I just finished reading an article in Natural Health Magazine on 4 things that you can do that are good for you and good for the environment. I am going to try hard this spring and summer to implement these as part of my regular routine.
1) Bike to work…I live less than 5 miles from The Wellness Center so there really is no excuses for this one. With Colorado’s beautiful weather it also gets me outside and if I bike through the neighborhoods it is actually very scenic. The side benefit is built in exercise so I don’t have to worry about going to the gym later (not that I go to the gym anyway). It gets me moving, but I have to admit my biggest hurdle around biking to work is that I like to wear cute clothes, and it is an effort to bring an extra set of clothes and shoes. Maybe my goal will be to bike to work at least one day a week when the weather is nice. That feels more doable.
2) Buy organic and local, this is more than just food. When items need to travel less to get to their destination it is hands down better for the environment. The average meals travels 1,500 miles before it reaches your plate. Choosing local and goods, helps cut down the carbon footprint. Bonus points if you can go vegetarian, if not totally at least for 2-3 nights a week, since raising livestock is a environmental stress, needing more: water, grains, energy and fertilizer. the average cow consumes 100 pounds of feed each day.
3) Remove your exposure to toxins. Now that spring is here, it is time to let go of all of those cleaners in your home that are toxic and replace them with natural solutions. Here are a few ideas:
I replaced drano with baking soda and vinegar, just use a 1/2 cup of each pour down the drain, cover wait 15 minutes pour 3 cups of boiling hot water down after. Here is a cool site to check out for more alternatives. http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm
Also with any beauty product that you put on your skin that goes directly into your system. This website is a great resource, where they have done all the research and groundwork. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/.
4) Give back the mother Earth. Giving to a good cause boosts self esteem, happiness and life satisfaction. Take some time to get outside and help rebuild trails, volunteer at your local shelter, get outside and plant some trees. Last year we got a free tree from Denver DUG and planted it in our front yard. Lets see if it is still alive this year. Life can give very busy and volunteering is one of the first things to go. I have recently gotten more involved in political action. I have to admit it has inspired me, and it makes me feel that I am making a difference no matter how small the action. Check out: www.Results.org for a great organization that I have started to learn more about.
To your health!
Sharon
