Will caring about your own health help the planet?
The the old saying, “out of sight, out of mind” seems to be the mentality that a lot of people have about the environment.
While this may have seemed acceptable a few decades ago, these days it is just naïve. Experts have proved that we have less than 12 years until we reach irreversible climate disaster. And while this is shocking and disheartening news, we must remain positive. Now you may be wondering HOW you can help.
What if I told you that caring for your own health can also help the planet? Sounds pretty great, and that’s because it is! The truth is our health, and the planet’s, are two sides of the same coin.
So, what ways can you care for both at the same time?
1. Walk/bike/ or use public transit.
Obviously being active is one of the easiest ways to care for your body. Yet being able to walk or ride to work isn’t always possible. Taking public transit can also be beneficial for your health. It provides time read, practice a hobby, and you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic.
The less time we spend driving the more we are able to reduce our carbon footprint. Less greenhouse gases, less global warming. Truly a win-win situation.
2. Eat less meat.
Eating less red meat is linked with a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Not only can we all benefit from eating less meat, but so can our planet. It takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef, yet producing one pound of tofu only requires 244 gallons of water. Going vegan, a single indivudal can save approximately 219,000 gallons of water a year.
While going fully vegan may seem a bit daunting, know that it doesn not have to be over night. Try going meatless a few days each week. Your health, digestion, and the planet will thank you.
3. Eat less packaged/processed food.
The more whole plant foods, the better. Not only is staying away from processed food better for your overall health, it can also help save the planet. A majority of processed foods are wrapped in non-recyclable plastics.
“It’s just one wrapper” we tell ourselves…over and over again. But when a few billion people have this mentality, our planet begins to greatly suffer. Overflowing landfills, trash filled oceans, and polluted landscapes. BUT it doesn’t have to be that way.
The occasional processed treat isn’t detrimental to your health. I recommend you head to your local grocery store and check out the bulk food seconds. While it’s a great place to find healthy staples (such as oats, nuts, and seeds) many also have granola, cookies, and package free candy.
When we consciously care for ourselves, we can also help the save the planet. It’s time we start living like our health depends on the health of the planet…because it does.