Better Earth, Better You: Minor Changes with Significant Impacts
It is likely that you have heard the saying "everything is connected" more times than you can remember. But let us take a moment to consider that carefully. Our lifestyle choices—what we eat, how we move, and how we take care of our environment—have a significant impact on the state of our planet. Additionally, when one suffers, the other frequently does too.
The straightforward yet potent notion that what is good for the Earth can also be beneficial for our bodies is known as co-benefits. The connection between individual health and the health of the earth is not only a good notion, but also a necessity in an era of wildfires, rising oceans, and more unpredictable weather.
Let us explore five shockingly easy yet powerful strategies to promote the Earth's and your personal vitality.
1. Increase Your Plant Consumption for the Benefit of the Earth and Yourself
To have an impact, you do not have to become a vegan. You may improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint by replacing even one meat-based meal each week with a plant-based one. Plant-based diets have been associated with decreased risks of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. They also often consume less energy, water, and land than diets high in meat, particularly beef.
The interesting part, though, is that not all plants are made equally. For instance, almonds are thirsty crops even though they may be heart-healthy. Conversely, lentils are little powerhouses that are high in protein and have minimal effect. Therefore, consume wiser plants rather than just "more plants." Examine resources such as Our World in Data to learn more about how certain foods affect the ecosystem. What you discover may surprise you.
2. Make Movements with Your Body That Move the Needle
Occasionally, try exchanging your car keys for sneakers. In addition to getting you from point A to point B, walking, bicycling, or using public transportation has several health benefits, such as enhancing mood, strengthening bones, improving heart health, and improving focus.
Additionally, each car travel you avoid reduces the amount of emissions in the atmosphere. Pollution is reduced. fewer episodes of asthma. a less harsh impact on the environment. These are micro-revolutions with big results, not big gestures.
And no, marathon training is not required. Simply set a weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate exercise and a few strength training sessions. Consider it a gift to the world you will live in and to your future self.
3. Begin where you are, then gently move past it.
The goal of behavior change is momentum, not perfection. What is feasible for one individual may seem unattainable to another. Perhaps you feel that "Meatless Monday" is appropriate. Perhaps it is reducing the amount of beef to once per week. Walking to work might be a stretch, but riding a bike on a sunny Friday? That is feasible.
Make sure your objective pushes you just enough to make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but not so much that you give up on it after a week. Change is a gradual process. It takes place in nudges.
4. Explain Your Actions and Their Reasons
It may feel uncomfortable at first to discuss your decisions, such as why you are riding more or why you have switched from cheeseburgers to lentil soup. However, it might ignite something. Perhaps it encourages a friend to give it a try. Perhaps that friend becomes a voice in local planning meetings or speaks with the cafeteria manager at their child's school.
In actuality, small acts can have unforeseen consequences. However, it all begins with a discussion. What is the best part?
5. Reevaluate the Definition of "Health"
Health is more than a blood pressure reading or a number on a scale. Your day is shaped by the weather, the food you can buy, the water you drink, and the air you breathe. It is the community you live in and the environment you give your kids.
Personal health is based on planetary health, not the other way around. And our ability to defend both grows as we become more aware of that.
Concluding remarks
No, you cannot reverse climate change or restore ecosystems on your own. Your decisions, however, do matter. They spread forth. They accumulate. Additionally, they have the ability to nourish the Earth that contains your body as well.
Begin modestly. Keep your curiosity alive. Additionally, keep in mind that we all have a better chance of being healthy if the earth is healthier.
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