Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)
One: Go meatless at least once a week
Eating less meat, even just one day a week is good for your health according to the Mayo Clinic. Lowering meat intake can be beneficial in lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Meatless meals also benefit the environment by limiting the use of natural resources (water) and also lowering greenhouse gas emissions (burning less fossil fuel for electricity and transport). In an astonishing statistic, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that approximately 634 gallons of water are used to produce one hamburger and a recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) report details that “if every American cut meat and cheese from their diet for just one day a week, it would be equivalent to taking 7.6 million cars off the road.”
Two: Nix the chemicals
Unfortunately, many of the industrial chemicals we’ve put in our air, food, clothing, beauty supplies, cleaning supplies, yard products, etc., have been found to be quite toxic and because often they can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, there are also links to various chemicals contributing to cancer, autism, autoimmune disease, and other ailments. What can you do? Just as important as reading the labels on what you consume, beware of what you’re putting on your skin and around your environment. EWG.org is an excellent site to investigate the toxicity of all types of products.
Three: Get regular doses of Enviro-Therapy
The term “grounding” (or “earthing”) refers to direct physical contact with the abundant supply of the Earth’s electrons by walking barefoot, placing your hands on some grass or earth, or immersing yourself in a body of conductive water such as the sea or a mineral-rich lake. Research is finding that grounding in part, neutralizes free radicals, improves the immune system and blood circulation, reduces the production of stress hormones, harmonizes the body’s biological rhythms, and contributes to overall well-being.
Four: Nurture Your Relationships
“No man is an island” is a famous saying attributed to seventeenth-century English author John Donne to underscore that we all need each other to live, and better yet, to thrive. To foster sustainable relationships, be sure to make the time to enjoy special bonding time with loved ones and friends (minus the electronics) and join a group or club with like-minded individuals. Close relationships contribute to the feeling of belonging and purpose. They help us deal with eventual traumas (death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, and other traumatic events). They also enrich your life, ward of depression, and contribute to your health and well-being.
Five: Pay It Forward
When we do good in our life — for our family, friends, community — it grows our compassion and understanding and fosters a new appreciation of all that we do have. In “doing unto others” we not only help alleviate struggling and suffering, but we also strengthen bonds and encourage others to do the same by example.
