As a matter of fact, 1 in 3 people worldwide DO NOT have access to clean drinking water at all! This number is deplorable. What’s even worse, it’s the children that suffer the most. Up to 1000 die each day from preventable water-related diseases. It’s a sad state of affairs for so many and it needs to change. Everyone should have universal access to safe drinking water. Not to mention, reducing pollution to improve water quality. They’ll do this by building support for infrastructure to developing countries.

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Affordable technology that promotes clean energy is becoming a reality. So much money was sunk into this industry from both the public and private sector. Nevertheless, there are still 3 billion people that use dirty cooking fuels. The efficiency of fuel is a necessity to reduce Greenhouse gases. Improving fuel options and simultaneously giving electricity to those in need can be difficult to keep GHG emissions down. However, government policy options should provide the basis for more effective change.

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

The trouble with this picture is that we should not have economic growth just to have decent work. The issue with economic growth is it undermines sustainable land practices, water practices, and climate action. More actions is needed to change government policy. The least developed countries need a boost in the employment sector. So young people have an opportunity in safe formal employment. Gender and racial inequalities must be addressed to prevent pay gaps. A decent job is one of the things most important in everyone’s life.

INDUSTRY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND INNOVATION

In recent years, there’s been a decoupling of CO2 and industrialization. The manufacturing industry has decreased carbon emissions. Between 2010 and 2016 emissions reduced by 3% annually. Yet, there was an increase in infrastructure in developing countries. Between 2010 and 2017 infrastructure reached a total of 32%. Innovations are the key to find lasting solutions to sustainable industrialization. However, there is still not enough support to help the least developed countries.

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

The issue of equal treatment has become a hot topic fueled by COVID-19 and racial tensions. The world has to relearn language and assumptions that have been taught throughout the years. The UN suggests there has been some progress in reducing relative income opportunities in some countries. Plus, there’s now more overall preferential trading with lower-income countries. However, COVID-19 has further widened the gap in existing inequalities. SO there’s a lot of work to do! Notably, boost developing country’s economies by giving them special treatment. Countries that struggle with conflict and climate change must migrate. Facilitating an orderly well-managed migration policy is key.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

There are not very many sustainable cities in the world. More than half of the world’s population lives in the city. Global City’s are responsible for 60% of the world’s GDP. Nonetheless, they’re also responsible for 70% of global carbon emissions. Another issue is the speed of which land is urbanized. If this happens too fast it results in an increased number of slums. The plan to increase sustainable urbanization and simultaneously reduce the environmental impact will be difficult.

SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS

The world has consumed the resources that Mother Nature offers with a ravenous appetite. The educational system does not teach kids about sustainable economic practices. But instead, Earth is only just an anomaly in economics. It’s a sad reality that reflects a broken system. For instance, the world currently lets 1 trillion dollars of food rot each year. Yet, there are starving children dying every day. It’s projected that once the world reaches 9.6 billion people the world would need 3 Earth-like planets to sustain our current lifestyle. All countries have to work together to make this goal a success.

CLIMATE ACTION

Since COVID-19 CO2 levels will lessen to 6% of current peak levels. In light of the world’s longest pause, we’re still not out of the woods yet! (So to speak) Instead, somehow we will have to increase resiliency to natural disasters. Improve education, mitigate, adapt, and develop early warning systems. The world’s CO2 levels are increasing since populations are on the rise. Not to mention, countries have issues integrating climate change into national policies.

SUSTAINABLE WATER PRACTICES

The blue planet is our home and the ocean covers 3/4 of the Earth’s mass. It drives our weather, provides food, and the oxygen we breathe. It is life. We rely so heavily on the ocean. It’s estimated the worth of the global marine market is 3 trillion dollars. But, industrialization has polluted water causing acidification. The fish species serve the world as the largest source of protein yet numbers are declining.

SUSTAINABLE LAND PRACTICES

We take the processes of nature for granted when in fact it is critical to our survival. It provides us the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the clothes on our backs. The food chain is under constant pressure since we’ve altered 75% of the landmass. 1,000,000 plant and animal species are under threat of extinction. Deforestation and desertification are also a major threat to humankind. Land restoration is vital to the planet and its inhabitants.

PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR PEOPLE

How can we have peace and justice for people when we treat our planet the way we do! There will always be conflict, insecurity, and injustices when we can not live sustainably. The corruption, bribery, theft, and tax evasion cost developing countries 1.26 trillion dollars a year. The lack of resources and oppressive forces have fueled a cycle of poverty. The corrupt see it as an alternative to an otherwise impoverished life. Ending violence, exploitation, and reducing arms can strengthen society. However, it can only happen if we can change the world!

PARTNERSHIPS

The UN acknowledges that these are lofty goals for initiatives like these. They need cooperation from all levels of global, regional, national, and local levels. However, the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. Unfortunately. the world order has built a platform that segregates the developing world. Aid levels are falling and countries have not lived up to their pledge for financial assistance. To encourage trade the nations that struggle the most need help.

Does the UN have the ability to implement a plan to get us out of this mess? It seems to me that they’ll need superhero powers to make this happen! The issues are all interconnected. In many cases, you can not fix one without major improvement in another. The sustainable development plan must meet their targets by 2030.

These are the most important things in life. Kids want food, water, security, love, and a place to call home. They want opportunity and education just like you and me. Are these goals a pipe dream, a facade that gives the UN relevancy in today’s world? In the end, it doesn’t really matter. There is no one else who can make it happen!


It’s time to take a more holistic approach and start inventing new ways to replace synthetic chemicals and materials with natural alternatives. Communities around the world have an opportunity to harvest Planet, People Products. Support small organizations that are working to support these small villages, local artisans and grass root organizations. Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life in a meaningful way? Buy products from small companies working with villagers. These Seagrass market bags are a good way to support the artisans in Vietnam. It’s our pledge to work together to create a more natural, healthy and Eco-friendly planet.

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How To Cut Your Christmas Spending In Half.

Ahh, Christmas time! The time of year where we deck the townhouse with boughs of LED lights. While singing our favorite Justin Bieber tune Oh Despacito! Tiny tots their eyes are all aglow with…(wait for it!) Minecraft. (I know it’s corny but all of it’s true!) The times have changed for Christmas traditions! We spend WAY more money! So let’s try and cut your Christmas spending in half!

Canadian’s are spending money on things that are the next best thing. The latest and greatest gadget! But this will lead us into more debt not to mention stress. We definitely don’t need more of this!

We do it even though the images from the media show us our waste is piling up! Too much trash! Recycling is only a bandaid. Species and ecosystems remain at risk. What can you do to help? Simply, cut your Christmas spending in half!

Our friends invited us over for dinner and we talked for hours about the kids. Oh! how they’re super spoiled during Christmas time! (all year long really!) Kids are in love with toys.

We talked about toy companies and how brilliantly they market their products. They’ve innovated toy models from basic into something with a new novelty. They can shift their shapes, make new noises or light up! Yet, they’re still fundamentally the same.

My friend said she asked her family to give her child previously used toys. She knows that this will help to reduce our carbon footprint.

Marketing Vs Christmas spending

However, her clever thought never materialized. Her family believed it wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t the Christmas spirit! So, what is the Christmas spirit?

The modern-day Christmas spirit has become a marketer’s mandate to increase sales. Consequently, the marketing of the Christmas spirit has generated greater fourth-quarter earnings. 

It’s effective and their marketing tactics make it hard to break tradition. The tradition of opening our wallets year after year. But, we shouldn’t let our economic ability to buy new toys be the driving force of Christmas. The loss of income should not be the reason families consider buying less.

Finding ways to make positive memories and traditions should be fun. It will take some planning, but once we get into the moment, it’s a stress-free experience. It’s the simple things that become popular amongst family and friends. Not how much money we spend!

Decorate and bake

Hang the mistletoe! It’s a time-honored tradition that’s been handed down through the ages. It’s romantic and adds some fun to a holiday.

Baking your own cookies, Christmas bars or cakes make the house smell like home. It’s the sweet smells that make the longest lasting memories. How many people grow up and remember the taste of Mom’s cooking? Yes, it’s a memory that will outlast the gifts we receive on this special occasion.

Baking also reduces the amount of packaging we throw away. It also reduces our reliance on Palm Oil commonly found in cookies. Palm Oil is the number one threat to the deforestation, habitat loss and extinction of wild animals. So bake till your heart’s content knowing you’re making a difference!

