Mother Earth & You: Sustainability Through the Lens of Women’s Health

The environmental crisis grows more dire by the day, and since the health of the planet and our health as women (and all humans) are inextricably linked, where do we go from here? What can we do?

Mother Nature, Mother Earth.

Our notions of motherhood, womanhood, and femininity have been tethered to nature and Earth for thousands of years. After all, the Earth nurtures us, nourishes us, protects us, and most importantly, gives us life.

But the ties between women and Earth don’t stop there.

As a global community, we’re coping with the consequences of unsustainable practices that have been damaging our planet for decades. Of course, it’s not just our planet that’s deteriorating; it’s our health and well-being, too. And women and girls are disproportionately affected.

Per Columbia University Irving Medical Center:

“Women’s health conditions, including cancer, obesity, infertility, obstetric complications, and more, all have ties to environmental exposures. For many of these conditions with environmental links, our ability to treat them is limited, and related health outcomes are only getting worse.”

None of this is news. It’s simply another reminder of why days like today (Earth Day) matter.

The environmental crisis grows more dire by the day, and since the health of the planet and our health as women (and all humans) are inextricably linked … well, you do the math.

So, where do we go from here? What can we do?

Here, I’m touching on a few small changes you can make to move toward the goal of not only a happy, healthy self but a healthier planet, too.

How to Support the Earth and Your Hormonal Health (at the Same Time)

1. Reassess the Food You’re Eating

We’ve talked about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates and BPAs here at the Haven before, and long story short: they’re not great for your hormonal health.

EDCs can be found in:

• Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which are used in the conventional farming of most foods we eat.

• Plastic and preservatives (think: water bottles, food packaging, and food dyes).

• Animal products. It’s highly likely that the animals you eat have been exposed to environmental pollutants like pesticides, chemicals, and hormonal drugs in their lifetime, which can transfer to you through consumption.

The traditional farming and manufacturing involved in creating synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and processed foods also require a lot of energy, which increases greenhouse gas emissions.

What you can do:

• Buy organic when you can. Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are banned in organic farming. This means organic farms not only have a lower carbon footprint than traditional farms but also offer positive food alternatives that could improve your health. If you invest in purchasing and consuming more organic fruits and vegetables and fewer animal products, you’ll avoid many harmful EDCs that could otherwise lead to a hormonal imbalance.

• Opt for glass or stainless steel. Stray away from purchasing plastic bottles and Tupperware, and try investing in a reusable stainless steel water bottle and repurposing glass jars or containers for food storage instead. These simple swaps can do wonders for your health, the planet, and your wallet.

• Dial down the animal products. Did you know that if everyone went vegan for two-thirds of their meals, we’d cut food-related carbon emissions by 60%? Swapping out meat and dairy for a plant-based option in just a few of your meals each week could make a significant long-term impact on the planet. While everyone’s health journey and nutritional needs are unique, note that many plant-based foods can also reduce inflammation in your body and help you feel more balanced and energized each day.

• Stay informed. If you have the energy and capacity to do further research or make more lifestyle changes beyond this list, get your information from reputable organizations like the Environmental Working Group or the Endocrine Society.

2. Be Intentional About Clothing and Beauty Choices

Unfortunately, EDCs aren’t siloed to food and beverages. They can be found in clothing and cosmetics, too — and dermal contact with them can still seep into your bloodstream and disrupt your hormonal balance.

Many clothing and beauty brands also have abysmal environmental policies and continue to make unethical manufacturing decisions despite growing calls for change.

What you can do:

• Assess what you already own first. When it comes to your fashion choices, the most sustainable option is always what you already have in your closet.

• Avoid plastic-based fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex. If you have a lot of these materials in your wardrobe, try slowly replacing them with more natural materials like cotton or linen.

• Research brands before you buy. Put your money toward companies and brands you believe in. I’m a huge fan of Good On You — I frequently reference their site to learn what different clothing and beauty brands are doing to support animals, people, and our planet, so I can make more informed purchasing decisions.

3. Remain Hopeful and Stay Curious

Breathe.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, isn’t it? I certainly am — often I might add, by the current state of the world and the mounting pressure to be proactively engaged in, and well-informed on, every issue.

I’m often left wondering whether I’m doing enough; yet at the same time, I’m tempted to give up and do nothing at all. Sound familiar?

I’m not sure this feeling will ever fully go away, so I’m here to remind you (as well as myself) of this:

It’s not on you to do and know everything. But it is your responsibility to do something.

We don’t have the power to go back in time and change our own decisions, or the choices others have made, that led us to this moment in the world. And while we can’t completely reverse all the damage to our ecosystem or eliminate every environmental risk, there’s still so much we can do to protect the planet and improve our little lives here on Earth.

Don’t worry about being an expert — at least not at first — on these issues. Instead, try to keep it simple. Take things one day at a time, stay curious about what you don’t know, and dive into topics that interest you when you have the mental space to learn something new.

I believe the big changes in our world happen over time through the small choices we make daily. If we can all be a bit more engaged and intentional each day, we can make waves.

Remember, we’re in this together — you, me, and everyone else on this big blue planet. It’s not too late.

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Comment and share your favorite photo of you out in nature in celebration of Earth Day—you’ll see mine and Alana’s there!