Can sustainability be healthy?

Health is the most important thing in our lives. It determines the quality of our life that we enjoy every day. There are various areas in life in which a healthier lifestyle or green actions go hand in hand with sustainability.

Some of these areas are presented below.

Alternative forms of transportation as a physical activity

More exercise through alternative forms of transportation. The best example of this is cycling. Cycling offers several health benefits. Exercise and thus strengthening of muscles and endurance, time spent outside in the fresh air and improvement of lung capacity through deeper breathing and mental health through stress reduction.

Better Air Quality

Greener transportation is also linked to health in terms of air quality. By using an alternative form of transportation, air pollution caused by driving a car or motorcycle, as an example, is further reduced. In addition, the biggest sources of fine dust are car tires and their friction in combination with the brakes.

The consequences of poor air quality, which is already present in many major cities around the world, can include respiratory diseases and asthma.

Better Water Quality

By avoiding contamination of the water, we can help to make a positive contribution to the quality of our water that we use. Simple everyday decisions can make a crucial contribution to a change, if everyone pays attention to small things.

Choosing not to use synthetic clothing fibers reduces microplastics in the water. Avoiding chemical, aggressive cleaning agents reduces any residues in tap water. There are natural alternatives that everyone has in the house that can replace chemical cleaners.

Generally, there are various chemicals, microplastics, medical residues and other harmful substances in our tap water.

Chemicals

• Chlorine is used to disinfect the water

• Pesticides from agricultural wastewater

Microplastics

• Wear and tear of plastic products, such as is the case with clothing made from synthetic fabrics

Medical residues

• Painkillers

• Antibiotics

Sewage treatment plants are not able to completely remove such residues from the water. When we use tap water, we encounter these residues.

Cold Showers

Showering with cold water has become increasingly popular over the last few years. The most famous person in this area will be the Dutchman Wim Hof. The icy affair not only promotes health but also helps to save hot water and thus make a positive contribution to sustainability.

It also has a cost advantage. Resources for heating water are saved and at the end of the year you will have a bit more in your bank account if you shower cold all the time.

Promotes blood circulation

Cold water causes the skin to contract, which stimulates blood circulation to help regulate body temperature. In the long term, this strengthens the cardiovascular system.

Stimulation of the immune system

Cold stimulates the immune system, which increases the number of white blood cells needed to fight disease.

Stress reduction

When exposed to cold water, the body releases endorphins, also known as the “happiness hormone”.

However, cold showers should be avoided if you have a cold or an already weakened immune system in general. For newcomers to this area who are not really comfortable taking a cold shower, it helps to gradually get used to the cold. As a first step, it is enough to turn the water to a cold temperature for the last few seconds in the shower to complete the whole process. This way, you can slowly build up until you can manage the entire shower with cold water.

Personal tip: Taking a cold shower straight after getting up gives you a special kick. You'll be awake afterwards and won't need an hour to clear your head. For me, this is a perfect start to the stressful everyday life that awaits us all.

Nutrition

Sustainable nutrition is more expensive, but also healthier.

Organic food is subject to stricter guidelines for cultivation and production. This has far-reaching benefits in various areas of our health.

Chemicals and pesticides

Organic products are free from synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These are frequently used in conventional agriculture. Residues of these products can remain on the food and ultimately end up in our bodies. Such agents are a burden on our health. Furthermore, these agents are discharged into groundwater, polluting it.

Additives

Artificial additives include colorants or preservatives. Their use is not permitted in organic products. Furthermore, genetically modified plants are not permitted for the cultivation of organic products.

Hormones and antibiotics

In organic livestock farming, antibiotics may not be administered to animals as a preventative measure. They may only be used in the event of illness. If the animals are given antibiotics on a permanent basis, the antibiotics are transferred to humans when they are consumed. This can lead to antibiotic resistance, in addition to numerous other health disadvantages. The use of growth hormones is also prohibited. Such hormones lead to hormonal imbalances in the human body, which has further negative effects on health.

The amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in animal products from grazing animals is significantly higher, which is essential for health in many respects. For example, this fatty acid is beneficial for heart health.

In general, it is advisable to limit your choice of food to regional and seasonal products as far as possible. These have more nutrients due to being harvested more recently and have to travel shorter distances. This also has a positive effect on air quality due to the shorter transportation distances.

High-quality, environmentally friendly products

High-quality, environmentally friendly products such as clothing or cosmetics have a positive impact on health, as well as on sustainability.

Here are the main reasons:

Harmful chemicals

Non-environmentally friendly clothing is produced with pesticides, chemical dyes and other similar substances. We come into contact with these substances when wearing the clothing, which can trigger allergic reactions. Organic cosmetic products do not contain synthetic additives, which are harmful to health. These are replaced by plant-based ingredients that are better tolerable. Harmful additives include artificial fragrances, parabens, mineral oils and many others.

Environmental impact

Environmentally friendly products are produced under sustainable conditions. The aim is to reduce water consumption and CO₂ emissions. This production process has a positive impact on our environment and ultimately on the health of all of us. Waste products from sustainable products also have less of an impact on the environment and are easier to biodegrade. Furthermore, the use of renewable raw materials reduces the amount of waste. In addition, the amount of harmful products such as microplastics in the water is minimized.