7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Stay Healthy This Fall
The season of cooler temperatures and colorful trees is finally here. Why not celebrate this beautiful season with a healthier lifestyle? Explore practical and enjoyable ways to nourish your mind and body this fall while minimizing your environmental impact.
1. Eat Local and Organic Produce
Shop at nearby farms, markets or small businesses that sell locally grown foods. Local produce requires less energy for transport and has more nutritional content and flavor than commercial crops that are picked early and travel long distances before arriving on shelves.
Choose organic produce when possible. These food options are grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides, making them better for your health and the environment. You can also use healthy food sources to help alleviate aches and pains. For instance, sip a warm turmeric tea to help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. Enjoy a cup of ginger tea to aid headaches and nausea.
2. Do Outdoor Activities
Explore the great outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Spending time outside is a clever way to reduce your energy consumption. It’s also good for your health, as sun exposure can help regulate your internal clock and improve your sleep. Squeeze in some exercises — walking, running, hiking and gardening are excellent ways to stay fit and active this fall.
3. Reduce Screen Time
Limiting technology use can help you save energy, as well as boost your mental health. The less time you spend watching TV or scrolling through social media, the more time you have for more productive activities. For instance, you can explore a new hobby, volunteer in the community or experiment with a new seasonal recipe.
4. Take the Stairs
The simple act of taking the stairs has significant health benefits. It’s a form of exercise that accumulates within the day, contributing to the recommended 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. You don’t have to do this daily, especially if your destination is many floors high. However, fit it in when you can. For instance, instead of using the elevator going to the third floor, opt for the stairs instead.
5. Practice Sustainable Cleaning Methods
Practice green cleaning this fall. Support products and practices that help protect your home and the environment. Many products contain harsh chemicals, which can be harmful to people, especially those with respiratory illnesses and allergies.
Instead of buying chemical-laden, commercial products, create DIY cleaning solutions at home. Make a simple all-purpose cleaner by mixing ¼ cup of vinegar, 12-20 drops of essential oil, 1 teaspoon of dish soap and 2 cups of distilled water.
When you do buy products, do some research to find the best sustainable brands. For instance, some brands use eco-friendly cleaning agents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that can reduce dust mites by 87% and mold spores by 97%.
6. Incorporate Houseplants
Houseplants are more than their aesthetic contribution. They can help improve air quality by removing pollutants and volatile organic compounds and regulating temperature and humidity. As you redecorate your home for autumn, don’t forget to add your favorite houseplants.
7. Host a Plant-Based Thanksgiving
According to a 2023 report from the UN Environment Programme, animal agriculture accounts for up to a fifth of planet-warming emissions, but opting for meat and dairy alternatives can help. Do your part this season by hosting a plant-based Thanksgiving.
Skip the turkey and pair your mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce with non-meat protein options, like tofu, lentils or chickpeas. Bake a vegan pumpkin bread, create a cashew-based pimento cheese spread, or mix roasted carrots and cranberries. The possibilities are endless.
Embrace a Sustainable Autumn
Supporting eco-friendly practices means investing in your health and a greener future. Incorporate these tips into your routine to enjoy a happier, healthier fall.
