“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
We all have the power to make a difference in the lives of animals and the environment every day. From small, everyday choices like opting for paper instead of plastic to supporting candidates that make animal welfare a priority. Here are a few ideas for how you can make a difference every day, in your own life.
![Reusable Shopping Bag](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_f1d0d167a68442659b9ff44405ba63bd~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_1668,w_3379,h_3381/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Reusable%20Shopping%20Bag.jpg)
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Avoid single-use plastic and opt for reusable or sustainable products.
![Brown Dog](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/450843c13391ae3947f9505cb994fcbf.jpg/v1/crop/x_250,y_0,w_1000,h_1000/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Brown%20Dog.jpg)
Adopt don't shop
Adopt your next furry friend from a shelter or local rescue. Consider an older or special needs animal.
![Environment Activists Protest](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d4083c8315294d4ba93cfdc700edb547~mv2_d_3840_5760_s_4_2.jpg/v1/crop/x_434,y_1848,w_2564,h_2566/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Environment%20Activists%20Protest.jpg)
Get political
Attend rallies, circulate petitions and make sure your reps vote for animal- and eco-friendly laws. Find them here.
![tiger cub abuse](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/130e89_3394224bf40e44b5aecbcb61ff48c444~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_7,y_105,w_301,h_302/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/abuse006%202.jpg)
Stop exploitation
Avoid circuses, roadside zoos, photo ops with baby animals, carriage rides or any venue that profits from animals.
![Makeup](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/76da0b2080b245528c20399c0adf22f1.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_529,w_3038,h_3038/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Makeup.jpg)
Go cruelty-free
Are your cosmetics and cleaning products tested on animals? You can easily search for cruelty-free products here.
![Working from Home](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_4f567bf2cb3c415a8721b0708b0568e7~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_960,y_0,w_3840,h_3840/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Working%20from%20Home.jpg)
Get social
Use your voice on social media. Share news and information about animals and the environment.
![Working from Home](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/130e89_673d251c5e7d4038b82c06dbf02d66c9~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_198,y_155,w_656,h_656/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b028_no-fur_1.png)
Don't wear animals
There are so many stylish (and often less expensive) alternatives to leather, wool and fur.
![Volunteer with turkey](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/130e89_a227c9e74c484fc2bc99cce2eea42f71~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_120,y_0,w_720,h_720/fill/w_56,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Volunteer%20with%20turkey.jpg)
Volunteer
Help out at your local shelter, foster a dog or cat, or volunteer at a sanctuary like Wildwood!