Things that suck: parking tickets, tripping over your own feet in front of the really hot guy (or girl), and wanting to save the world when you’re completely and utterly broke.

As a 20-something, it’s easy to say that I’ll try my hardest to make a positive impact on the world by helping out in anyway that’s possible.  But, news flash, I’m not a celebrity.  I can’t afford to donate to hundreds of funds a month.  I can’t offer millions of dollars to build schools in Africa like Oprah, and I certainly can’t afford to adopt half of Asia (Jolie, I’m looking at you).  Those things they do are wonderful, they really are, but as a broke ass 20-something you might be thinking: what can I do?

Actually, quite a bit.

Donate Items: Take a look at your closet.  No, really, look at it.  Do you need all of those jeans?  All of those DVDs?  As spring rolls around, it’s a great time for some (spring) cleaning.  If you’re a pack-rat like me, you have stuff from before iPods were invented, back when “google” was just a sound babies made.  Rather than hoarding all of that stuff or throwing it away, donate it.  Give it to a charity or an organization that needs it.  Everything can be donated, from clothes to books to basic school supplies.  There are schools in Afghanistan right now that don’t have writing utensils, kids in Africa that don’t have shirts or shoes.  I’m not saying purge your closet of everything, but this spring, vow to give one thing up.  That one thing will make a difference.

Turn Off the Power: When you’re at work or school, do you need to leave your bedroom light on?  No, no you don’t. So why not turn it off?  It’s a simple act that takes literally one second.  Turn off all the lights before you leave home.  If you’re going away for a while, why not unplug some of your sockets as well?  Even if things are plugged in, power still runs through them.  So, if you’re going to be away, stop the power. It’ll save the environment, and your wallet, a ton.

Reusable Items: By now you’ve seen the shopping reusable bags; they’re everywhere.  I’m pretty sure you could find one at McDonald’s at this point.  The thing is, they’re incredibly handy.  They hold A LOT and are really environmentally friendly.  I have one from Target that fits nicely in my purse, so every time I’m out shopping, there it is, waiting to be used.  Some companies, like Ikea, are now charging to distribute plastic bags.  Others, like Payless, are offering to plant a tree every time you buy one.  With incentives like those, why not get one already?  They’re cheap AND fashionable!  Aside from bags, I also use Tupperware for my lunches at work.  Rather than bringing my sandwich in a Ziploc bag everyday, I store it in a Tupperware box.  Instead of getting the individually wrapped apple sauces, I get the one jar and pour servings into reusable bowls for a snack.  Believe me – it’s cheaper.

Recycle: This one is pretty self explanatory, no?

Click: There are many websites that donate money when you click on an icon.  Seriously, it’s that simple.  Typically paid for by sponsors and ads, these sites give those who have absolutely no money a way to make a difference.  Two of my favorites? Click to Give (which donates to hunger, breast cancer, children’s health, literacy, the rainforest, and animal rescue foundations) and Free Rice (where you play a simple game and each correct answer earns 10 grains of donated rice!)  The former also has a freetrade shop with awesome items and the latter is an amazing way to spend time not doing homework/work.

So there you have it – ways to save the world when you don’t have a dime to your name. Sure, it doesn’t sound like much, but if everyone does ONE small thing, we’re all helping in a big way. Good luck, and let me know how it goes. Who knows, you might be the next Oraph.

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Lauren is a 20-something copywriter living in Orlando, Florida. Other than writing, she likes to dabble in photography, baking, and aerial arts.  She’s quite fond of dinosaurs, cheesy jokes, and attempting to save the world.  Read her blog at: http://www.halfdesertedstreets.com.