Everything humans do affects the planet, even when the action itself seems insignificant. Similarly, every choice you make determines your physical, mental and emotional health. The human body and Earth share a complicated connection, but one thing is sure — they both require support.

Focusing on your wellness doesn’t mean you have to neglect your environmentalist principles. You don’t need to give up on self-care to focus on sustainability, either. Here are 10 practical ways to balance eco-friendly values with your well-being.

1. Eat More Vegetables

Red meat production contributes to high methane emission rates. Eating vegetables offers plenty of health benefits on its own, and eating less beef complements those gains. Plants usually don’t demand as much energy or land as cattle do, and they remove carbon from the air. Buy your vegetables and fruits locally, if possible, or obtain them straight from the farmer.

2. Use Clean Energy

Switch to clean energy by using solar power. You don’t need to install panels on your roof or lawn if you don’t have space. Start with feasible measures like solar-powered outdoor lighting, home appliances, generators and more. Each step matters. You can work your way up to significant electricity savings with items like geothermal heaters and DC-powered devices.

3.  Buy Organic Clothing

You know about organic foods, but what about organic clothes? These garments consist of natural fabrics, meaning they have fewer chemicals than artificial threads. Every natural fiber isn’t equal, so do your research to ensure you’re getting the healthiest options for your skin and the environment. Bamboo, organic cotton and hemp are common materials among eco-friendly brands.

4. Drink More Water

You’ve heard it a thousand times, but drinking water is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Knowing what’s inside your H2O is even more vital than drinking it. Labels like spring, mineral and purified all mean different things concerning your water quality. Choosing the right one depends on what you’re looking for to enhance your health.

5. Turn Down the HVAC

Reducing your HVAC usage lowers power bills. Your unit will also last longer with less run time. You don’t have to freeze or sweat without the system on, though. Wear a comfy sweater and warm socks, or open the windows during the hot months. Scientists have suggested that relying on the HVAC can slow your metabolism. Spending time in your body’s thermoneutral zone — your resting temperature — causes your metabolic system to spend less effort on regulating heat production and loss.

6. Walk, Run or Bike

Strap on your running shoes and hit the pavement. Unless you have an electric car, your vehicle outputs emissions during travel. These gases deplete the Earth’s ozone layer and cause respiratory issues. Many people have experienced lung irritation and asthma attacks because of ground-level ozone and airborne particles. Give your car — and your lungs — a break by biking to the store or walking to work.

7. Recycle Your Waste

Recycle your waste properly to keep it out of landfills. Rainwater often sweeps away garbage, sending it into lakes and drinking water sources. Landfill debris also causes air pollution, creating harmful gases like methane. Send your trash to hazardous waste facilities or recycling programs to avoid the health consequences of unsustainable disposal.

8. Make Way for Natural Lighting

Illuminate your home by opening the blinds and letting the sunlight pour in. Incandescent bulbs waste energy in the form of heat, which is inefficient for your wallet and the electrical grid. LEDs are a cut above the rest, but sunshine is ultimately the best source. Vitamin D strengthens your immune and cardiovascular systems, and the mood boost doesn’t hurt either.

9. Clean With Natural Ingredients

Throw away your chemical-laden cleaning solutions and opt for natural and plant-based substances. You can make homemade cleaners or buy some from your local grocery store. You’ll find no shortage of organic cleansing products. White vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda all make excellent disinfectants without harsh fumes. Your body will thank you for choosing goods that remove grime and dirt without releasing toxic compounds.

10. Grow a Garden

If you have the space for a backyard garden, put on your gloves and start digging! It’s a fantastic feeling to eat the fruits of your labor. You won’t need to buy as much store-bought food if your crops prosper, which helps reduce fuel emissions. You’ll also consume healthier goods because they don’t undergo the processing that commercial meals do.

Prioritize Wellness Throughout 2020

These tips will help you uphold better wellness techniques while acknowledging the Earth’s needs. Human and environmental health have undeniable ties to each other. Without one, the other suffers. Caring for both allows you to realize your best self while protecting the planet’s ecosystems.

About the Author

Emily covers topics in sustainability and green living. You can read more of her work on her site, Conservation Folks.

What are your favorite ways to improve your health and the planet this year?

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