While most people make green changes to their lifestyle to positively impact the environment, green-doers usually benefit from an improved health and well-being. Here are some ways that going green is not only good for the planet, but also good for you:
1-Revamping your diet
Choosing to eat lower on the food chain decreases the amount of meat and animal products you consume and also increases your fruit and vegetable consumption. Growing fruits and vegetables is less energy intensive than producing meat. This is not only beneficial to the environment, but to your health as well.
Eating locally and/or organically grown foods require less transportation. Therefore reducing the amount of fuel needed. You are not ingesting pesticides, herbicides and other potentially dangerous chemicals found on conventionally-grown produce. There in minimal soil, air and water pollution associated with organic/local farming.
According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), pre-packed foods, fast food and soft drinks are just that fast and convenient. However, these highly processed foods use large amounts of energy and materials during production. Most of these foods have a tendency to contain high amounts of sugar, sodium and fat which are known to grow waist-lines.
We all need water to survive – actually, everyday we should drink the equivalent amount of water in ounces as half our body weight in pounds. Instead of reaching for the plastic disposable water bottle try drinking your tap water – filtered. You would be surprised to know how many chemicals lurk in your unfiltered tap water.
Did you know that 40% of all bottle water is actually filtered tap water? And you are paying a premium price for that water.
Bottled water requires substantially more energy and materials than simply drinking straight from the tap. And, you help decrease the amount of plastic bottles being disposed of in landfills.
2-Transportation Habits
Go on skates or go by bike. Go by foot-run, skip, or hike! Go by scooter! Go by skis-bundle up so you don’t freeze. ~Dr. Seuss
So grab your bike or your shoes and get to it! By choosing to go green, most people look for alternatives to motorized vehicles such as walking and biking. The increased amount of exercise will improve your cardiovascular health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3-Decrease exposure to toxins and chemicals
I think we would all be surprised to know how many toxic chemicals can be found in our home. All the different products we use from our cleaning products to the paint on our walls are putting our health at risk and harming the planet at the same time.
By choosing VOC/toxic free paints, natural beauty products, healthier household cleaning products (or make your own), and avoiding lawn care products containing harmful chemical fertilizers, etc, can not only positively impact your health, but the environment as well.
As you can see- what is good for the environment, can also be good for your body.
What do you do to keep yourself and the planet healthy?
Sources: Center for Disease Control and Dr. Mercola
It’s amazing how many toxins are around us and what we’re exposed to that we never realize!
I stumble you, and my post it http://www.kmhcreates.com/2011/08/what-bpa-in-cans.html
It is amazing what people don’t know is lurking around! them at home!
I stopped buying bottled water months ago and not only am I used to drinking tap water now but am so grateful that I am not tossing bottle after bottle into the recyling bin!
YAY, Carrie! I am so happy to hear that!
That’s what Dr. Mercola said and I have read and heard it from many different people. I think it is most definitely true! Filtered tap water in a bottle…I prefer my water free!
Speaking of bottled water…
… While on a camping trip we bought bottled water from Walmart. On the label it said something along the lines of: Taken from Hazelwood, MO municipal water supply something or other.
Seriously? This water was taken from a city about 30 miles from our house…. Glorified tap water. Ridiculous!
I know! You are just drinking filtered tap water. So why not save your money, buy a filter and drink your own tap water? or you could bottle it and sell it to Walmart….hehehe
Not only are you spending money on something you can get out of your own tap filtered yourself, you are leaving plastic bottles behind, AND it encourages companies to try to OWN what should be available for everyone. See the Coca Cola water right fights in Mexico- it will scare you silly!
I agree. It is the amount of water bottles ending up in landfills. Let’s be honest a lot of people do not recycle their disposable water bottles.
I have a friend that changed the way she ate and the product she used and says because of it she was finally able to conceive and give birth to two beautiful children!
I believe wholeheartedly that we are now consuming so much junk in our foods and in our products and that for many, ignorance is truly bliss.
I believe food is your medicine!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing. Stumbled.
Neat fact about the bottled water. Our tap water here is not drinking safe. We filter and boil it before drinking.
Fantastic post! I tweeted this!
Thank you Veronica!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing. I try to do most things that you mentioned, but it’s taken me years to get there. I’m a big believer in taking baby steps and figuring out what works for you. I love my reusable water bottle and try to remember to fill it with filtered water before I leave for the day (doesn’t always happen!).
Thank you, Lori! Oh it has taken me years to get where I am now. I feel like I am continuously learning and changing! 🙂
thank you for sharing these tips! i really need em’ right about now. eeeks. you’d cry if you read my diet lately. i love me some veggies, but lately they haven’t been dressed with the healthiest ingridients.
i admire your healthy way of life!!
<3
maria
You’re welcome, Maria! If you need any more tips or help- shoot me an email and I would be more then willing to help you out! ggirlggreen@gmail.com
Awesome! Get water-based paints and check for non-toxic or VOC-free on the label! 🙂
That is great, Beth! Keep up the green work!
LOL! I am sure it is pretty, too!
Transportation choices is a great point that we don’t normally think of. Often we think cars are quicker, but if you factor in looking for parking and ending up having to park quite far from where you are going, it may not be quicker at all. Just today one of the mums from my playgroup drove (when her place is 10 min walk away) just to find that there was no parking around playgroup. She then had to go back and park half way in between.
LOL! What a waste of time~She should have just walked….silly mom! 🙂
That is great what you are doing Brenna about water bottles. I am not a nestle fan at all for various reasons! One day at a time. people just have to be more aware and actually care a little more! Keep up the great work….you are making a difference!
Thank you so much!
This is a very interesting site, I have enjoyed reading it. You have many good tips although I am not sure that I agree with global warming, but keeping our planet clean is good for everyone.
Thanks so much for the feedback! 🙂