The threat of climate crisis is a daunting concern for us. Natural disasters like prolonged heat and continuous rainfall can lead to issues such as food scarcity, disease outbreaks, and more. Therefore, we should act swiftly and decisively.

So, what can we do? We can start by protecting the environment through self-love, or by loving ourselves first. Self-awareness brings an understanding of the consequences of our actions, making an eco-friendly lifestyle a part of self-love. This way, we contribute to preserving the environment.

Here are some ways to practice self-love in line with an eco-friendly lifestyle:

Waste-Free Eating

What we consume affects our bodies, and what we discard impacts the environment. While eliminating 100% waste may be challenging, we can start with small steps like reducing food waste and taking appropriate portion sizes. These actions have a significant impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Eco-Friendly Diet

The planetary health diet is a dietary pattern aimed at maintaining both body health and environmental sustainability. This diet emphasizes plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains as the primary components of meals. While meat and dairy are important, their consumption should be reduced compared to plant-based foods. Adopting this diet has benefits like reducing cancer risk, supporting mental health, and lowering the chances of early death. Thus, what is good for our bodies is also good for the environment.

Spending Time in Nature

Use our energy to enjoy the beauty of nature, breathe fresh air, and listen to the sounds of rustling leaves and flowing water. It’s best to walk and challenge yourself to explore the outdoors. Research from the University of East Anglia suggests that spending 120 minutes a week in nature improves health. This practice helps maintain mental health and boosts immune function. Simple activities like this encourage us to reduce indoor electricity use and take breaks from electronic devices.

Learning from Plants

In addition to beautifying gardens or indoor spaces, supporting the ecosystem, and providing oxygen, plants offer valuable lessons in self-care. Like a living ‘alarm’ reminding us that organisms grow and thrive when their basic needs are met, plants teach us about hydration, adequate rest, quality nutrition, and personal safety—essential for maintaining health. Neglecting these aspects can negatively impact our mental and physical well-being. Consistent skill improvement, similar to careful plant growth, requires long-term attention. By growing plants, we learn directly from them.

Thus, living an eco-friendly lifestyle is not just a choice but a commitment to self-love while ensuring the sustainability of our planet through small, actionable steps.

 

Author: Muhamad Fikri Asy’ari

Reference:

Makarim, F.R. 2022. Kenali Pola Makan Ramah Lingkungan, Lebih Menyehatkan!. Halodoc.com.https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/kenali-pola-makan-ramah-lingkungan-lebih-menyehatkan  

Makarim, F.R. 2020. Menyatu dengan Alam Bisa Menjaga Kesehatan Mental. Halodoc.com.https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/menyatu-dengan-alam-bisa-menjaga-kesehatan-mental 

Thomas, J. 2022. What plants teach us about Self-Love. Feelgrounded.com. https://feelgrounded.com/blogs/resources/what-plants-teach-us-about-self-love