Why Is Going Green Important for Me & My Future?

Green living is important for ourselves and future generations

Going green isn't just a growing trend; it involves a lifestyle change that requires an awareness of how you live, eat and shop. The common phrase of "Think globally, act locally" is the best description of how to adopt a "green" or eco-friendly lifestyle, because adopting practices like recycling and reducing your energy consumption will benefit both you and Mother Earth.

Physical Health

Reducing your impact on the environment is a positive move for the physical health of both yourself and the planet. Air pollutants from vehicle emissions, power plants and toxic chemicals are linked to chronic respiratory conditions, cancer, heart problems and even birth defects. A 1994 study conducted by C. Arden Pope III, PhD, at Brigham Young University showed that 50,000 to 100,000 Americans die yearly from outdoor particulate air pollution. Using alternative and natural products in place of toxic chemicals, like Seventh Generation household products and Bioshield Healthy Living Paints, are a way to go green and prevent exposure to these chemicals. Riding a bike or walking when you can will keep you in shape while also decreasing your dependency on gasoline fuel, which creates harmful CO2 emissions. Eating organic is another healthy option when adopting a green lifestyle. Twenty-five percent of non-organic foods carry residue of pesticides and herbicides, which not only affect the environment but could compromise your health. There are also less preservatives in most organic food, which is also better for physical well-being.

Financial Benefit

The inefficient use or overuse of energy largely contributes to the harmful emissions of greenhouse gases into the ozone. Reducing your overall energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances, investing in energy-efficient appliances (look for the Energy Star label) and reducing your hot water and overall water use all help in decreasing your monthly utility bills and your affect on the environment. Energy use from appliances accounts for about 20 percent of your power bills, so while the initial investment on these energy-saving appliances may seem high at first, they will eventually pay for themselves over the years. Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CBLs) can also save you around $45 to $200 per year, depending on how much light you use in your home.

Local Economy Stimulation

Buying locally, whether it be food, clothing or anything sold from a local and independent business, not only strengthens the economic base of your community but usually helps to decrease emissions due to a reduction in the need for extensive transport. Most of the food or produce bought in a chain grocery store is driven anywhere from hundreds to thousands of miles across the country, when there are local farmers selling quality products less than a hundred miles from most towns and cities. The more often individuals buy locally from their community, the more the community thrives.

Mental Health

Recycling, reducing your overall energy consumption and decreasing water waste will benefit you, your conscience and the environment. Knowing that you're affecting the condition of your planet in a positive way will make you feel like a better person, leaving you with a guilt-free conscience. Spreading the word to your loved ones and friends can be a way to engage them and show that you have goals and aspirations, which will give you an overall sense of accomplishment. Dr. H. Steven Moffic, a member of the Health and Environment Committee of the Nobel prize-winning Physicians for Social Responsibility, believes that "Given the strong scientific consensus that human behavior and lifestyle are a major cause of climate change, humankind is again failing to protect the earth...going green can help mental health in our everyday lives. The great 12th century physician and rabbi, Maimonides, was convinced that good climate is a necessary ingredient for a healthy, balanced life." Initiating a change in your actions can lead to a contentment that will have a positive affect on your overall mental health.

Your Future

When adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle, your future will benefit from all of the above mentioned topics--from your health, financial gain, local economy and your overall sense of accomplishment. It also includes the state of future generations. If you have children or plan to start a family, their health, financial gain and mental health are also factors when thinking about going green. Even if they are not immediately affected by global warming, pollution and other environmental hazards, their children or grandchildren could be devastated by the lack of change by our current environmental neglect. If you are still skeptical that going green will benefit you and your family, at least consider those families and generations to come.

References

• Environmental Chemistry: Effects of Air Pollution on Your Health
• Cancer.org: Air Pollution Linked to Deaths From Lung Cancer
• Healthy Eating Made Easy: Advantages of Organic Foods
• Sustainable Choices: Replace Old Appliances with Energy Efficient Appliances
• Jewish Chronicle: Going Green is Good for Your Mental Health

Resources

• Bioshield Healthy Living Paints