You start hearing about Earth Day, which is observed on April 22, every spring. Maybe it only serves as a reminder to recycle more, or it brings back happy memories of that day spent planting a tree. The blockbuster book Silent Spring increased public awareness of the negative health effects of pollution, which led to the founding of Earth Day in 1970.
In actuality, taking care of the environment has always involved taking care of ourselves. A healthier Earth, according to earthday.org, would have more plentiful and nutrient-dense food sources as well as less air pollution’s negative effects on human health. However, you may also take good care of your health at home by participating in Earth Day events.
The Health Benefits of Earth Day
The significance of the event for our own health and wellbeing is explained by Earthday.org. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 99% of people on Earth breathe air that is polluted beyond recommended limits. According to WHO estimates, 8.9 million deaths worldwide occurred in 2012 as a result of contaminated water, air, and soil. Each year, unhealthy air is thought to be the cause of 7 million premature deaths.
The effects of a bad environment extend beyond our physical health. Our mental health may suffer as a result of environmental issues. Increased frequency of catastrophic weather events, high temperatures, and economic losses brought on by the environment can also be detrimental to our mental health. Concerns regarding the actual effects of global warming also exist.
Working to counteract these atrocities is the aim of Earth Day celebrations. Earth Day has contributed to a healthier planet through various means such as cleanup events, greater environmental legislation, tree planting, promotion of sustainable farming, and spreading awareness. Conversely, according to the UN Environment Programme, having clean air and water, hygienic conditions, green areas, and well-designed workspaces makes us happier and safer.
How to observe Earth Day to improve your health
There are several methods to make Earth Day an annual occasion to adopt healthier habits if you’d like to link your participation in the celebration to your own better health. Whether you’re gardening or using grounding blankets, it’s simple to feel closer to the Earth.
Go Outside To Exercise
Go outside and work out in the great outdoors to reduce your reliance on energy. For example, there are nature trails surrounding which you can hike. You might even choose to stroll directly through your neighborhood if you want to save petrol. Riding a bike is an excellent method of exercising or even commuting to stores without consuming any fuel.
A study published in HHS Public Access suggests that spending time outside may reduce the symptoms of severe depressive illness, reduce the need for antidepressants, and improve mood in general. Spending time outside could benefit your circadian rhythm as well. The study found that spending time outside was linked to less fatigue, less sleeplessness, and an easier (and earlier) time to wake up.
Plant Trees Or Tend A Garden
According to the EPA, recycling and reusing are crucial for public health since waste facilities are frequently found in impoverished areas, which can have a detrimental impact on public health. One effective strategy to concentrate on the general health of a variety of populations is to reduce trash.
Save Energy and Water
Water conservation can preserve water in nearby rivers, bays, and estuaries, claims Energy Star. This can maintain the stability of environmental health and assist protect the area’s supply of clean, safe drinking water. Requiring less energy to purify and pump the water results from using less of it.
The WaterSense and Energy Star labels, which identify appliances that save energy and water, can be found on more recent models of appliances.
Additionally, look for plant varieties appropriate for the area’s environment, as these require less maintenance and watering. To save on watering, look for plants that can withstand drought. Find out which plants are best suited for your region by speaking with the university exchange or your neighborhood garden center.
Encourage The Use Of Organic And Local Food
Eating locally grown food is good for the environment and your health. Eating locally produced food, for example, requires less energy or fuel for transportation.
According to the University of New Hampshire, food that is harvested at its ripest contains more minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s more likely to have been plucked at its ripest because it was cultivated nearby.
Consuming food that is locally grown can also help you replace more processed food in your diet with whole foods. Eating organic food in particular has been associated in studies to a decrease in health problems like reduced infertility, fewer birth malformations, less incidences of metabolic syndrome, and decreased allergy sensitivity.
In The Outdoors, Cultivate Mindfulness
The Mental Health Foundation states that spending time in nature can significantly improve our mental health. A study discovered that participants’ psychological well-being was positively impacted by nature-based mindfulness exercises.
You may practice mindfulness outside for free in a few simple and straightforward methods. One way is to just sit and listen to the sounds of nature while closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. Relaxing outdoor yoga and tai chi sessions can help foster a sense of oneness with the natural world.
Use Eco-friendly Home and Cleaning Supplies Instead
Common household items might be harmful to people’s health. Certain items have the potential to emit volatile organic compounds, which can be harmful to people’s health, according to the American Lung Association. Some products can even irritate the throat and eyes, or give you a headache.
But be careful—you can’t just go out and buy anything that says “green” or “natural,” since these items could also include dangerous ingredients. No regulatory body has a universal definition for these terms or enforces their use. Nonetheless, the Safer Choice list of goods that is healthier for human health is provided by the EPA.
You may clean things with warm water and soap instead of using strong cleansers for every tiny accident. To get rid of germs, the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit advises giving your bathroom a thorough scrub. Baking soda is a common natural scrub. An efficient cleaner can be made by combining white vinegar and water (50:50).
Disinfectants can be used, but only as directed on the label and never in an area without enough ventilation when asthmatics are present. Additionally, the EPA offers its List N search, which allows you to locate disinfectants that are still effective but less hazardous to human health. Products containing hydrogen peroxide, for example, can be a viable substitute for bleach.
Invest In Eco-friendly and Organic Mattresses and Bedding
You may not think about your bedding while considering green living or environmental conservation. But mattresses and bedding might not be constructed from materials that are supplied sustainably. Some even have allergies or dangerous chemicals in them.
Bedding is one of the product categories that may include “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, according to two studies published in 2022. Owing to health concerns, these long-chain chemicals have been phased out in the US and outlawed in the EU.
Wool, latex, and organic cotton are among the materials that can be found in eco-friendly and organic mattresses and bedding. Similar to the steel in the coils, they may also include recycled elements. Additionally, a lot of these mattress kinds can be antimicrobial, which indicates they can prevent the growth of microorganisms like mold and bacteria.
Consider looking into grounding mats or sheets, which help connect you to the ground port of a nearby electrical outlet using conductive materials like silver strands. The concept is to simulate the Earth’s electric current by connecting to electrons; direct electricity is not required. Grounding sheets could be beneficial for pain, stress, or mood.
Educating people about the connection between environmental health and wellbeing
Raising awareness has acquired a somewhat negative connotation due to the idea of “slacktivism.” You may still spread the word and follow your convictions, though. Activism can benefit your mental health, whether that is promoting a neighborhood-wide cleanup day or publicizing efforts on social media.
According to Stanford University, activism can help people feel more empowered, bring about positive change, regain their agency, and heal from traumatic experiences. In one study, those who took part in a quick act of activism expressed more subjective vitality. Even though you might only be one person, raising awareness of significant issues serves as a reminder of the power of one.