A Symphony of Wellbeing: How Environments Create Vibrant Communities A thriving environment lays a strong groundwork for a symphony of human well-being. There is no wonder that immersing yourself in the crisp air, greenery foliage or the finest sandy beach infused with the salty tang of the oceanic water is truly a natural health tonic. Exposure to green spaces could also eliminate certain stresses, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Moreover, the easy reach of parks, forests, or gardens makes the living space a sanctuary for mental and physical rejuvenation. But clean air and fresh water seem increasingly luxurious in the modern world. We, as human beings, should take care of ourselves as one of the most prominent ways to revitalize Mother Nature. The concept of ‘One Health’ recognizes that human health, animals, and ecosystem vitality are intricately interconnected. To celebrate World Environment Day, we will emphasize the importance of an engaged community, with each person nurturing a sense of shared responsibility and connection toward the environment. In particular, we discover how we make any decision regarding daily diets and sustainable lifestyle habits to impose simple yet impactful contributions to the brighter future of all living things on Earth. Let’s embark on this journey with us and uncover the power of a healthy you on a planet. These actions will inherently engender a self-perpetuating cycle, enriching not only humans and the environment but also dedicating to the lives of the later generations. What's on Your Plate Matters for the Planet Start with our food choices first because we are what we eat, but have you known that the food we choose can have an astonishingly gigantic impact on the sustainability of the planet as well? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the global food system is responsible for one-third of the world’s anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. This stems from the entire life cycle of food products. From agricultural practices, packaging, transportation, preparation, and waste management to the table, food production makes assertive use of resources like water and land and makes them contaminated to some extent. However, the good news is that we can make a more rational decision on what we will consume. And we can all be part of the solution seemingly undiscovered. Embrace Plant Power Plant-based meals generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal products. For example, livestock raising releases a great amount of methane (CH4) into the atmosphere, accounting for up to 25% of the greenhouse emissions measured within the food sector. Animal agriculture also requires vast areas of land for grazing and growing feed crops like corn or soy. Besides, raising animals requires a far more significant usage of water resources. To accommodate the substantial demands, humans start to clear forests, wetlands, grasslands, and whole natural habitats, leading to the inevitable habitat loss. The exploitation of Mother Nature for the sake of humans risks biodiversity loss, meaning that it causes tremendously destructive impacts on the homes of countless plants and animal species. Some endemic species have no choice but to face extinction due to habitat loss. On the other hand, planting crops for direct human consumption is less resource-intensive compared to animal-based agriculture. Reducing the demands for animal products and orienting plant-based diets could contribute to preserving biodiversity and preventing further deforestation alongside habitat destruction. Both plant-based and animal-based farming cause detrimental effects on the environment, but the intensity differs. However, to minimize the environmental impacts of what we eat, prioritizing products that comply with organic farming practices is a must. By doing so, we can simultaneously discourage the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that are more likely to result in harmful agricultural runoff. Opt for plant-based alternatives, such as legumes, nuts, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and fruits to ensure a diverse intake of vitamins and minerals. Besides, consider reducing the consumption of meat or animal products which have a much higher environmental impact. Think Local, Eat Local We can choose local and seasonal food options because locally sourced products significantly decrease the need to deliver from one to the other place. Waste Not, Want Not Food waste has been a major issue, putting the environment in danger for years. Try to minimize waste disposal by choosing products with biodegradable packaging. Seek ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle the leftovers and packaging whenever possible. Connect to Supplements Leading a sustainable lifestyle can be either easy or challenging. It is not just confined to selecting locally sourced and seasonal ingredients but also about maintaining sufficient nutrients for various health benefits. As a matter of fact, this is where dietary supplements come in. Supplements play a supportive role in filling the nutritional gaps, ensuring you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, despite which dietary preferences you are following. While plant-infused diets are generally healthy and sustainable, some nutrients are less abundant and readily bioavailable from plants than from animal sources, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Taking supplements is another way to support our plant-based meals, by complementing what might be lacking upon plant consumption. Looking for top-notch supplements? Consider NuBest Nutrition - a supplementary brand renowned for offering high-quality products that meet the strictest GMP standards. With diverse product categories, they cater to all your health needs, from head to toe, so that you can find the one that suits you with ease. Small Steps, Big Impact: Eco-Friendly Habits for Your Well-being Living a healthy life to protect the planet does not have to be necessarily complicated as it can go hand-in-hand with some simple but powerful daily activities. Ditch Disposables Opt for reusable bottles and shopping bags; for example, bring clean cups, bottles, and containers for takeaways or lunch. In the long run, this practice can significantly reduce the single-use plastic and disposable items discharged into the environment. Move Your Body, Move the Planet Be mindful of how you move around within the city. Instead of driving your car for short distances, consider cycling, walking, or using public transportation. This change will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also significantly improve your mental and physical well-being. Cook More at Home Take some time to dine in because it will offer you tremendous benefits. For example, preparing meals at home allows you to control the portion sizes, quality of ingredients, and hygienic issues. Skipping processed foods can simultaneously reduce food waste while enjoying healthier choices. Taking Care of Yourself Reduces the Environmental Burden Prevention is better than cure, taking initiatives in preventative healthcare measures can do wonders to safeguard your own wellness and contribute to a more prosperous planet. You should adopt regular checkups, a healthy and balanced diet, adequate sleep, consistent exercises, and avoid addictive substances like alcohol, drugs, or smoking. By doing so, you are less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses requiring extensive treatment with surgeries, medications, and hospital stays. As you may not know, a large percentage of carbon footprint can be traced to energy and resource uses across the healthcare sector. For instance, the manufacture of medications, the disposal of medical wastes, and the substantial power demand for healthcare facilities all level up the environmental strain. The Effect of Wellness: You and the Planet Ready to make a difference? From the food on your plate to the way you think and move, your choices can have effects that extend far beyond your utopian imagination. It is when you start to take a shared responsibility for the general living environment, you embrace not only you but also the later generations in your hands. Let’s place the first small materials on this journey, by adopting a plant-based approach, green lifestyle practices, preventive health measures, and a sustainable perspective.
