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Is cutting your carbon footprint equivalent to living sustainably?
The short answer is not really!
Sustainable living involves not only reducing your carbon footprint but also choosing what’s best for your body and the planet. Given that living eco-friendly is getting more important in Australia, adding sustainable practices to your daily life will benefit your health and our planet.
Here are ten sustainable health choices to consider:
1. Choose Telehealth for Medical Care
Telehealth is making a big impact on both getting care and being sustainable. Telehealth cuts back on travel which in turn lowers emissions and helps people save time. In fact, 37% of Australians see telehealth as an eco-conscious healthcare option and it is a main aspect of the National Health and Climate Strategy.
2. Eat More Vegan Food
You don’t have to go full vegan to make a difference-just swapping out one or two meals a week for plant-based options can have a real impact. According to Nature Australia, this small change can significantly cut your environmental footprint.
Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes need less energy and resources than meat and dairy, so they’re better for the environment and your body. If you’re worried about not getting enough protein, don’t be -pulses, nuts, broccoli, potatoes, and tofu are all great, sustainable options that won’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out.
3. Support Local and Sustainable Producers
Always prefer buying local. Why? Well, buying seasonal produce cuts down on food miles and supports Australian farmers who use sustainable practices.
Go for organic or regenerative farmers who use natural methods, avoid synthetic pesticides and always take good care of the soil. As by doing so, both emissions are controlled and communities gain resilience to climate change.
4. Opt for Natural, Chemical-Free Health Products
Many Australians are choosing natural, chemical-free food and drink products more often, with over 44% saying they do so regularly for the sake of their health and the planet.
A similar pattern exists for home care and personal care products. Search for items that come in little or no packaging and use biodegradable components, plus those marked “organic” or “cruelty-free”.
5. Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Each year, millions of tonnes of plastic end up being sent to landfills by Aussies. Replacing disposable water bottles, bags and containers with reusable ones can surely matter.
Select items that have packaging you can compost or recycle and buy from companies trying to lessen their plastic waste.
6. Practice Water Conservation
The climate of Australia is naturally dry which makes it more susceptible to droughts and water shortages. Due to this water conservation is crucial. So, what should we do? Put in low-flow showers, solve any leaks quickly and garden using rainwater. Just turning off the tap while brushing your teeth will help you save water.
7. Embrace Active and Sustainable Transport
When you opt for walking, cycling or the bus, you help the planet and improve by reducing the carbon footprint and staying physically active also improves both your body health and your mind.
So, it’s a win-win situation for you, as it saves money, cuts emissions and plus it will improve your health as well.
8. Focus on Preventive Health
Wearable gadgets and telehealth consultations encourage you to care for your health in advance, so you rarely require treatment that’s hard to manage or very expensive.
According to the Philips Australia survey, more and more Australians are monitoring their health using personal tech which helps promote preventive and more sustainable healthcare.
9. Choose Green Mental Health Practices
Bushwalking, gardening or staying outside is a good way to manage stress, enhance good mindset and become more connected to the environment.
In accordance with the National Health and Climate Strategy, preventive health and spending time outdoors are important for helping communities become resistant to the effects of climate change. Being more mindful and having a digital detox can cut youths’ energy use and give them mental strength.
10. Advocate for Climate-Resilient Healthcare
Support policies and providers committed to sustainability. Australia’s National Health and Climate Strategy aims to build a climate-resilient, net zero health system by 2040.
Choose healthcare providers who use renewable energy, promote digital health, and adopt eco-friendly business practices
Why Sustainable Health Choices Matter
Thanks to hotter weather, polluted air and water shortages, climate change is already making a negative difference to people’s health in Australia.
When you live sustainably, you benefit your neighborhood and lessen the effect your actions have on nature. Alternatives like telehealth, special diets and sustainable products are important for good health and saving the environment.
Are you ready to make healthier choices? Book your next appointment with us and support eco-friendly, digital-first care. We can start creating a healthier society by using telehealth services.
References:
- Philips. (2024, June 19). Philips Australia survey highlights public support for environmental sustainability in healthcare and urgent action for collaboration.
https://www.philips.com.au/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2024/20240618-philips-australia-survey-highlights-public-support-for-environmental-sustainability-in-healthcare-and-urgent-action-for-collaboration.html - Sustainability Guide. (n.d.).
https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/australia/Sustainable-Living-Guide-AU.pdf - National Health and Climate Strategy. (2023).
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-12/national-health-and-climate-strategy.pdf - Kkovalenko. (2024, May 13). Data proves millions of Australians continue to prioritise healthier, sustainable products despite cost-of-living pressures. Naturally Good Expo.
https://naturallygood.com.au/business/australians-prioritise-healthier-sustainable-products/ - Ayers, R. (2025, February 14). Eco-Friendly Telehealth: Enhancing emergency & disaster care. Blue and Green Tomorrow.
https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/features/eco-friendly-telehealth-enhancing-emergency-amp-disaster-care/
