Many people initially opt to go green due to their concern for the health of environment. These eco-warriors may fail to realize that going green can have a positive effect on their health as well. By taking strides to reduce the size of your carbon footprint, you can help ensure a better future for your children and potentially increase the length of time that you get to spend with them on this planet.
Pounding the Pavement
One easy way to go green is to leave your car at home when you head out on errands that are not far from home. By venturing to your local store on foot, or cycling there on your bike, you reduce the carbon emissions that you add to the air. Doing this also increases the amount of physical activity in which you engage daily, likely having a positive impact on your overall physical health.
Going Locally Grown
Selecting locally grown foods over packaged options is good for the environment, and your health. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, locally grown foods are better for the environment. These foods do not require as much energy to transport, saving fuel and preventing transportation. These foods, by their nature, are fresh and, as a result, healthier for your body. Most processed foods contain an assortment of additives that are not nutritionally sound. Cutting these preservatives, food colorings and other unnecessary food components from your diet may improve your health.
Breathe the Fresh Air
While you likely do not often think about the quality of the air that you breathe, continually breathing in pollutants can have a negative impact on your health. By doing your part to reduce carbon emissions, you can improve the air quality in your immediate environment, allowing you to breathe in cleaner air. This reduction in air pollution can have a noticeable effect, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports that certain diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have been tied to the presence of air pollution.
Sleep Tight
Getting adequate sleep is vital for overall health. Many, however, struggle to catch the sleep they require because of technological disturbances. Turning off your TV or shutting off some of the lights in your home, you can reduce the amount of energy that you consume. At the same time, you will create an environment that is more conducive to sleep, encouraging your body to go to sleep earlier and sleep more soundly.
Starting Slow
It is important to remember that you don’t need to make the changes to a greener style of living all at once. Instead of waking up one day and committing yourself to being 100 percent green, make the transition gradually. By doing this, you can increase your likelihood of success and keeping with the program.
