Making a change in the world can be an easy part of your everyday life.

Here are 10 ways

you can make a difference. From Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better
World and Meaningful Life by Zoe Weil

1.    Commit to the 3 I’s: Inquire, Introspect, live with Integrity. Expose yourself to
information and ideas about most good (MOGO) living by talking to and learning from people
from all walks of life -- especially people who are also trying to do the most good and the least
harm; by reading widely and deeply; by visiting websites aimed at making a difference; and by
viewing relevant films. You can find a list of regularly updated websites, books, magazines, and
films in the resources section at HumaneEducation.org. Then introspect: identify your values,
consider what is most important to you, assess your talents and interests, and seek out ways to
put these together practically and productively. Finally, live with integrity. To the best of your
ability, put your values into practice.

2.    Work for change. Give some of your time, resources, and talents to create systemic change
that benefits all. Choose the issues that most concern and compel you, get involved, and relish
the joy that such generosity brings to yourself and others. If you can, make your career one that
is MOGO.

3.    Rethink, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. As much as possible, rethink your use of products
that are unnecessary, inhumane, produced through exploitive business practices, non-recyclable,
over-packaged, toxic, and/or unsustainable. When you do make purchases, choose the most
sustainable, efficient, humane, fairly traded, and healthy versions. Then reuse what you can,
repair what is reparable, and recycle when you are through. And in the midst of these 4 Rs,
consider what you could borrow instead of buy, and what you could share with friends and
neighbors so that they can better rethink unnecessary products, too.

4.    Eat for life. As much as possible, choose plant-based foods produced close to where you
live, grown organically, and unprocessed. This will improve your health, the environment, the
lives of animals, and the wellbeing of other people.

5.    Reduce your ecological footprint. Drive less, carpool, walk, bike, car-share, and use public
transportation more. If you need to own a car, choose one with the best fuel efficiency to meet
your needs. Choose the most energy efficient and ecologically friendly options for homes, home
repair, appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling. Choose your recreation and vacations with
MOGO in mind as well: an ecotourism excursion over a cruise; cross-country skiing instead of
downhill skiing; canoeing more often than motor boating.

6.    Transform education. People need relevant information, tools for critical thinking, and
motivation to lead meaningful lives that contribute to a better world. Whether you are a parent,
student, teacher, elder, or concerned citizen, help make living sustainably and peacefully the very
purpose of education at all levels by engaging in dialogue with lawmakers, educators, and school
and university administrators.
7.    Invest your money ethically. If you are going to rely on a mutual fund for retirement or
college, choose a socially responsible investment fund. Ask for a portfolio and assess whether
the company invests in the kinds of businesses you want to support. Seek out community banks
and credit unions, and consider micro-lending and investment in social businesses as a means of
using your money to help others.

8.    Build community. Find others who share your desire to make MOGO choices by joining
existing groups or creating your own group, and invite people to join you. You will enjoy the
friendship and camaraderie, and help make a difference at the same time. Don’t forget the
communities of which you are already a part. Get to know your neighbors, and work with them
to make your neighborhood healthy, supportive, and safe.

9.    Teach others. Share what you know with others and engage them in the challenge of living
a MOGO life by using positive communication that does not judge or blame. Listen as often as
you speak. Teaching and learning happen everywhere: one on one, in schools, in religious
congregations, at camps, in families, in print and film, at learning centers, on social networking
internet sites, at senior facilities, and so on. Model your message, and speak your truth in kind
and inspiring ways wherever you are and with whomever you’re in contact.

10.    Strive for balance. Set reasonable goals for yourself, and remember that the “most good,
least harm” equation includes you. You are a role model for a MOGO life, so find the balance
that lets you live joyfully, enthusiastically, and compassionately.