Journal
BECOME YOUR OWN ACTIVIST
Jan
Human health is inextricably linked with environmental health. The world around us is a constant source of nourishment, support, and inspiration—and we’ve learned the hard way what happens when we neglect it. Be it a water crisis, an extreme weather event, or a forest fire, environmental disasters are harsh reminders that a sick planet leaves sick people in its wake.
It should come as no surprise, then, that some of the leading wellness empires of today are shifting gears to make their businesses more eco-friendly. Make no mistake about it: We can’t be truly healthy if our planet is sick. And unfortunately, from where we’re sitting, the strength and vitality of the ground beneath our feet have taken a beating this past year. Across the world, temperatures continue to rise as storm surges and extreme weather events threaten some of our most pristine landscapes.
Given the state of our world, this year we’ll be shifting gears to discuss how we can take care of our outer landscapes as well as our inner ones.
There’s no telling what the future holds for the environment, and we can’t pretend to have answers. What we can say with absolute certainty is that some of the most brilliant minds of today are working tirelessly toward a brighter future. Climate change is the most important issue of our time, and as such it has garnered the attention of scientists and athletes, executives and artists, citizens across ideologies and party lines, leaders young and old. It requires every one of us to become our own activists, to make sustainable shifts in our own lives and encourage everyone around us to do the same. We’ll be exploring how to do all of this and more on the revitalize main stage this year, and you can tune in from the comfort of your own home.
Origin of sustainability
The concept of sustainability first appeared in the Brundtland Report, published in 1987. This document which was also referred to as Our Common Future, was elaborated for the United Nations in order to warn about the negative environmental consequences of economic development and globalization. It was written with the aim of offering solutions to the problems arising from industrialization and population growth.
Today, sustainability tries to secure present needs without compromising the future generations. How? Without giving up any of the three essential pillars: environmental protection, social development and economic growth.
Environmental, social and economic sustainability
Sustainability is concerned with assuming that nature and the environment are not an inexhaustible resource and so, it is necessary to protect them and use them rationally.
Sustainability promotes social development, seeking cohesion between communities and cultures to achieve satisfactory levels in quality of life, health and education.
Thirdly, sustainability focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all without harming the environment.
Nowadays, many of the challenges that humans face such as climate change or water scarcity can only be tackled from a global perspective and by promoting sustainable development.
Why should you care about the environment?
Here at the practice, we know that nature plays a vital role in all of our wellness journeys, whether you’re someone who takes long summer runs outside or goes on hikes to clear the mind. It also influences our health in more palpable ways, with the latest research showing that climate change can aggravate pre-existing conditions like asthma, negatively affect our mental health, and threaten our nutrition.
What is the future of sustainability?
This massive problem is inspiring equally substantive solutions. That’s what makes the sustainability field such an exciting one: It presents so much space for people to get creative and turn their individual expertise into solutions. We see a future rife with even more innovation and ingenuity. We also see the wellness world continuing to lead the movement with products that are as good for our bodies as they are for the planet. It’s a daunting time, but it’s an exciting one too.
People around the earth are waking up to the benefits and longterm necessity to adapt a more sustainable lifestyle. At the Practice, we’re constantly looking for ways to be more sustainable, and well, better.
Here are 6 trends we see gaining extra traction throughout this year and 2020:
Home Growing
The grow-your-own movement is also set to continue apace, as more and more people grow at least some of their own food in their garden, on a balcony or roof, or even just on a sunny windowsill inside their homes.
Vegan Cuisine
Speaking of food – vegan cuisine is another growing sustainable trend – set to grow even more in 2020. As more people realise the true carbon and environmental cost of eating meat, delicious plant-based meals will be increasingly popular. And believe us, some of the team here absolutely loves a good hamburger, but we’re getting better.
Reusable Food Containers
The problem with plastic waste will drive the trend (for businesses and consumers) towards natural, reusable food containers in stores, take-out places and restaurants. Supermarkets may trend towards selling food loose to take away in your own container rather than in single use plastic.
Going Solar
From solar panels, to passive solar design, from solar water heating to solar ovens, 2020 is set to see an increase in the number of people joining the growing band who are making the most of the energy from our sun.
Upcycling
Another growing trend is upcycling furniture, apparel, and more – tapping into the massive desire to DIY, upcycling is another trend set to expand in 2020, as people reuse to keep things from landfill.
Slow Travel Adventures
Eco travel will also grow in 2020 – especially slow travel adventures like hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking and more…