My Uplifting Monthly April Newsletter to stay positive

Earth Day falls this month, and many of us are considering how we can do our bit for the planet. One of the best starting points is to begin living by the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra. Here’s a little more to help you get started.

Recycle Now has some starter tips for reducing the waste you generate, handily bullet-pointed into small, manageable changes. https://tinyurl.com/uplift04251

Aiming to recycle more is all well and good, but it’s important to know what is actually recyclable before throwing it into the pile. National Geographic has a fun quiz to clue you in. https://tinyurl.com/uplift04252

“Upcycling” is the process of creating something completely new from recycled materials. Upcycle That is a fantastic resource with ideas, inspiration and stories on great upcycling projects. https://tinyurl.com/uplift04253

Frustrated by the amount of waste at your workplace? Check out this guide on how to start an office recycling program. https://tinyurl.com/uplift04254

Sustainable sorcery. Megan Swann is redefining magic not just as entertainment but also as a tool for environmental change. As the first-ever female president of the hallowed Magic Circle, she has pioneered “environmental magic,” using mesmerizing illusions to inspire audiences to take climate action. Her tricks captivate children and adults alike, turning complex issues into engaging, memorable moments that are transforming sustainability education one trick a time. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0425a

A solar-powered Windy City. Chicago just made a bold move toward sustainability by powering all its municipal buildings with 100% renewable energy. But the city didn’t stop there. By leveraging its buying power, it helped finance the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi, creating clean energy jobs and cutting emissions. Take a listen to this short piece on NPR’s All Things Considered to hear how Chicago is leading the charge for a greener tomorrow. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0425a

Climate Change: The Good News. Feeling overwhelmed by climate news? Despite the media’s focus on the negative, there are victories happening every day - you just aren’t always hearing about them. From local activists winning court cases to global efforts pushing for green energy, positive change is continually underway. Jake Hall at Atmos reflects on some recent inspiring wins, proving that while headlines may be dominated by setbacks, the fight for a healthier planet goes on. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0425c

The global climate crisis can be overwhelming to think about, leaving many of us feeling helpless. But although the most considerable on us is on mega corporations and fossil fuel giants to change their ways, we’re not entirely powerless. Making small, sustainable changes in your everyday life can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, inspiring others to enact more positive change and encouraging those prominent actors to get with the times. Here are some simple yet impactful ways to take the power into your own hands and move toward a more “net-zero” lifestyle.

Embrace traveling slowly. Airplanes contribute heavily to carbon emissions. Whenever possible, opt for slow travel where you can, taking trains or buses. If you’re traveling short distances, consider walking or cycling instead of driving. While the journey may take longer, it drastically reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to enjoy your surroundings at a slower, more mindful pace.

Encourage sustainability in businesses. Many businesses have a large environmental impact. Support brands committed to sustainability and avoid shopping from companies that are known for harmful practices, such as high carbon emissions or deforestation. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp that indicate better environmental and social responsibility.

Ditch fast fashion. Fast fashion is a huge contributor to waste and emissions. Instead of buying into the cycle of constantly purchasing new clothes, consider buying secondhand, investing in high-quality pieces that last longer, or even swapping clothes with friends. Reducing your consumption and reusing items can drastically lower your impact.

Eat consciously. Eating locally and seasonally and reducing your meat and dairy consumption can reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Plant-based foods generally require fewer resources to produce and emit fewer greenhouse gases. Supporting local farmers also reduces the emissions associated with long-distance food transportation.

Celebrate and cheer in support of renewable energy. Your voice matters. Get involved in local activities that support campaigns for renewable energy and oppose fossil fuel projects. Telling your local governments to invest in green energy solutions can create a ripple effect, pushing for cleaner energy nationwide.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are bringing smiles to faces once again with a fresh batch of hilarious animal antics captured on camera. Founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the awards showcase nature's lighter side while promoting conservation efforts worldwide. Through humor, the awards aim to highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and remind us of the joy animals can bring to our lives.

This year, the competition received over 9,000 entries from both professional and amateur photographers. The final selection of images clearly had the judges laughing out loud, with only a marginal points difference separating this year’s top contenders. The standout image taking the top spot features a red squirrel caught mid-jump in a cartoonish hilarious pose, its back legs sticking out awkwardly as it enters its hiding place. Although it’s nothing more than a perfectly timed shot, the still image looks like a moment of slapstick, with the squirrel looking comical but somehow totally endearing.

Other memorable moments include a hippo seemingly rocking a stylish new green wig, a frog flashing an impeccably cheesy grin to the camera, and a bird dramatically face-planting on a rock, possibly reconsidering its life choices in that moment. And let’s not forget the lizard that appears to be wielding a twig like Freddy Mercury’s microphone stand at Wembley Stadium or possibly a wizard’s staff, ready to yell “You shall not pass!” with all the gusto of Gandalf the Grey.

The photos provide some much-needed laughter while serving as a reminder of the beauty and quirks of nature. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards prove that sometimes, a good laugh can be just as impactful as a powerful conservation message. See all the winning photos for yourself at https://www.comedywildlifephoto.com/.