How green are your feet?
Dr Karen Baker, BSc, DC

According to a series of reports on climate change, published by WHO, the health risks of global warming are becoming a growing concern. Currently, these health risks are greatest in the poorest countries that contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions. Industrialized countries (Canada being one of the worst culprits) contribute most to the problems through their use of transport, energy, water, their dietary choices, and waste management.)

As climate patterns change, droughts and flooding will become more common; both interfere with growing seasons especially in countries already prone to such disasters. Disease such as malaria, diarrhoea and malnutrition already take 3 million lives annually. These diseases are highly sensitive to climatic changes making them important global health concerns.

Reducing the impact of human activities is essential to the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Although 55 % of our carbon footprint is related to services provided to us, or on our behalf, there is a lot we can do as individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You will find that these actions can be beneficial to your health as well as your environment. Here are a few things you can do to offset your carbon footprint and reap some health benefits:

 Go for a run instead of driving to the gym
 Car pool to school or to work
 Take the train instead of the plane
 Walk, cycle or take public transport

By decreasing our dependence on motorized vehicles we will reduce road accidents and lower air pollution (implicated in heart and lung disease). The health benefits of increasing physical activity are many. By walking or cycling to our destination whenever we can we help ourselves avoid obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others.

 Decrease meat consumption - try one meat-free day / week.

Food production is major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products will lower CO2 and methane emissions. Consuming only one food serving (75g) of meat daily can reduce your carbon footprint while giving you the nutrition you require. An imbalanced diet, too high in animal fats is a major player in many of Western Society’s current health problems.

 Buy local & choose organic

On average the food in your supermarket travels 1,500 miles from the field to the store. Buying local produce would reduce your carbon footprint by reducing food miles. Organic products are not grown with petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides – the health implications of ingesting these chemicals is a growing concern.