Planetary health is a relatively new concept that has gained traction in recent years due to the urgent need to address the health of our planet and its inhabitants. It refers to the interdependent health of both humans and the environment, recognizing that the two are inseparable and that the health of one is intricately linked to the health of the other.1
Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth led to environmental degradation and climate change in this era. These factors have profound implications for human health, with climate change and extreme weather events exacerbating existing health problems. Air and water pollution as well as toxic chemicals are additional environmental factors that lead to health issues. By promoting sustainable development and protecting the planet’s health and inhabitants, we can ensure a healthy future for generations.2
Here are a few things we can do to to help Earth sustain its positive energy for the well-being of flora, fauna, humans and the planet as a whole:
• Reduce food waste. Although there are so many on planet Earth who suffer from malnutrition and food deficit, there is an unconscionable amount of food that is wasted. To better understand how food waste occurs in your own kitchen, write down what gets thrown in the trash throughout the week, including the reason why. Did it go bad? Did you buy too much? Were you unsure of how to save it safely? Use this personal research to determine how best to reduce your waste. Perhaps you simply need to buy less, or learn better strategies for freezing or re-using leftovers.3
• Learn how to compost. It is a great way to use food scraps such as fruit rinds or vegetable discards. The composting process converts food into stable soil carbon, rather than methane (which is what happens to food at a landfill).
• Be mindful of how you use water. The average American household uses 98 gallons of water each day, more than other families around the globe.4 Assess your daily activities that involve water —bathing, cleaning, washing dishes, laundry, the toilet, cooking, watering the lawn —and see how you can cut down. For example, don’t let the faucet run while you’re brushing your teeth! Use a basin of water to rinse your dishes rather than running the tap on each item. Accumulate a whole load before using the dishwasher or doing laundry. Make sure you don’t have any leaky plumbing.
• Consider solar power. It is a good choice for reducing carbon emissions. Personal rooftop solar panels are becoming less expensive and more widely used every year. And, it will likely decrease your electricity bills, if not completely wipe them out.
• Eat less meat and more plant-based food. Forests are destroyed to make room for grazing, fertilizers produce nitrous oxide, and cows emit the greenhouse gas methane as they graze. Most climate change experts agree that reducing meat consumption is one of the most important tasks we have as a global community. In addition to being more eco-friendly, plant-rich diets may also reduce risk of some chronic diseases and add years to your life.5 Why not try a three-bean chili or a grilled portabella mushroom burger?
• Reduce, Reuse & Recycle: Reduce your usage of waste-producing items, such as single-use plastic bottles. Reuse whenever possible to minimize purchases. Recycle to lower your carbon footprint.
The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced planetary health as one of the core terms in its “Health Promotion Glossary of Terms 2021″.6 When we recognize the interdependence between Earth’s natural ecosystems and human health, we can all commit to doing our part to sustaining Earth’s vital energies!
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd and treat yourself and your loved ones to fresh air with the KenkoAir Purifier® at 20% off the regular price! To breathe is to live and to breathe KenkoAir is to live healthy!
1, 2,6 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11107315/
3, 4, 5 https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/10-things-you-can-do-planetary-health
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