‘One health’ is a concept that explains how we are all connected as ‘one’; the health of our planet directly effects the health of the plants, which directly affects the health of the animals, which in turn directly effects the health of us. Therefore it’s fair to say, if we don’t care about our planet, then we ultimately don’t care about ourselves.

A phrase I’ve seen a lot of lately in relation to climate change is ‘there is no planet B’………this applies to us too, our bodies and our minds are easily damaged and can’t always be repaired. It is much more efficient to prevent damage than to try to correct it after the damage has occurred.

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.”

We all make sacrifices that affect our health. We work long hours, prioritising material things and possessions and neglecting our diets and our mental health. …… I’ve even been too busy to play with my children. Most people invest in a house, a car, a savings account or perhaps stocks and shares, but who can say that they really and truly invest in their health?

Invest in your families health. Start today. The following ideas will be a good place to start and will benefit your health and your planet.

• Spend less money on materialistic possessions and more time doing the things you love with the people you love
• Buy fresh food instead of highly processed foods
• Source organic foods
• Limit the use of chemicals (in cleaning products, perfumes and toiletries – look at the labels!)
• Limit meat consumption
• Take regular walks outdoors
• Walk or cycle when you can instead of driving
• Drink fresh and filtered water and avoid sugary drinks
• Source foods from local producers (green grocers, butchers) instead of imported foods
• Limit the use of plastics that end up in the food chain (in the sea and land) and ultimately in you.
• Choose second hand and pre loved to limit consumer demand for new goods
• Choose natural fibres in clothes and avoid man made fibres
• Opt for organic products and clothes
• Choose farm food from farmers that use regenerative farming and avoid farmers that farm using pesticides
• Surround yourself with plants in and outdoors to clean and filter the air
• Avoid pesticides in and outside of your home such as weed killer, insecticides, rodenticides
• Reduce your sugar and alcohol intake as much as possible

Remember life is for living not for buying.

One Health, One Planet, One goal.

*Please note that the views are that of the author, not necessarily that of en-form.

Author Bio

Grace Darke is the Volunteer Co-ordinator for Eco Colchester and a project manager of en-form.