As I write this, I have just finished wringing and hanging out my 6 articles of clothing on the line to dry for the day. It’s become a normal routine, instinctively built into my every other day schedule. I throw a little soap in the bucket, let my clothes soak for a few minutes, rinse them out, and hang them on the line to dry. It takes me all of 5 minutes and just a wee bit of effort that has since become routinely engrained.
Right now, I live in an apartment complex in Bangkok where I could walk down my neighborhood street, throw my laundry in a machine along with a buck, and twiddle my thumbs as I waited around to throw them in the dryer. It’s been over two years since I’ve operated a washing machine or dryer and I still haven’t received any complaints of uncomfortable smells lingering in my presence (well…not from my clothes).
My point is not to persuade you to start following my tactics of washing your clothes in a bucket every other day and hanging them on a line. The bottom line and point is that little things can make a big difference in this world.
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While traveling around India on a tight budget, Raam Dev began to ask himself questions of how he could make a difference in this giant world. He eventually came to realize that making small positive changes is the way to begin positiviely influencing the entire planet.
With the help of a group of fellow bloggers, Raam organized and e-book called Small Ways to Make a Big Difference aiming to be “a place to get ideas and inspiration for small ways that you can make a big difference.”
It’s an easy and useful read, set up with a brief amount of background information and then going straight into tips and advice from a diverse range of bloggers. Raam is a firm believer that if everyone can make a few positive changes in their lives, the world will be a better place. Download this FREE e-book to see how others are making a big difference by doing small things.
It doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, making positive choices can bring about positive changes to the world we live in. Any small things you do to make a big difference?
– Migration Mark
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Peter
12 years ago
Little things really do add up. When you want to change the world, you start by changing yourself first, right? And when you want to change yourself, it’s best to do it in baby steps, so it’s not so overwhelming. But do it regularly, and you will see that it makes all the difference. 🙂
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
Thanks for the advice Peter!
Randall
12 years ago
Great habits make great contributions.
I will definitely check out the link.
This reminds me of an @KarolGajda post! I love it! http://www.ridiculouslyextraordinary.com/15-minutes-clean-clothes-anywhere-in-the-world/
Leslie (Downtown Traveler)
12 years ago
Sounds like an interesting and useful e-book. Thanks for the tip
Melissa
13 years ago
Great article Mark – the little things add up! Recently installed a clothes line in my back yard for air drying. Generally not allowed in my neighborhood so it’s on the downlow. 🙂 Also making much more of an effort to keep the lights off as much as possible since the air conditioner (via swamp cooler/ evaporative air cooler) and ceiling fans on more for summer.
Mark Wiens
13 years ago
@Raam: No problem, it’s a great idea and I am enjoying the tips. Keep up the great inspiration and ideas!
Asia Market Girl
13 years ago
Correct. I try to be more responsible with my laundry too.
Raam Dev
13 years ago
Hey Mark, thanks so much for this awesome introduction to the ebook! I really love how you started it out with an example of how you’re making a difference with a small adjustment to your own routine.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience and to forget how sacrificing even a little bit of that convenience can change the world for the better.
Pam
13 years ago
Random…but good write-up! You’re really good at articulating!