Summer is a slower time of year when we hope that you’ll take the time to reflect on things that you’re thankful for. With all of the negativity that the consumer media machine (and, frankly, the world) throw at us daily, it’s often hard to keep perspective. From global violence to decisions by those in power that clearly work against the evidence of human-induced climate change, it’s easy to forget all of the progress that is being made or the things that we can be thankful for. We thought we’d take today to list some things that we’re incredibly grateful for this summer.

1. Access to Potable Water: This summer, Postconsumers has been focusing on raising attention about peak water and the global water shortage. As we’ve pointed out, it’s easy to forget that in many parts of the world, water itself is an endangered resource. We’re thankful that we have access to water every day.

2. People Who Lead By Example: From those who drill down to live with a hundred items or less to those how learn how to reduce their consumer budget by 10% a month, we’re thankful for everybody who’s actively making changes to move beyond the consumer machine and learning to find satisfaction in daily living.

3. The Internet: We may tell you to consider a media diet and spending less time online in general, and that is important. But it’s also true that the internet is a valuable source of information about consumerism, climate and more. It’s also how we find and stay in touch with other Postconsumers!

4. Trees: We dedicated an entire Pinterest board to trees! That’s how much we love them – and this is the time of year when the greatest number of people can enjoy the greatest number of trees!

5. Organizations That Fight For Change: The power resides in numbers, and that’s why organizations like 350.org and the World Wildlife Fund are so very important and we’re so very thankful for the work that they do. We need as many battalions in the fight to change the status quo and direction as possible.

6. Oceans: We all know that it’s not simply alarmist to say that we need to be worried about the future of our oceans – it’s actually a very accurate statement. We’re thankful every day for the oceans we have now – especially those Postconsumers who are lucky enough to live near one.

7. People Who Inspire Us: We look to this list of inspirations almost daily. Actions may speak louder than words – but words certainly matter. In fact, a single word can spark an action that has value for centuries to come. It’s happened before – and it will happen many, many times over.

8. Increased Public Awareness of the Industrial Food System: The change may be slow, but it is happening. The industrialized food system isn’t just bad for our health, it’s bad for our planet. Bad food means unhealthy, unhappy people who fall into the consumer trap to deal with emotions through “retail therapy.” It also means stripped fields, wasted water, chemicals you’re not even aware of and economic manipulation. Increasingly, we’re seeing people become more aware of the industrialized food system, its impact on every facet of our lives and better options for food and the future. We’re thankful that people are starting to pay attention.

9. The Satisfaction of Enough for Today: When we wake up and we’re not stressed as part of a rat race fueled by more and more and more stuff, we’re frankly thankful for it. It gives us a calmness and a sense of peace (and a clear budget!). If you haven’t found your way to the satisfaction of enough for today yet, we’d love to help you on your journey. Just drop us a line at getsatisfied@postconsumers.com and we’ll get you started.

10. You! We’re thankful for you, Postconsumer! If you’re reading this, then you’re trying to make a change. And that’s the most important and inspiring thing to us.

What are you thankful for this summer? Tell us about it. Comment below or tell us about it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.

Photo Credit: simplybike via Flickr