Water, plants, air, animals, and soil make up the earth’s natural resources. These resources have preserved mankind for centuries. However, today we’re waking up to a steep rise in global warming, animal and plant species extinction, drought, and other natural calamities. The saddest part is that we are the ones fueling these calamities. Yet among these natural resources, most are renewable. So how are we contributing to this degradation? And is there something we can do about it?
In this article, we will talk about clean living, a simple yet effective approach for each one of us that would save our planet several centuries of the good life. In the process, we will also be saving ourselves from the results of our current situation. I’m talking about the cancers we are experiencing as a result of polluted air and water, drought from desertification, unpredictable weather a.k.a. global warming due to the depleting Ozone layer among others.
Enough of the theory, let’s get down to the specifics.
What is Clean Living?
Clean living is the conscious decision to conserve our natural resources by being mindful of the products and foods we consume every day for the sake of all living things now and in the future. Say for example the choice between a really good and fragrant shower gel made of parabens and toxic chemicals as opposed to a natural bar soap made of non-toxic ingredients. Or the choice between a healthy homemade meal as opposed to processed foods.
Why Is It Important for Our Planet?
The natural resources I mentioned above can only last and replenish forever if we take care of them. Our population has grown rapidly over the past few decades. As we let the governments think of long-term survival solutions, you and I can at least contribute to today’s solution.
If we stop, say for example, using toxic products or dumping plastic bottles, we will reduce the toxicity in our seas and oceans. And did you know that besides giving us food, the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere while producing over half of the oxygen we use worldwide?
Similarly, when we start polluting our soils, this means the compromised nutritional value of our food. Consequently, we start to experience foodborne diseases.
So, let’s fix this.
How to Start a Clean Living Lifestyle – 8 Tips
#1: Your Household Cleaning Products
Have you ever wondered where all the water we bathe with or wash our clothes in ends up? Well, this goes back to the oceans and seas. So, every time you use a toxic handwash you’re adding to the already toxic oceans and consequently threatening our marine life.
Luckily, there are plenty of organic cleaning products for you to use, and these are safe for our environment. Besides, you can always make your own using natural ingredients, just to be sure.
Similarly, invest in long-lasting rugs such as microfiber. These are equally efficient without detergent and after serving you for ages, they can be recycled, which means less carbon print.
#2: Your Self Care Products
Are you a make-up person? Well, even if you’re not, you will have your hair done occasionally, right? Are you aware of the products you’re using? For starters, avoid products with “fragrance”. According to research, artificial fragrances are a blend of over 4000 undisclosed products among them toxic parabens and phthalates. Some of these ingredients are key causes of asthma and different cancers.
#3: Your Kitchen Equipment and Ingredients
So recently, more people are becoming aware of the dangers of using aluminum and Teflon coated pots. What cookware are you using? These directly impact your health as much as they do on our environment.
Similarly, every time you buy groceries, read the label. How many chemicals, preservatives, or food colorings does your favorite product have? Clean eating goes hand in hand with clean living. Our sewer system ends back in the soil. Besides, a healthier nation means less congested hospitals and more workforce.
#4: The Plastic Mayhem
I know you’re wondering, “is there a product that is not made of plastic?”. A few years ago, I would have resonated with you. Luckily, the global plastic ban policy has now taken deep roots and most plastic manufacturers have given us better alternatives.
Today we have freezer-friendly glassware, re-useable woven shopping bags and much more. Make an individual effort to do the same. We all know the dangers of plastics by now, don’t we? Besides, research has proven that the BPA alternatives are equally or even more harmful for our health.
#5: Trees and Plants
If you cut one tree, plant two. This is a slogan that has been around for a very long time now. You can practice the same even if you don’t own a farm by planting trees in the parks and nurturing them until they are old enough to survive on their own.
#6: Medicines and Supplements
While some of us can’t do much about the doctors’ prescriptions, we can definitely choose what we buy over the counter. Did you know that vitamin C supplements can be replaced with a single serving of an orange fruit each day? Did you also know that a concoction of lemon, ginger and honey works faster on a sore throat than aspirin tablets? Well, now you know.
#7: Pets
As you watch out for your own health, remember your lovely pet. What does your favorite dog food contain? Read these labels too. If possible, replace store-bought pet food with homemade meals.
#8: Organic Farming
In the same thought, let us encourage organic farming by buying from these farmers. Besides being healthier for your family, these are the farmers who have chosen not to degrade our soil by using harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
The Bottom Line
I’m certain by now you can agree with me that clean living is not impossible to achieve. The above tips are practical and in the long term, they will also save you money and fewer trips to the doctor, right? Let’s start clean living today for a better tomorrow.