20 Things You Can Do Today to Make The World a Better Place

Even Ron Swanson supports proper cart maintenance. (Photo: NBC)

Take Shopping Carts Back to Their Pens

This is definitely a small thing, when compared to some of the others on this list. But just think about it – there are few things that are more irritating than trying to park your car and finding the space blocked by a shopping cart someone’s just left there. Or more infuriating when you realize that new ding in your passenger side door came from some random cart that’s just been rolling freely around the local supermarket lot.

Of course, in the grand scheme of the world, free-range shopping carts are a small thing. You can easily improve your local community – and help make the day of a supermarket employee a little easier – by returning your cart to the pen once you’re done with it. Or grabbing a stray one that’s rolling around when you see it. But the bigger thing you can do?

Combat the attitude that says leaving your cart all over the lot is okay. Reject the thinking that says your time is more valuable than some Giant employee’s is. Resist the temptation to act like it’s not your problem. And most importantly, remind yourself that your actions – no matter how small they may seem – have an impact on the lives of others around you. In our current environment, it’s easy to stop thinking about that. But this kind of thing matters – now, maybe more than ever. Do the seemingly small things whenever you can that make someone’s life easier and to make the place you live better.