A person's hand holding four radishes wrapped in a cloth is on the left side of the image. A wooden box filled with various green vegetables, including kale, asparagus, leeks, and Swiss chard, is in the center background.

Live Fully

Tips to help you on the path to a healthy you AND a healthy planet

Easy options for living green are more abundant than ever, but we still need to make choices every day to lessen our impact on the environment. Luckily, what’s better for the planet is often what is better for our bodies, making healthy decisions a better option for people and for planet. Whatever options you choose to enjoy this summer, keep in mind the greater health and wellbeing of yourself and our beautiful planet.

Go plastic straw free

The next time you’re out to lunch at your favorite local cafe ask them to hold the straw. According to National Geographic Americans use 500 million single-use, plastic straws in a single day. Sadly, many of those straws end up skipping the recycling bin and go straight into landfills or are improperly disposed of and end up on our beaches and in our oceans. Many companies have created alternatives to single-use plastic straws whether they’re stainless steel, paper, glass or reusable plastic, there are plenty of alternatives to adding to the plastic straw problem.

Organic, organic, organic

Choosing organic options is not only better for environmental health, but it’s also better for people. By supporting companies and stores that produce and sell organic products you’re taking a stand against artificial ingredients, chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and genetically modified foods. These choices are better for our soils, our lakes, ponds, streams, oceans, and specifically the people who grow and harvest the crops our foods are made of.

Bulk is better

Grab your favorite vessels and get to your local bulk bins! The delicious array of ingredients are often cheaper, save on waste, plus you control the amount you’re getting. Many grocery stores now offer bulk dispensers for products like coffee beans, rice and grains, oats, spices, nuts, nut butters, and even oils. That sounds like the beginnings of a delicious smoothie bowl to us!

Scale back on the AC this summer

We’re not suggesting anyone toy with heat stroke, but cranking the AC for months on end is not always necessary and it’s a huge factor in the battle against climate change. There are simple things you can do to keep your house or office cool throughout the warmer months that don’t involve turning on your air conditioning. -Keep blinds, curtains, and windows closed during the warmest part of the day. -Try avoiding using the oven or stove during hotter days. Opt for grilling outdoors and/or enjoy a delicious summer salad and fresh fruit instead. -Opening the windows at night when the temperatures have dropped a significant amount will help to cool off the house from the day’s heat. Close them again in the morning to capture the cooler air inside.

Carbon neutral commuting

Bike, walk, or run to work! Our communities are becoming more walkable and bikeable thanks to great organizations and city planning, but there is a long way to go before the US is known for it’s car-free commuting. Lead the charge and hope on your bike or get out that running pack for your morning commute. Chances are, it will beat sitting in traffic and get your work out out of the way first thing in the morning. Plus, riding bikes is FUN. Happy, healthy summer!

Related Articles

  • A woman in a blue flannel shirt and vest walks in a park on a sunny day, smiling. She holds a leash attached to a small, dark-colored dog. The background is filled with green trees and grass.

    National Walking Day

    Live Fully

    March 19, 2025

    It’s time to put down those digital devices, turn on some feel-good music and get active! Now more than ever, we need to focus on optimizing our health amid the...

    Read More
  • A black bag hangs on a wooden wall hook next to a glass door. The bag holds a rolled-up teal yoga mat, a blue-and-white striped towel, and a container of organic protein powder. The scene suggests a ready-to-go kit for a yoga session or gym workout.

    Warmer Weather and Better Workouts - How to get the most of your spring training

    Gain Strength

    March 15, 2025

    The long days of summer are coming in hot and it’s time to start training for a full activity load. There are a handful of ways to get in better...

    Read More
  • A young woman lies on grass with her eyes closed, smiling joyfully. She is surrounded by blooming daisies, wearing a floral dress. The background features trees and soft sunlight filtering through, creating a serene and happy atmosphere.

    How to Use Spring Cleaning for More Than Just Clutter

    Live Fully

    March 15, 2025

    Spring cleaning can range from your house, fridge or even from fitness to productivity, it’s the perfect opportunity to re-organize and re-energize your entire life.

    Read More
  • Man drinking water with B corp logo next to him

    B A Force for Good: Orgain Earns B Corp™ Certification

    March 15, 2025

    We’re proud to announce that Orgain has earned its B Corp™ certification, joining a growing movement of like-minded businesses balancing purpose and profit to positively impact the planet and the...

    Read More