Games

Family Games like “Find the pickle”  is played when a pickle-shaped ornament. It’s hidden somewhere on the Xmas tree, the person who finds it gets an extra present (maybe it’s a chocolate or a Christmas cookie).

Elf on the shelf is a popular children’s game! The elf observes the family throughout the day and reports back to Santa Clause at bedtime. The next morning the little elf turns up in a different location around the house. Kids are on their best behavior and it becomes a game of hide and seek for the entire month of December.

Gift experiences

To change up Christmas means that habits have to change by using the imagination. Yes! for some, this is going to be difficult. However, it’s time to challenge current ideas and assumptions.

Christmas is part of the plastic pollution problem. So we need to break down Christmas spending and figure out creative solutions. The gift of a thrilling or humbling experience could be the best way to avoid giving the kids to many gifts.

The experience will give families connections with one another. In addition, making alternate or opposite plans will also greatly reduce stress. It offers us a mental break from the usual traditions!

Set a budget!

Set a small budget for gifts and allow older children to pick a category like something they need, wear or read.

Choose family memberships to theme parks, Museums, Recreation Centers. To cut Chrismas spending consider a DIY gift for family members. There’s a lot of great ideas to be found on Pinterest or Instagram.

Making gifts can start a great tradition that some family members won’t be able to resist. It’s fun and creative and another good way to make lasting memories. By reducing the amount we give offers the best way to alleviate our financial and emotional stress too!

What needs to happen to shift the paradigm of Christmas? When do we stop throwing toys away from Christmas past? We should hand them down to the next generation.

Don’t expect retail chains to change. We have to shift our perspective as a collective. The moral of the story here is BUY LESS.

The timeless tale of the Christmas Carol nails it on the moral head. Christmas should be the time of year where people give to the needy. The time where families share moments in life, NOT things! Let’s get creative instead of hitting the Mall!

Cut your Christmas spending in half! Practicality, imagination and re-evaluating the purpose of Christmas will make a huge difference in our happiness throughout the year.

Starting out your eco-living lifestyle can begin in a place you least expect it! Find out what kind of upcycled goodies and local goods can be found at a Christmas market. I list 8 necessities that will get you on your way. Necessities like Shampoo and conditioner bars. Check out The 8 best must-have gift ideas at the local Christmas market

It’s time to take a more holistic approach and start inventing new ways to replace synthetic chemicals and materials with natural alternatives. Communities around the world have an opportunity to harvest Planet, People Products. Support small companies working to support these small villages, local artisans, and grass-root organizations. Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life in a meaningful way? Buy products from small companies working with villagers. These Seagrass market bags are a good way to support artisans in Vietnam. It’s our pledge to work together to create a more natural, healthy, and Eco-friendly planet.

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Seven everyday essentials for a more meaningful life

Smart people are working hard to make eco-friendly alternative products. So, it’s fairly easy to find everyday necessities and these are some of the options! These suggestions are biodegradable and will offer up a more meaningful life! It’s a startup guide for those wanting to help change the world. By making these basic necessities you are voting with your dollars.

It’s really that easy and doesn’t have to break the bank either. You can make a positive impact for under $50.00. It’s a little stewardship mixed with consumerism! Spend money wisely so sea creatures aren’t harmed. Stop CO2 from seeping into the atmosphere from landfills. Don’t buy the usual plastic laden products. These are the top seven products I’m excited to share.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.

Pablo Picasso

Toothbrushes

I used my old plastic brushes until the bristles flattened out. They did the job and its time to buy new ones. There are a gazillion bamboo toothbrushes online. Bamboo is eco-friendly because it’s a fast-growing tree so harvesting the wood is more sustainable. The farmers don’t use pesticides and most importantly it’s not 100% Plastic! I bought a box and I was immediately impressed with the quality.

Tooth Paste

We rely on an assortment of Soap products every day. Our parents have trained us to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. But, we just throw them away when we finish using the tubes. Tubes are not recyclable. Therefore destined to become landfill.

I thought it would be better to make my own toothpaste. However, there are like six ingredients that come with their own packaging. Since we’re reducing packaging waste it’s not wise to make it yourself. Just too much waste!

There are soap companies that make toothpaste balls instead of traditional paste. They buy their ingredients in bulk. So it’s best to buy from them to reduce packaging waste.

