Get Healthy. Go Green!

While striving for your ultimate healthy lifestyle, why not do your bit to help the environment along the way.  Here are ten tips on how going green can also make you healthier.

• Buy organic vegetables.  Organic vegetables are grown without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilizers, which benefits the environment.  By using no artificial ingredients or preservatives, they will also be better for you and may contain a higher nutrient content than non-organic vegetables.

• Calling all carnivores!  Try reducing the servings of meat you eat this week as livestock production produces a massive amount of greenhouse gases. Eating less meat will also help lower your cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

• Reconsider the cleaning products you use in areas where your children or pets play as they are at significant risk from absorbing harmful chemicals from carpets and floors.

• Cut back on the harsh chemicals and try using ‘greener’ cleaning products as harsh chemicals often found in regular products are thought to be linked to asthma and can affect allergy sufferers.

• Try walking, running or biking for at least one weekend errand where you would usually use the car.  This is a no brainer!  Get all the benefits of exercise, while lowering your CO2 emissions.

• Replace one of your daily personal care products, such as deodorant, moisturizer or shampoo and replace it with an eco-friendly version.

• Take some time to enjoy the great outdoors!  Exercising outdoors without the use of those energy-sucking treadmills and elliptical trainers is a win-win.

• Avoid personal care products that contain phthalates.  There are thought to be many potential health risks associated with phthalates, which the EU in 2004 prohibited the manufacture and/or sale of cosmetics containing certain types of phthalates.

• Add an indoor plant or two to your home for improved air quality.  Plants can help remove chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide – stuff we don’t want to be breathing in!

• For your next pair of running shoes, consider the environmental impact of making them.  Look at companies that make their shoes using recyclable and biodegradable materials.