2022: Set a Goal for Yourself and the Planet
New year, new pledges. Let’s leave the planet better than we found it by pledging to be better.
The PANGAIA Pledge
It’s without a doubt that 2021 presented new challenges, and 2022 offers a chance to redeem ourselves by being kinder to ourselves and the planet. Take the PANGAIA pledge by committing to one (or all) of the following pledges to become more conscious and intentional about how you show up this year. Whether it’s a small change or big one, every effort counts.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are more than buzzwords, make a commitment to elevate human potential by ensuring everyone around you feels loved, supported, and respected. Follow pages like @_theotherbox, @colorofchange, @diversifyournarrative, @soyouwanttotalkabout and others to learn more about how to be a better friend, colleague and ally.
Keeping our waters pollution free can be done by small changes. The first is to reduce the frequency of our laundry loads, since one standard wash uses up to 23 gallons of water. Being mindful of how much plastic we use and switching to eco-friendly cleaning products like Seventh Generation or Ecover is a small way to prevent possible pollutants that may be affecting our waterways. Another initiative you can support is Parley for the ocean; the global initiative encourages you to take action to help save our oceans.
A resolution we’ve committed to is reducing water pollution by using non-toxic biodegradable TIPA® packaging. This means you can treat our packaging like an orange peel and compost it. We also promote low-wash aftercare for once a product reaches your hands with our PPRMINT™ Oil Treatment, which helps saves water, energy and time.
We're committed to protecting and preserving the biodiversity on Earth; this includes rehabilitating our forests. Through the Tomorrow Tree Fund, we're planting, protecting and restoring one tree for every purchase, or by donation through a tree credit.
Another small effort that goes a long way is cleaning up after yourself or others and leaving our forests better than we found them.
Taking care of the planet means we must also take care of ourselves. Mindfulness can be done through activities like working out, talking it through and meditation. Try the Headspace app to explore meditation, an online workout class through ClassPass to get your sweat on, or lean on a friend for extra support—we might not be able to see our friends, but we can still share moments of joy with those around us by picking up the phone and getting creative with the ways we connect online.
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to contribute to our pledges is to reimagine the way we use what we already have. Before buying, look for warranties and repair options to reduce unnecessary waste. Donate items you don’t use, or re-gift that Christmas gift that might not have worked for you.
Reuse a tote bag for when you go to the grocery store, or think about buying a reusable bottle instead of a plastic bottle. Some brands we love: Baggu, Kinto, Stojo and Ocean Bottle.
Supporting small and local businesses is a great way to give back to your community, especially during COVID-19. Consider ordering from a local restaurant the next time you want take-out, or perhaps writing them a good review online. If you can’t donate monetarily, amplifying the voices of your community by liking, sharing, or tagging a post are great ways to show support.
Instagram has also made it accessible to share mutual-aid fundraisers for those who might need it. This includes supporting initiatives to combat racial and gendered injustices, natural disaster relief funds, and Covid-19 relief. A great global initiative to get involved with is Covid-19 Mutual Aid, it’s a network that connects volunteers to local mutual aid initiatives worldwide.