Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how closely our health is tied to our environment.
Nature offers many health benefits to us. Spending time in the great outdoors can help us relax and recharge while boosting our mental health. There are also many opportunities for physical activity, from walking along the bike path to kayaking in the river. Of course, nature also gives us many foods that nourish our bodies.
When the environment is unhealthy, however, it can cause humans to be unhealthy, too. Polluted air can lead to lung problems, heart problems and a higher cancer risk. Contaminated water can cause waterborne diseases, reproductive issues, cancer and kidney damage. Intense and frequent storms can damage homes and businesses, putting people through hardships that hurt their overall wellbeing.
The good news is that there are easy steps everyone can take to protect our environment and therefore our health. Try making these simple changes:
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: This slogan remains true. Minimize waste by only buying what you need, finding new ways to use what you already have and recycling items as the last resort so they can be made into new materials.
• Conserve energy and water: Choose energy efficient appliances. Opt for sustainable transportation, such as biking or car-pooling, and turn off lights, electronics and water faucets when not in use.
• Use environmentally friendly products: Choose natural and organic cleaning and lawn care products. Opt to buy sustainable and reusable materials over plastic-based products.
• Properly dispose of waste and hazardous materials: Visit the Metro Waste Authority website to learn more about hazardous waste disposal.
• Properly dispose of medications: Take expired or unneeded medications back to your pharmacy rather than flushing them, where they enter our waterways. Learn more about drug takebacks at the Iowa Department of Public Safety website.
Celebrate Earth Day this year by enjoying some time outside and doing your part to keep our planet healthy for generations to come.
For free well-water testing, call the Dallas County Public Health Department at 515-993-3750.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
