Go Green

A healthier planet makes for a healthier you. Pollutants and chemicals in the food, water, and air have been blamed for everything from chronic fatigue to infertility to cancer. And while you shouldn’t move into a tree and live off wildflowers, you can take steps that promote the ecology and personal wellness.

Try some of these green tips:

Replace meat with a different protein source. You don’t have to become a vegetarian, but if you exchange 1 meat dinner for a protein option like beans or tofu, you’ll help cut back on animal fat in your diet and CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.

Kick out chemical disinfectants. Instead, make your own natural cleansers. Use vinegar and baking soda to keep your house fresh and sanitary. You’ll reduce the number of toxins in your home, minimizing their impact on the environment.

Get rid of your plastic. Plastic containers and bags are everywhere, but studies suggest the synthetic substance corrupts more than landfills. Growing concern surrounds the chemical bisphenol-A or BPA and its potential effects on the human endocrine system. Your best bet: store and reheat leftovers in glass instead of plastic containers, and use a stainless steel thermos instead of a plastic water bottle.