Recent events have made it more evident than ever that we should be celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day–and not only on one day of the year, but every day! Kindness begins with just one person and you can jumpstart the effort on February 17th, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day was established by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK). Founded in 1995, RAK is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring everyone to practice and spread kindness. “Ultimately, we’re here for the kind-hearted do-gooders who are looking to spread kindness where they can,” is how the Foundation describes itself.

The goal of National Random Acts of Kindness Day is to highlight the importance of bringing more kindness into the world and our lives. You can get involved by becoming a kindness ambassador, also known RAKtivists (Random Acts of Kindness activist). If you need a little inspiration, read on for some random acts you can perform to help celebrate the RAK holiday and to promote kindness every day of the year.

And if you need some convincing about why practicing kindness is important, watch this video that explains the science behind being kind.

Ideas to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day

1. Make a pot of soup for a friend or loved one for no reason.

2. Find a Little Free Library and drop off some books.

3. Give the bounty of your garden away!

4. Send “Just Thinking About You” cards for no special reason–other than to let loved ones know that you care.

5. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or town.

6. Offer to buy the coffee of the person in line behind you.

7. Volunteer for an animal shelter.

8. Offer compliments to friends, loved ones, and even strangers.

9. Take in your neighbor’s refuse and recycling bins.

10. Try to smile more. A smile can help improve both your mood as well as a stranger’s.

11. Let someone get in front of you in line.

12. Make a point of holding the door for those behind you.

13. Buy school supplies and donate them to your local public school for those children who may need them.

14. Tip your server really well on your next meal out.

15. Offer to watch your friend’s pet the next time she goes away.

16. Leave inspirational bookmarks in random books at the library.

17. Post positive affirmations on post-it notes and leave them around in public places.

18. Purchase gift cards with small amounts on them and leave them at places like gas pumps with a note of explanation.

19. Volunteer at a local food bank.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day (November 13th!)
The 3 Best Audiobooks for Getting Woke in 2017
The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save the Planet?

The post 19 Ways to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Chinese have a light environmental impact—and, paradoxically, a lot of green guilt.

The National Geographic Society and GlobeScan‘s Greendex report had some disheartening findings this year for Americans: We are the nation that is ranked last in the world for sustainable behavior, and yet we’re also the most optimistic about our individual actions having a positive impact on the environment. That is to say: Americans are colossally delusional when it comes to our own sustainable practices.

The Greendex is a massive survey that questions 17,000 consumers in over 17 countries on their housing, transportation and food choices. Among these countries, which include China, Brazil and India, the United States has the least environmentally conscious consumers on the planet. And the United States has ranked last on the survey every year since it was started, in 2008.

GlobeScan’s director of sustainability, Eric Whan, points a finger at our culture of consumption. “Greenwashing” gives many Americans the idea that they can buy their way into eco-consciousness, without taking into account the sheer volume of consumption. Americans are also the most likely to drive alone in a car or truck; the least likely to take public transportation, and the least likely to walk or ride a bike to their destination. Yet only 21 percent of Americans felt guilty about their impact on the environment.

On the plus side, Americans were most likely to buy used goods, and they’re relatively more likely to recycle—although Canadian, German, British and Australian consumers all recycle more. Moreover, the United States Department of Agriculture’s certification program makes it easier for Americans to find and purchase organic produce.

Consumers in India, China and Brazil have a much lighter environmental impact on the whole, even as they report greater feelings of guilt regarding their own sustainable practices. Whan speculates that in countries where the green guilt is higher, there’s a greater sense that environmental issues have real impacts on peoples’ health and quality of life.

Nicole Darnall, a researcher at the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University who was not involved in the survey, speculated that green guilt might be the least in those countries that are still debating whether climate change is an issue. In general, people were more inclined to report themselves as being more environmentally responsible than they already were. At the very least, knowing that there is a such a wide gap between our attitudes and our practices might give us all a little push to overcome it.

Curious about how you measure up? Calculate your own Greendex score here.

Image: johnmcga

The post Greendex Reports Americans The Least Eco-Conscious appeared first on EcoSalon.

Based in Brooklyn where all the cool girls hang, Foundfuture is the brainchild of The 400 Showroom’s saucy Shannon Lorraine.

Cruising around Foundfuture is like being a kid in a candy store as your eyes get fixated on colorful headbands by Love from Hetty and Dave, eclectic charm bracelets from Mi Asunta, and comic book like statement necklaces that might just give you super powers. Lorraine definitely has an eye for fun and that’s why it’s a welcome respite from all the other eco-sites out there when you pop into shop.

Her about us statement says Foundfuture “brings you the best kept secrets in fashion. It also just happens to focus on sustainable practices.” We’re happy she’s able to do both.

Juno & Jove

Based out of Sarasota, Florida, Juno & Jove launched in 2006 and has emerged as a premier shopping destination for the socially conscious consumer, both online and at their brick and mortar shop. Looking through their carefully curated list of designers, you might be surprised by how many eco-talents you don’t know (which is very refreshing!)

We love that they offer women’s as well as men’s clothing and shoes, and beautiful pieces for the home as well. Once I started perusing the site, I really couldn’t stop. Give yourself some time here!

Mission Savvy

When we found out hip new eco-boutique Mission Savvy was on a Green City tour and will be joining us at EcoSalon Shops! on June 4th, we were flattered to say the least. Especially since she was coming from Mission Savvy headquarters in Charleston, West Virginia.

Founder Jennifer Miller is a pretty amazing entrepreneur hailing from a past life as an animal activist who now fuses eco-fashion and animal protection in a way that’s compassionate as much as fashion forward. Five percent of profits generated by sales from Mission Savvy’s clothing collections are donated to a select group of animal welfare and conservation groups who work on the front lines of tough issues. Peruse her missions and tap into what drives Miller to create awareness about more than just sustainable fashion.

The post EcoSalon Shops! Presents: The Boutiques appeared first on EcoSalon.