Since World War II, we have introduced thousands of chemicals into our daily lives.
We assume they have been tested and are carefully regulated, but it turns out that only a small percentage have been. Chemicals that have been tested have been done individually over a short period of weeks or months, on healthy individuals. But that’s not how we are exposed to them in the real world.
The effect of many chemicals combined… for years on end… is a human experiment you can allow yourself to be part of – or, you can choose to take some control.
Our “convenient” lifestyle is also having an impact on the world around us.
When I talk about environmental stress, it’s not just the stress that our environment is putting on us, but also the stress that we are putting on the environment around us, which eventually comes back to bite us.
Look at the “convenience” of plastic bags, for instance, which eventually “degrade” (as opposed to being biodegradable) into nanoparticles that find their way into the sea, affecting all seafood… which we then consume. Plastic nanoparticles are now also being found in our water supply and even in the salt we consume from the sea.
Did you know that the simple decisions you make on a daily basis could reduce your chemical load by up to 90%?
The choice is yours. While politically speaking, we only get to vote every few years, the truth is, we get to cast our most powerful vote each and every day by deciding how we spend our precious dollars.
If money talks (and clearly it does), isn’t it time you used your money/voice to make a big difference to your health, and while you’re at it, the health of the planet? The two are inseparable.
Please note that when changing products, I recommend you finish whatever you are using (to minimise waste) and next time choose a better option to buy, or in some cases, make.
Remember, this is a process and it is important to make informed choices.
So how do we make these important choices without being “that person” at a dinner party, asking where every bite of food has come from or questioning the cleaning products your friends use?
The simple answer is, put your own house in order and don’t preach.
Being happy with the choices you are making in your own life is a great start and can make a big impact on your own health. What might those choices look like?
Here are a couple of tips to get you started…
Eat a moderate amount of quality, ethically raised meat.
Which means choosing more carefully. Free range is my first priority, preferably organic and even better, biodynamic. It is more expensive, but I buy less – it’s a win for your health, a win for the farmers, the animals, the soils they are nurturing and ultimately, the planet.
Cut out as much plastic as possible.
Wherever you buy your food, always go for options that are not wrapped in plastic or come in a plastic box. You can carry your own reusable produce bags to group food together.
Rather than storing or reheating your food in plastic too, opt for glass or stainless-steel alternatives instead. I personally buy most of my glass containers from IKEA – but there are loads of alternatives.
Invest in a stainless-steel water bottle.
And I say invest because you can use it again and again. Not only does this lower your use of single-use plastic bottles but I have personally found it increases the amount of water I am drinking. I also have a reverse osmosis water filter that takes everything out, I add a few grains of Himalayan rock salt and I have my own super clean homemade mineral water!
Improve your air quality by introducing plants to your office, workspace or home.
A small plant can make a huge difference. In my surgery, we have peace lilies in every room and at home, I have multiple plants in the office and throughout the house that are low cost and low maintenance.
Also… open your windows daily – a very simple but important action. Especially in the warmer months, this improves air quality and, quite literally, lets your home breathe. This will also help to reduce smells and mould.
Utilise the sun.
Some sun is not only good for you but also perfect for items we use every day. Put your bedding, blankets, doonas, and pillows out in the sun regularly to deodorise and dry… and while you’re at it, get some sun yourself. Vitamin D is cheap and good for you.
Environmental stress – join the conversation.
Environmental stress is a huge, potentially overwhelming, yet remarkably empowering topic. If you’re keen to explore these topics further, check out my book, A Life Less Stressed – the 5 pillars of health and wellness, or listen in to my weekly podcast Unstress. The more awareness we bring to these subjects, the better for us, our health and our planet.
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