Adopting healthy habits isn’t just about optimising our well-being; they can also positively impact the planet. Ahead of Earth Day 2023 on 22 April, turn to the year’s theme of “Invest in the Planet” and look at ways to do good for the environment while investing in our health and wellness.
Why not incorporate healthy habits that will benefit your health and protect the planet this Earth Day?
Adopt a plant-based diet
Livestock farming is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water pollution. While adopting an entirely vegetarian or vegan diet into your life may be unrealistic, look at swapping out meat for plant-based once or twice a week.
The Green Monday movement has gained traction over the past few years, encouraging people to forgo meat once a week. Reduction in meat consumption can contribute towards a lower individual carbon footprint.
Use less water
While it’s easy enough for us to turn on the tap and get fresh water at all hours of the day, water is a scarce resource still in some parts of the world. Water filtration systems in major cities worldwide take a toll on the environment; reducing water use can help mitigate the pollution produced and the energy required to process dirty water.
Using less water can help us gain greater consciousness about our daily habits and help with mindful consumption of resources overall.
Use natural, eco-friendly products
Switching from synthetic products to natural ones can help limit trace chemicals polluting the environment. From the microplastics from exfoliating face washes littered across ocean beds globally to plastic straws and bags killing animals, eliminating non-sustainable products from our lives is an easy step towards lessening the burden on our planet.
Single use-plastic, synthetic skincare and other products are loaded with chemicals that can harm the body; for example, cheap plastic food containers may release cancer-causing chemicals when reheated.
Eliminating these products from your daily routine can create a healthier planet and a healthier lifestyle for individuals.
Get your steps in
Walking is one of the best ways to get your daily workout in, and it’s a great way to incorporate exercise into a busy daily routine. Instead of driving or taking public transportation, make a more mindful effort to walk whenever possible.
A good rule of thumb is if it takes less than 25 minutes to get to your destination on foot, opt to walk, jog or cycle instead of taking transportation. You can burn roughly 150 calories with a 30-minute walk; studies have found that exercising outdoors can bring about greater happiness than doing so indoors. It’s also a great way to give your eyes a break and get off your digital devices.
Also see: Research confirms a five-minute walk every half hour is key to longevity