Dimensions of Health Series: Intro to Environmental Wellness: Essay 3 of 7

  Okay, so what is environmental wellness and why does it matter? Our environment is everything that makes up our world and the results of how we treat our world impacts everyone’s ability to live well and prosper. It is up to us as individuals to be making educated and responsible decisions. 

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and products used on the skin are easily absorbed into the body. Research has shown that chemicals found in many personal hygiene products have been absorbed into the bloodstream and cause hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and cancer. These levels of toxins can be found in blood work, urine, and even breast milk samples. These chemicals also go down the drain and can pollute our oceans and drinking waters. 

Along with personal hygiene, cleaning, laundry, makeup, and sunscreen products, a huge culprit to environmental wellness is scents. Synthetic fragrances found in things like scented candles, air fresheners used in cars and homes, and scented plugins that infuse the air, are known to cause cancer. 

So how can we increase wellness within our personal environment? Research and read labels to identify the cleanest options available. Below is a list of some major things to look for on safe labels. 

• Vegan
• Cruelty-Free
• Paraben Free
• Sulfate Free
• Gluten-Free
• Phthalate Free
• Fragrance-Free

Making lifestyle changes can become overwhelming and financially stressful as well, sustainable changes happen slowly and consistently. Begin by taking inventory of the personal and home products being used and decide what needs to be replaced with a more responsible option. As a product runs out replace it with it’s a cleaner option by replacing things one at a time, and as needed. You will see how quickly you can transition overall while increasing your physical health and benefiting those around you and our world. 

Wisdom: “Do a little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world” Desmond Tutu

Play with these tools:

• Take inventory
• Research topics and products
• Replace as you go

Everything is connected~ Kristen

Resources: www.crueltyfreekitty.com