Beewax Paper

I have used plastic cling wrap for as long as I can remember. It has to go! But, not having the option of covering a bowl of food is not practical. We do a lot of dishes and it doesn’t make sense without it. Emptying the contents of one container into another makes twice the amount of dishes! I would rather keep the food contained in one bowl and cover it. Having cling wrap reduces the amount of elbow grease, water, and electricity. All important reasons why Beeswax paper is a necessity

Another advantage of using Beeswax paper is its ability to keep vegetables fresh longer. Ther’s nothing worse than wilted lettuce bought three days ago! I used to use a plastic bag from the grocery store to wrap and store in my crisper. Although we’re told its best to reuse our plastic bags. It’s really just best to avoid them in the first place. This is where beeswax paper comes in handy!

Lastly, there was an unexpected use for the sweet-smelling paper. I have a terrible time opening the lids on a jar. I`ve banged lids down on their edges, used a cloth, or pried them open. The grip you can give will undue the tightest lids with your beeswax paper

Pela case

Buying an eco-friendly product leaves a smaller environmental impact. But, quite often these companies will also make a social impact as well! Buying a biodegradable phone case will make a statement. It’s a piece that will catch the attention of others and start a conversation. According to Pelacase, more than 1 billion plastic phone cases are made each year.

There isn’t much we can do with the plastic problem we’ve already created. But it’s important to decide today that we will no longer support the industry. There are viable alternatives. These phone cases are a prime example. Once we’re finished using the case all we have to do is throw it into the back yard compost pile. It will disintegrate gracefully back into the Earth. Awww sounds too good to be true!

Another positive impact of purchasing this phone case is the element of charity. They donate a portion of proceeds giving one person fresh, clean water for one year. The belief that giving water to a community in Kenya will allow girls to go back to school. The woman will earn money and families within the community will benefit.

Shampoo Bars

Shampoo bottles are the most popular way to get our shampoo. Stores have a wide range of products for thick, curly, fine, oily dry hair. You name it! If your hair grows there are many companies that will make it healthy. The Canadian population throws away 60 million shampoo bottles a year.

These bottles are recyclable. However, only 9% of worldwide trash is recycled! What households should do to reduce the amount of plastic is to stop buying it. There is an alternative way that ends trashing shampoo bottles. Shampoo bars! Simple and effective.

They promise us the same healthy hair without the nasty plastic packaging. Try to find a local supplier. I ordered Goat’s milk soap with tea tree oil from a farmer. I was pleasantly surprised because the soap didn’t leave a residue. My hair felt soft, clean and it smelled good.

Bed Sheets

Cotton’s grown with a tonne of pesticides and water. It’s also one of the most popular fabrics bought today. Organic cotton is a better alternative however Beechwood is even better. This plant is fast-growing and doesn’t require the use of pesticides. Faster growing plants require less water and can produce more material we need for sustainability. Beech Bliss bed sheets are 3x softer than cotton. It helps to regulate body temperature keeping the body cool in the summer and warmer in the Winter. When searching for an Eco-friendly alternative try and find something made from 100% Beechwood.

Pillowcases

Silk pillowcases are such a treat! Every time I go to sleep the satiny pillow caresses my skin and makes me feel at peace. It’s not only perfect for pampering its great for your hair and skin. Silk is an eco-friendly product because it’s not manmade material. Silk is a renewable resource with less of an environmental impact than most other fibers. It’s hypoallergenic. Plus, there are no chemicals in the process. Look for Peace silk pillowcases for a truly ethical purchase.

Living a meaningful life depends on the habits of everyday shoppers. You can make a difference in the lives of others and help to change the world. One good deed a day will help to create that change. This could mean you made an ethical choice to support the eco-friendly industry. Good on you! I hope you see where I’m coming from and make your next purchase meaningful! Then give it away to spread the word!

I hope these basic necessities help you move your life into a more meaningful life. Changing these seven things can make a difference but there is more you can do!

For instance, while walking through the park you can take a package of wildflower seeds with you. Planting more flowers offers wildlife food. Each seed planted makes the world a little more beautiful. After all, we all love pretty things!

Next, you can save money by doing something as simple as unplugging your devices. It’s incredible how much money can be saved if we do this one simple task. Find out how else you can save money with these 37 ways to live a better life.