5 Eco-Friendly Health Tips to Improve Your Health AND Help the Planet

Did you know that how youlook after your health can affect your impact on the planet?

I've always loved animals and nature, but it's only once I started learning about health that I saw the big connection between our health choices and the health of the environment. You might be surprised to learn that the foods, products and habits that are healthiest for us are also healthiest for the environment! And this dynamic works both ways - by making our environment healthier, we are nurturing our bodies and minds.

I don't think it can be over-stated how important it is to look after our planet. So if you're interested in getting healthier and helping the planet at the same time, read on for some simple tips.

1. More Greens, Less Meat

Let's start with the big one. Animal farming accounts for a large portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, so you might already know that eating less meat is one of the most impactful things you can do to help the environment. But did you know that eating too much meat - especially red meats and processed meats - can also increase your risk of illnesses like heart disease and cancer? People who eat plant-based diets experience less chronic disease, take fewer medications, have lower body weight, and are biologically younger than their meat-eating counterparts!

As a former enthusiastic carnivore, I know giving up meat may not sound appealing. But the good news is you don't need to completely give it up to to notice the benefits! Making healthy changes is all about taking small, sustainable steps. So if you're a meat-lover, you can aim to just reduce the amount of meat you eat. Could you have one meat-free meal each day? Or give meatless Mondays a try? Get adventurous in the kitchen and try out some new ingredients, some plant-based recipes or some meat alternatives. Meal kit boxes are a great way to find new recipes, and discover how delicious plant-based food can be. (I use Gousto - here's my referral code if you want to try them with an extra discount!)If you pay close attention, you'll also notice yourself feeling lighter and more energetic after a meat-free meal - digesting meat is a slow and demanding process for your body, so when you eat plant-based your tummy will definitely thank you for it.

2. Try Organic

When you do eat meat, the type of meat you eat makes a big difference. Contrary to what I used to think, organic food isn't just expensive food for fancy people. It's healthier, more ethical, and better for the wellbeing of our planet and our animal friends.

Because of the animal feed and antibiotics used in conventional farming, non-organic meat is less nutritionally beneficial to humans, causing inflammation in your body and contributing to chronic disease. Other animal products, such as eggs, are also healthier when organic because they contain higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Organic farms have to adhere to much stricter guidelines, meaning the animals are kept in much better conditions too.

Even fruits and vegetables can't escape the effects of intensive farming; they're sprayed with chemical fertilizers and pesticides which degrade soil quality and damage populations of local insects, birds and wildlife in the area, reducing biodiversity. They also reduce the amount of vitamins and beneficial compounds in the food, making non-organic food is less tasty, colourful or nutritious. What's more, long-term exposure to pesticides has been linked to the development of numerous diseases, such as cancer and Parkinson's. All non-organic produce you buy will be covered in these chemicals so, if nothing else, make sure you rinse your fruits and veggies well!

One thing that stops many people from eating organic is the price. If you'd like to eat organic but can't afford to, check out the Dirty Dozen list. This lists the top 'dirtiest' foods that contain the most pesticides - if you can only afford to buy one organic food, make it the one at the top of this list.

3. Flex Your Green Thumb

Another way to make organic food affordable is to grow it yourself! This helps the environment by reducing the resources needed to grow and transport food, by improving air quality (more plants means more oxygen), and by supporting local populations of endangered insects, such as bees.

If you don't fancy growing your own food, you can still benefit from growing ornamental plants and flowers - all gardening is good for your health! If you do it outside you'll get sunshine (stimulating production of vitamin D), fresh oxygen-rich air (needed for your body to produce energy), and gentle exercise. It's a hobby that promotes mindfulness, creating calmness and bringing you into the present moment by using your senses, and it provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Spending time in nature - or even bringing nature into your home in the form of houseplants - is shown to improve your mood and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

4. More Walking and Cycling

Regularly going for a walk works wonders for your health. It helps your heart and lungs function efficiently, strengthens your bones and joints, burns calories, helps to balance blood sugar levels, releases mood-boosting endorphins, improves immune function, promotes better sleep... I could go on! Our bodies evolved to move, and work at their best when we move regularly.

It doesn't need to be tiring or vigorous, even a gentle walk will bring benefits. It doesn't need to be long - if you can only spare 10 minutes per day, have a 10 minute walk. If you can only spare 5 minutes, do that. You don't need special equipment, or training, and you don't need to go out of your way - you can easily find ways to fit it into your daily routine. As you can tell, I'm a big fan of walking! But if cycling appeals more then grab your bike, because it provides many of the same benefits.

Of course, if you want to help the environment at the same time, then walking or cycling is best used as a replacement for driving. Cars don't just contribute to air pollution by burning fossil fuels, they consume huge amounts of resources during manufacture, and create waste at the end of their lifespan. But if you really depend on your car, don't panic! You don't need to give up driving completely, just try to minimise it where you can. For example, if you drive to work, you could park 5 minutes away and walk the rest of the way. Or at the weekend when you have more time, you can take a leisurely wander to the shop instead of driving. Every little helps.

Grab your walking shoes, embrace a calmer pace of life, and learn to enjoy the journey. You will be happier for it.

5. Use Your Voice

My final tip might be less obvious, but it can have a big impact - find ways to use your voice and push for change in your community.

Decide which causes are most important to you, and find ways to help those causes. Find charities or activist groups in your area; petition your council; raise awareness; attend protests; speak to your school, work or neighbourhood and suggest ways to make the place healthier or more energy efficient.

By taking action you can help your chosen cause, and you can meet like-minded people who share your values. This will provide you with a sense of community, connection and belonging that is essential for mental and emotional well-being. Feeling that you are taking control and making a contribution is also one of the best ways to empower yourself, and helps combat the effects of anxiety and depression.

Go out there and make a difference!