Living Green

1. The health of yourself, your family, and the planet depends on it!
2. Save $$$$$$$$$!!!
3. A healthy family begins at home.
4. Go Local. It strengthens your community.
5. Set a great example for future generations.

1. You’ve all heard it said that if you have your health, you have it all. It turns out that our health is affected by the health of the environment. There are now many chemicals in the air, in the water, and even in your home that our bodies are not meant to withstand. It is now thought that air pollution is responsible for some lung cancer, asthma, and even heart disease. Since any man made chemical eventually makes its way into the water supply, water pollution can also increase cancer risk. Modern life has provided many creature comforts we all enjoy; however, by reducing some of the negative side effects we can all breath a little easier!

2. We have all seen the hybrid cars and expensive “green” merchandise that has recently become trendy. The best ways to go green cost no money at all and can even save cash. Since using less energy and water is both environmentally and budget friendly, that is the best place to start. Unplugging electronics when they are not in use and at night can really reduce electric bills. This eco-friendly because many U.S. power plants are still coal fired, releasing CO2 and fly ash along with other harmful byproducts. Turn down the thermostat in your house and on your hot water heater for even more savings. Walking instead of driving reduces fuel and adds a health benefit. Often there are savings given to those who bring their own bags and recycle to reduce trash disposal costs as well.

3. Indoor pollution is often more harmful than outdoor pollution. Why expose your family to harmful chemicals? Many cleansers aggravate asthma or other allergies, and after using them they are washed out into the water supply, exposing other organisms to their harmful effects. By relying less on typical household chemicals and more on all natural options indoor air quality can be improved, thereby making the space your family spends the most time in safer. For example, baking soda makes a great “scrubber” for those hard to clean areas, polishing pots and pans. Mixing water and vinegar with a touch of soap is a quick cleanser for glass. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, have antibacterial qualities and can be added to water to disinfect bathrooms. Use three parts olive oil to one part vinegar to polish wood furniture. Even the carpet, paint, and furniture you purchase can release harmful chemicals into the air. Consider more natural materials and eco-friendly paint to avoid this harm.

4. One of the best things you can do for the environment is to purchase as many things as possible locally. Attend a local food market and support local farmers. When in the produce section choose produce from the closest locale possible. Supporting local farms increases diversity and will enrich your neighborhood; small farms are also more likely to use humane treatment methods. Buying organic goes one step further, by preserving valuable topsoil, reducing energy usage, and eliminating all the chemical runoff found on large factory farms. When given the choice between local food or organic produce from far away places, it is more eco-friendly to purchase the produce that was grown closer to home. The fuel used to haul produce over long distances outweighs the advantages of organic farming.

5. The best reason of all for going green may be the impact your actions will have on future generations. Not only is it important let a healthy planet behind for your great grandchildren, but you have a chance to impact the way children see the earth now. Fostering a connection between children and earth is a powerful way to help children learn to value the important things in life. This bond with nature is thought by mean to encourage spiritual growth and wellbeing. Go to an orchard and pick strawberries, take your children on a hike in the park, teach them to smell the roses and other natural beauties surrounding them, and promote a deep appreciation of all the wonderful species that constantly surround us.

More tips to come!

For a more scientific breakdown see:
C. Arden Pope III, Richard T. Burnett, Michael J. Thun, Eugenia E. Calle, Daniel Krewski, Kazuhiko Ito, and George D. Thurston
Lung Cancer, Cardiopulmonary Mortality, and Long-term Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution
JAMA, Mar 2002; 287: 1132 - 1141
Drinking Water and Cancer
Robert D. Morris
Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 103, Supplement 8 (Nov., 1995), pp. 225-231