Sustainability is essential in protecting our planet from climate change. Climate change can lead to increased global temperature and more severe storms. In fact, the earth’s temperature has risen by 0.14° F since 1880.
You can make simple lifestyle changes, like recycling items or lowering your energy consumption. Then there are larger steps companies can take, like switching to renewable energy or using less plastic packaging. However, making these changes is also beneficial to our health, and here’s how.
1. Prevents Hunger
One part of suitability is reducing your food waste. We waste about 108 billion pounds of food each year. This food could have gone to malnourished families. So, to help minimize food, plan your meals for the week and store leftovers properly.
Also, sustainable practices ensure the food is safe to eat, with fewer toxins. For example, eco-friendly farmers try to minimize their use of pesticides. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. These pesticides also harm bees, which pollinate about one-third of our food supply.
2. Ensures Your Living in a Safe Home
Sustainable housing focuses on energy efficiency and using healthy building materials. Energy-efficient buildings are good for the environment and your health. Using renewable energy sources, such as solar, burns fewer fossil fuels. This then emits fewer pollutants into the air. Nitrogen oxides and other fine particulate matter can lead to respiratory issues.
In addition, contractors use eco-friendly materials with less harmful fibers like Asbestos. Asbestos is commonly found in exterior siding and roofing panels.
3. Conserves Water
Water is essential for a functional society. It is important in agriculture and producing energy. In fact, over 70% of freshwater is used for agriculture. However, climate change can lead to extreme weather and drought.
So, consider taking shorter showers or installing low-flow devices to help save water. In addition, eco-friendly efforts like distillation ensure our water is safe to drink. It is the process of purifying seawater for human consumption.
4. It Provides an Eco-Friendly Power Source
Sustainable energy methods involve using renewable energy sources, like solar or wind. This can help to conserve non-renewable ones like fossil fuels. Also, burning fossil fuels emit pollutants into the air, which can impact your health.
The particles from fossil fuels can irritate your lungs. Plus, we rely on these fuels to power our homes and technology devices. The average person uses about 83 kW9h of electricity per month. This electricity is used in cooking, heating and lighting your home.
5. Improving the Health Care System
Having a strong health care system is essential in keeping people better protected. Eco-friendly practices minimize waste, construct green buildings, improve energy efficiency and limit toxic substances.
These strategies can help increase savings that can go towards patient care. Also, waste from items, like protective gear, ends up in landfills and produces methane gas. This gas can cause mood changes, slurred speech and vision problems.
6. It Can Help You Eat Healthier
An eco-friendly diet is rich in vegetables and fruits. These allow you to get essential nutrients, such as vitamins A and magnesium. In addition, they are a great source of fiber, which can help prevent digestion problems.
Also, suitable food diets include lowered meat consumption. Eating too much red meat leads to the risk of type two diabetes and coronary heart disease. Plus, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Animals emit greenhouse gasses through their digestive processes. To eat more healthily, grow a garden at home or check out your local farmers’ market.
7. It Can Improve Your Mental Health
The impacts of global warming can increase stress levels. Too much stress can lead to depression or anxiety. Plus, it can cause health issues, like headaches, high blood pressure or heart problems.
That’s why it’s essential to do your part and get your community involved. Also, vote for a government official who supports climate change strategies.
Importance of Sustainability
Conserving water and energy is about more than just helping our planet. These eco-friendly practices are also crucial to human health. They aid in agricultural production and construction. So, review this list and consider how to start living more sustainably today.
See more posts from Jane Marsh at environment.co
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