Climate Change and Creating a Low Waste Live/Work Environment
As a WELL AP, I am proud to be part of a community that considers itself stepping into the second wave of sustainability. The research and the implementation of design strategies, operational policies, educational resources and engaging programs culminates in one human-centered approach to wellbeing.
IWBI’s CEO Rachel Hodgdon speaks to the very relatable point that the conversation around making an impact or change to support the health of our global communities must not come from a place of fear. We, as humans, do not respond well to a scarcity mindset, such as “limit the use of this” or “don’t buy that”. It gives us another thing to worry about on our ever-growing lists of responsibilities.
Instead, we must reach down deep into what motivates us as humans. The need to belong? The desire to learn or accomplish something? Taking care of those we love?
I was motivated after recently having watched the Netflix documentary, “Kiss the Ground”, which presented a hopeful and accessible solution to fighting climate change. The answer, we learn, is literally in the earth’s soil. The more we allow the natural process of regeneration to take place, while supporting a biodiverse ecosystem that creates healthier food for our communities and future generations, the more likely we are to reverse current global trends of atmospheric accumulation and climate change.
The documentary, produced by the Kiss the Ground mission-driven nonprofit, shares two specific ways in which we can help take part in the efforts to reverse these detrimental effects.
Reducing Carbon Loss & Increasing Carbon Drawdown
The first is reducing carbon loss from the soil, which could be caused by tilling the soil before any planting takes place, and releases carbon into the atmosphere. Not only does carbon get released into the air we breathe, but also synthetic fertilizers and the nitrogen they carry.
Putting a stop to tilling and encouraging farmers to plant a variety of crops and plants, including trees, allows for greater soil regeneration, protection from nature’s elements likes storms and droughts and a larger water holding capacity; thus increasing the health of our plants, species, air and water, and as a result, our human bodies.
More plants = more carbon sequestration. By sequestering the carbon from the atmosphere and drawing it down into the soil through plant life, we feed the microorganisms that create otherwise unavailable nutrients in the soil to nourish the plants.
Refrigeration and delivery systems in food production are increasing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at a rapid rate. This changes the conversation in the agriculture industry from crop yield concerns to food safety. According to a summary of reports by Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), increasing temperatures and the likelihood of flooding challenges farmers’ ability to safely store and distribute food, boosting the risk of food-borne illnesses. Buying from local, organic farmers helps reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides as well as decreases the energy that goes into packaging and preparation of the food we consume.
I was inspired by these simple and seemingly effective methods and feel encouraged to speak with farmers in my region to ask about how my food was grown and find out where these methods may or may not be taking place.
What Can We Do?
For those of us who are not near farmers or their precious land, here’s some simple and sustainable ways we can all start making an impact on our environment through our food choices, if not for ourselves, then for future generations:
Know your food source - find a local farmer’s market or CSA
Grow your own food - be sure to test for heavy metals in your soil first
Compost - this creates new soil!
Choose meat that’s regenerating land - animals are moved across the land at timed intervals, helping to spur new plant growth and fertilize the soil
Choose dairy that’s regenerating land - take time to learn about how animals are being treated before purchasing dairy products
Revitalize ocean and river ecosystems - download Seafood Watch App and consult for buying choices
Know your annuals and perennials - annuals require more energy and are at higher risk to the elements, so look for perennial equivalent plants to the annuals you consume regularly
Learn More about the advantages of perennials from the Permaculture Research Institute.
According to microbiome research, eating food from farms that are regenerating land could lead to better health. A diverse gut biology is extremely important to our overall health and immunity. Fermented foods, in addition to foods grown in biodiverse, healthy soils with limited pesticides and other toxins, like glyphosate - a known carcinogen. You can find more information at The Human Microbiome Project and by reading Wild Fermentation.
I’m curious to hear about the ways that motivate you to make a small, yet significant change toward sustainability. Are you focused on clothing choices, cleaning products or cosmetics, or packaging and waste? What resources or conversations have you found useful lately?
Please share in the comments and feel free to reach out, if you would like to discuss implementing more sustainable solutions that support your health as a human within your environment, to lilli@welladaptedgroup.com.
