POLLUTANTS ARE DESTROYING OUR PLANET & OUR HEALTH…WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

Unless you never listen to the news, pick up a magazine, or scroll through social media, you’ll already be aware of the environmental challenges facing our world. From climate change and air pollution to plastic waste, the list can feel overwhelming—and, at times, deeply discouraging.

The positive news? Awareness continues to grow. And awareness is always the first step toward change.

A double-edged issue

The problem we face is twofold. On one hand, our planet is under increasing strain as natural resources are depleted and ecosystems damaged at an alarming rate. On the other, these environmental changes have a very real and immediate impact on our own health. We often associate stress with modern working life, technology, and constant connectivity: yet environmental stressors also play a significant role. These include physical, chemical, and biological factors in our surroundings that place ongoing strain on both body and mind—sometimes subtly, sometimes profoundly.

If our environment is under pressure, it stands to reason that our health will be too. Addressing one without the other is no longer enough.

What do we mean by “environmental stressors”?

When we begin to list the factors that affect us daily, the picture can feel sobering:

• Climate stress

• Air pollution

• Chemical exposure

• Plastic pollution

• Ergonomic stress

• Energetic stress

• Biological stress

  
  

Some examples:

Climate stress may be seasonal or linked to longer-term climate shifts. Air pollution is largely driven by fossil fuel use, particularly from vehicles. Chemical stressors include pesticide residues on food, antibiotics, and chemicals found in cosmetics, cleaning products, and air fresheners. Plastic pollution is now embedded in everyday life, from packaging to household items, and persists in the environment for generations. Ergonomic stress results from long working hours, prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and poor posture. Energetic stress refers to exposure to electromagnetic fields from modern technology. Biological stress includes illness, allergies, and immune responses, which appear to be increasingly common.

So… what can we do?

When we look at the global picture, it’s easy to feel powerless. The scale of the problem can make individual action feel insignificant.

But when we break it down, we begin to see that many of these stressors overlap—and that small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference to both our own health and the health of the planet.

10 simple ways to support your body and the environment

1. Conserve energy Unplug devices when not in use, use warm rather than hot water, choose energy-efficient bulbs, and consider efficient appliances.

2. Reduce petrol use Walk, cycle, or use public transport whenever possible to cut emissions.

3. Reduce plastic use Choose reusable bags, bottles, and food wraps, and minimise disposable plastics wherever you can.

4. Choose natural, organic foods where possible This may reduce exposure to pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics, while supporting nutrient-dense eating.

5. Check labels for microbeads These tiny plastics were once common in toiletries and cleaning products and are harmful to marine life. (Thankfully, UK legislation has improved in recent years.)

6. Opt for natural cosmetics Many products are absorbed through the skin daily. Choosing simpler, less chemically laden options can reduce cumulative exposure.

7. Avoid synthetic fragrances Air fresheners, body sprays, and some candles contain chemicals that may negatively affect air quality. Natural alternatives such as essential oils can be a gentler option.

8. Reduce screen time consciously Aside from mental health considerations, constant digital exposure can contribute to sensory overload and fatigue.

9. Pay attention to posture Poor alignment doesn’t just cause aches and pains—it can influence digestion, breathing, and overall wellbeing.

10. Let nature support your health Regular movement, time outdoors, nourishing food, and stress management help the body function as it was designed to—reducing reliance on medication wherever appropriate.

    
    

Our health, our planet, our responsibility

The closer we live to the kind of lifestyle our bodies evolved for—regular movement, whole foods, rest, and connection with nature—the better equipped we are to cope with the unavoidable stressors of modern life.

At the same time, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the world we are creating for future generations. Plastic waste alone offers a stark example of how convenience can come at a long-term cost—to ecosystems, wildlife, and ultimately, ourselves.

There are countless small ways to make change. Each action may feel insignificant on its own, but together they matter. A collective shift begins with individual choices—and even the smallest effort can be a step toward protecting both the planet and our health.