4 ways fitness links to climate change advocacy

July 29 was Earth Overshoot Day for 2021. When this date was announced, it left me feeling nothing short of grief - we’re doing a bad job of stewarding our environment. With the exception of 2020, because of the COVID-19 global shutdowns earlier in the year, each year this date gets further away from meeting sustainability.

Earth Overshoot Day is the day of the year in which we have met the resource allowance at which the earth could naturally replenish itself. This number was never a concern earlier in human history, but as our population continues to increase, and our desire for more convenience with it, we are now depleting the planet’s resources faster than it can replenish them. To put it simply, after this date, we are borrowing precious resources from distant (and not-so-distant) generations.

But that doesn’t mean we should give up, or that we can’t contribute to a healthy planet without compromising some of the things we love! To that end, here are 4 ways you can help yourself and the planet stay healthy!

1. Nature therapy

There is nothing better than the sense of calm that comes from spending time in nature. When it comes to climate change, one of the biggest present day challenges we face regarding the motivation to act, is the growing disconnect between us and nature.

As the human population began to move into urban areas, they also moved away from the natural world. Unfortunately, this has caused a ripple effect, in that generations that have only ever lived in the city do not gain the relationship with nature that would create those important relationships with these natural landscapes.

Studies have shown that spending time outdoors not only improves our physical and mental health, but it also leads to climate action. The risk of losing the places we love to hike, camp, play, etc., unearths the motive to fight for the wellbeing of the planet.

In recent years, instances of Lyme disease, in particular, have prevented many from being active outdoors and enjoying all the benefits of nature therapy. As tick populations begin to explode due to our changing climate, I fear what this will do long term if we are already seeing a reluctance to move outside. But this very example is a perfect way to show how the effects of climate change are already affecting us.

2. Active errands

Keeping with the theme of getting active outdoors, the push for active transportation has become a top issue in many cities, and even rural communities in North America.

Active transportation refers to getting from A to B without the use of a car. It can mean walking, biking, skateboarding, running, etc.

The benefits of incorporating active transportation into our daily routines is felt in both our physical and mental health. But the uptake in active transportation also reduces greenhouse gases (GHG), which are one of the driving forces to human-induced climate change.

If using active transportation isn’t possible for you because of distance or infrastructure, you can always choose to park in a central location and walk from location to location as you run your errands. Carpooling is also a great option for your work commute. Not only is it reducing GHGs, but the social aspect is also beneficial for our mental health.

3. Dig it

2020 seems to be the year that many discovered gardening. Ironically, it’s the first year I didn’t concentrate on my own!

Gardening has major health benefits for overall health. The act of gardening is great physical work from preparing the soil and planting, to weeding, to harvesting. The soil itself also improves mental health, as it triggers a release of serotonin (the happy chemical!). Both of these tend to lead to a sense of satisfaction, and improve your mood. Try it - I dare you!

Finally, and probably the most obvious, if you’re growing a vegetable garden, you’re eating food that is from your backyard. More often than not, backyard gardens tend to be organic, or at the very least use limited chemicals for fertilization. The food you are eating is about as fresh as you will ever enjoy, and best of all, there isn’t likely going to be much, if any, nutrient depletion. This is especially true if you eat what you harvest right away (or prepare it for storage by canning or dehydrating it, for example!). Further, by not using heavy chemicals to produce this food, you’re helping to maintain soil health and using a sustainable method of food production.

4. Support local

The final way you can work on your fitness without leaving too much of a footprint on the planet is by supporting local. Eating local and supporting small farms not only contributes to the local economy, and reduces GHG emissions because of the reduced transportation from farm to market, but food maintains its nutritional value longer. Many small farms offer organic produce, which is doubly beneficial - it’s reducing the amount of harmful chemicals at both the production and the transportation levels!

For me, the best part of supporting local are the relationships you create in the process. It makes it more personal, which further motivates us to do better.