Heroes Don’t Need Capes, Only Computers: Things You Can do to Help the World From Home

When people don’t quite grasp the impact that the internet can have on humans, they like to use the term “keyboard warrior” as though it’s something negative. It’s as if they feel like you should be out getting into a bar fight, or chopping wood or something to that effect. But the truth is, there are countless things that you can do from your computer to change the world. So next time you see someone use that phrase, kindly direct them to this article. Here are just a few of the small things you can do to help the world from home.

Things you can do to Help the World From Home Right Now

You don’t need to spend a ton of money to help someone. You don’t even need to leave the house. These tools all make it easy for you to make an impact in the world, all by doing the things you’re doing today anyway! Why not take a few extra seconds (and very minimal effort) to make a difference in someone’s life? Here’s how you can help!

Restore the Earth, use Ecosia

If you’re someone who finds themselves using search engines multiple times per day, why not use one that works to save the planet? Ecosia.org is a search extension that you can add on to your Google browser, which is backed by environmentalists who plant a tree for every 45 searches performed through the site. So, if you’re a student, writer, or just someone who likes to search for random things on the web, why not make the switch? It legit doesn’t cost a penny and you’ll find that using Ecosia is just as simple as using any other search engine.

Stop Supporting Animal Cruelty

Speciesism is a horrible problem in the world and one that creates hell on earth for billions upon billions of animals. Pigs are more intelligent than dogs, and all of these animals involved in farming operations are fully capable of taking in their experience, with all of the negative emotions and physical and psychological pain that comes along with it. Animal farming is the single largest source of animal cruelty in the world. But the operations only exist because of the demand for it. So, let’s work together to stop giving our money to companies that value it over the lives of sentient beings. Shopping (and eating) vegan and refusing to buy products that have been tested on animals is an excellent place to start.

Donate to Save Lives

The next step you can take towards helping your fellow animals is donating to a good rescue organization. Personally, I like donating through cuddly.com, which partners with several local rescue organizations across the U.S. They let you know the personal story behind each of their rescues, and then the animals have wish lists with specific items they need, like different types of food, blankets, medicines and creams, toys, and things like that. You can choose the exact items you’d like to send the animal, or you can donate a lump sum directly to the organization. In any case, it’s nice because you know where your money is going and how it’s helping these animals.

Browse With a Cause

Do you spend a lot of time browsing the Internet? What if I told you that every time you opened a new browser tab, you could be sending a treat to a shelter animal, or helping out a child in need? And that’s not all! With Tab for a Cause, the free browser extension, you can pick a charity of your choice and do everything from planting trees to helping entrepreneurs and more, all by browsing the web!

Make an Informational and/or Inspirational Video

If you’ve got the skills to create videos, by all means, use them to promote a change in the world! You can either film yourself, or your friends, or you can use images and voice-overs if you prefer to do it that way. If you choose the latter, a free app like Adobe Premiere Rush (formerly Adobe Clip) can help you easily compile and edit them. Take the opportunity to tell the world about something you’re passionate about. Bonus points if you include infographics and hard facts with solid citations to back up your message. Check out this great tool, Renderforest, which helps you create informative videos quickly and easily. Afterward, upload your videos to YouTube and share them across all of your social media channels.

Volunteer to Help the Visually Impaired From Your Phone

If you’re on the hunt for some cool small things you can do to help the world from home, check out Be My Eyes. It’s an app that connects the visually impaired with awesome volunteers via video chat. Volunteers are enlisted to help solve random tasks that require visual aid. These tasks can range from reading the ingredients on a package to helping someone find their way around a new area.

Do Your Part For The Environment: Recycle

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people in the modern world still don’t utilize recycling services. Recycling cuts down on the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into our atmosphere and helps preserve the rainforests, aside from the obvious benefit of not leaving the Earth covered in garbage. If you’d like to recycle but you aren’t sure how to get started, check out this helpful article for some tips and tricks about recycling at home. Are you a business owner? Learn how to make your business greener with these sustainable business practices!

Take a Walk (or Ride) Around the Block for Charity

Getting away from the computer and taking a break is a must to stay sharp when you’re working from home. Doing something like going for a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood can do wonders for your mind and body. Charity Miles will track your steps, or how far you cycle. Then, the app will donate a dime per mile for cycling and a quarter per mile for walking or running to the charity of your choice. And good news if you’re an introvert: you can do a walking or dancing video workout and it will treat your steps the same as if you’d hit the pavement. Try Leslie Sansone’s Walk Fit videos for a fast and fun way to burn some calories in the living room.