"Many of the actions we can take as 3individuals to 4reduce our 5carbon footprint also have 6positive health benefits."
Dr. Ilyssa Gordon is the Medical Director of 7Sustainability at Cleveland Clinic. She says eating a 8plant-forward diet with an 9emphasis on foods like fruits and veggies, nuts and 10seeds and less 11animal-based products is not only good for your body but can also help reduce your carbon footprint. Gordon says to also consider going to a local 12farmer's market.
"This helps improve the carbon footprint by reducing the 13transportation carbon footprint of the food and also 14preserves nutrients in the foods since it's 15fresh and it supports local businesses."
As the weather warms, Gordon says to consider walking or biking to where you need to go, keeping you active and putting less 16pollutants in the air. Also, enjoy nature! Gardening not only has benefits of getting you outdoors and moving but can also help health.
"Just being around trees lowers 17blood pressure and 18boosts 19immune system. It also makes kids more relaxed and 20attentive which improves learning and 21school performance."
Finally, switch those TVs, lights and other 22electronics off when 23not in use. This can help promote better sleep and reduces energy use at home and at work.