What if self-care was the secret to saving the planet?

Recognizing the interconnectedness of wellbeing and sustainability may be the key to enhancing human and environmental health.

It may sound counter-intuitive to ask people to spend more time caring for themselves (which may be misinterpreted as being selfish; e.g. exhibit A would be the state of the planet today…) and in return, we’ll end up with a more sustainable environment, but hear me out.

But, when we can look at what we eat, what we put on our skin, the consumable goods we purchase, our community and how we care for ourselves- and many other choices that benefit us personally, these decisions also benefit the planet. And, circularly, living on a healthier planet is better for our own health.

“Sustainable living practices” and “conscious wellness choices” such as consuming plant-forward meals, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, and prioritizing clean air and water, often overlap.

1. Nutrition

If we were to practice self-care and start eating well to properly nourish ourselves, by seeking out more leafy greens, vitamin-packed, locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables, and less meat, the personal health and larger-scale environmental benefits would be enormous. By eating food with less pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers, we’d be ingesting less toxic chemicals, a benefit to our bodies and our planet.

The larger benefit is that chemical manufacturers and field workers would be exposed to less toxic chemicals, ecosystems wouldn’t bear the burden of these toxins and soils could be allowed to regenerate naturally. Insects, bees and birds and other creatures could continue on their way without the threat of extinction.

And, the more locally we can source our food, the less distance it has to travel- it can be picked when it’s ripe, and full of more nutrients. Less fuel would be needed for transportation, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases expelled into the atmosphere. By consuming less animal products, less greenhouse gases would be emitted into the air and less soil and waterways would be polluted from untreated animal excrement.

Eating less meat has been associated with a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease. The benefits to human and environmental health have a snowball effect.

2. Physical Fitness & Relaxation

If we spend more time cherishing our bodies, relaxing our minds and treat them with respect, we’ll spend less time with disease, inflammation and ailments that could be prevented.

We’d likely become less stressed, and better decision-makers at work and in our personal lives because we’ve found a balance that suits us.

Choosing unhealthy take-out food, skipping exercise, or staying up too late are examples of neglecting self-care. These choices can easily escalate into detrimental impacts on our own health and decision-making abilities.

The healthier we are, the less time we spend going to doctors and in turn, the less medical waste that’s produced. Medical waste involves a variety of types including: sharps, infectious, pathological, chemical, pharmaceutical, radioactive and general waste. These waste streams have the potential to increases plastic pollution and potentially harmful chemicals and viruses into the environment. 

Engaging in physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, not only benefits personal fitness but also reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable transportation options. Prioritizing our physical and mental health can have a positive impact on the environment. 

3. Shopping

If we put our own needs first and select high quality goods that last, instead of cheap, disposable items, we’ll vote with our dollars by purchasing reusable items, which can make us happier than cheap, wasteful items that don’t hold up as well. (I realize we’re all in different economic situations and purchasing higher-ticket items isn’t always possible but I’ve had some great finds in thrift stores and on community forums such as NextDoor.)

Focusing on self-care can have far-reaching benefits on the environment. Perhaps buy that expensive electric toothbrush or razor. The disposable components are far smaller than the alternative of using disposable items. Purchase a great handbag, sofa and car that will last for years. I’ve learned the hard way that buying a cute purse from a big box store will last a season but a well-constructed piece will last for years. I purchased my current purse and Cuisinart food processor second-hand and both are going strong ten years later. I bought a sturdy tote bag from LL Bean in middle school…over 30 years later, my tenth-grade daughter is using it as her swim bag.

Our choices don’t have to be environmentally friendly or a good investment; the two can be the same.

4. Beauty Routines

If we want what’s best for our skin, to help it appear its most youthful, supple and glowing as possible, we’d aim to use the highest quality products, free of synthetic ingredients, harmful chemicals and dyes. While indulging in more natural self-care, our purchases would also be a net gain for the environment.

Using fresh ingredients in your home such as avocado or milk and honey as a face mask is simple, as these ingredients don’t require any special packaging or monetary mark-up for marketing. However, by purchasing a less messy, natural, commercially available product, the greater benefits are also clear. Many of these products are vegan, reducing our reliance on factory farming of animals for biproducts, and they’re often free of synthetic chemicals, dyes and perfumes.

5. Community

Wellness extends beyond individual health to include community well-being and social connections. Sustainable communities prioritize equity, social justice, and inclusivity, creating environments where all individuals have access to resources and opportunities for health and prosperity. Building resilient and inclusive communities contributes to long-term social sustainability and collective well-being.

Overall, the intersection of wellness and sustainability highlights the interconnectedness of personal health, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. I’d love to hear about other ways that making thoughtful decisions about self-care can be mutually beneficial for the environment.

Go ahead and treat yourself well- you’ll likely be doing the planet a favor simultaneously.