You can’t have healthy humans on a sick planet. Whether it’s the air we breathe, the food we consume, or the water we drink, we are all impacted when the Earth is ailing due to pollution, waste, and climate change. The good news is that many eco-friendly practices are not just positive for the planet — they’re positive for people, too.
Even reconsidering your household cleaning habits can create meaningful change for your own well-being. For example, leading laundry detergent brands often contain harmful chemicals including such irritants and toxins as phosphates, formaldehyde, dyes, chlorine bleach, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium sulfate, ammonia, nonylphenol ethoxylate, and phenols. In fact, the State of New York recently enacted a ban on the potentially cancer-causing chemical 1,4-Dioxane, which is found in detergents. Consider the estimated one billion plastic laundry jugs thrown into the trash annually — with less than a third recycled. These plastics disintegrate into microplastics and then end up in our waterways and oceans, consumed by animals, and even ingested into our bodies. Worse, many of the chemicals found in plastics are known to cause health issues, including cancer.
Even an act as simple as switching to SaltyLama eco-friendly laundry sheets can make a difference for both your own health and the surrounding environment. Our plant-based laundry sheets quickly dissolve in water to remove dirt, stains, and unwanted odors from fabrics. And instead of being wrapped in plastic, our sheets are compacted into biodegradable packaging.
Every April 7, the World Health Organization celebrates global health awareness with a new annual theme. This year, WHO is celebrating “Health For All.” So, what better way to contribute to this goal than by taking charge of our own health sustainably? While the concept of eco-friendly living may be often associated with environmental concerns, it is equally important to consider the impact our lifestyle choices have on our minds and bodies. So, take care of your own health while making a positive impact on the world around you with a few simple steps.
Eat more plants
It probably comes as no surprise that a heavily meat-based diet is both unsustainable for the planet and unhealthy for most people. Consuming red meat puts you at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. So eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. This means consuming a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Try to limit your intake of processed and packaged foods that are often high in unhealthy additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Eating a balanced diet not only provides your body with the necessary nutrients and energy to function optimally but also supports your mental health and overall well-being. Your diet is more important than just how much weight you gain or lose; it impacts your body’s entire performance levels.
Plus, steering clear of highly-processed foods and choosing produce that is locally and sustainably grown can also reduce your carbon footprint. Visit farmer’s markets or local organic shops to find the best products for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Stay active with exercise
This is a wonderful way to stay healthy sustainably! Staying active with regular physical exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it doesn’t have to be a tedious chore or harmful to the environment. In fact, there are so many fun ways to get moving and keep your body in tip-top shape while also having a blast. Whether you’re a fan of high-intensity workouts or prefer low-impact activities, there’s an exercise routine out there that will suit your interests and fitness level.
One way to make exercise more enjoyable is to find a physical activity that you can look forward to and make part of your weekly routine. For instance, if you are a nature lover, you might love hiking or trail running, which offers a great cardio workout while also immersing you in the beauty of the great outdoors. If you enjoy the water, you might want to try swimming or paddleboarding.
Yoga is another popular option that not only provides a good workout but also promotes mental and emotional well-being. The practice focuses on breathing techniques, stretching, and meditation, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to relieve stress, anxiety, and tension in their body and mind. Plus, there are many different types of yoga, from gentle restorative classes to challenging power flows, so you can find the style that best suits your needs.
Choosing ways to exercise naturally, instead of using energy-sucking cardio machines, is an excellent way to be more sustainable! If you’re interested in joining a gym, we recommend finding a green gym in your area.
Reduce stress
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is unavoidable. From work deadlines to personal responsibilities, we all face stress daily. However, if not managed properly, stress can have a significant impact on both our physical and mental health. That's why it's crucial to practice stress-reducing techniques that help you feel more relaxed, calm, and centered.
One effective technique for managing stress is meditation. This is a wonderful practice that is both free and completely sustainable. This ancient practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and even lower blood pressure. By focusing your attention on your breath or a specific object, you can calm your mind and reduce the negative effects of stress on your body.
Another great way to manage stress is through deep breathing exercises. By taking slow, deep breaths, you can activate the relaxation response in your body and reduce stress levels. This technique is particularly useful in high-pressure situations, such as job interviews or public speaking engagements. Of course, you can also incorporate such activities as yoga to reduce stress sustainably.
Incorporate more mushrooms into your diet
Mushroom supplements are a great way to improve your cognitive health and overall well-being. Plus, they are one of the most sustainable supplement options on the market. Mushrooms are a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. They contain beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that can boost the immune system and improve gut health. Additionally, they are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, potassium, and selenium, which are important for maintaining a healthy body.
What’s also great about mushroom supplements is how sustainably they are produced. Mushrooms themselves can be grown without large amounts of water or soil. In fact, some varieties can be grown using agricultural waste like corn stalks or sawdust, which helps reduce waste.
Get more sleep
Sleep is often overlooked as a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, but it plays a vital role in our physical and mental well-being. So, put your phone down, pick up a cozy book, or listen to a sleepy podcast to lull yourself into a deep slumber. Getting adequate sleep is essential for optimal brain and body function. When we don’t get enough sleep, we may experience a whole host of negative effects, such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even an increased risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Don’t skip out on sleep! As for the right amount, the Sleep Foundation recommends adults get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
Celebrate World Health Day in the best way! By incorporating these sustainable health practices into your daily routine, you can improve your well-being while also being mindful of protecting the planet in the process.