EARTH!

Who doesn't love it? I sure do. The nice thing about being green, is that it also can improve your health. One more perk (to me) about moving back to Iowa City, is that everything around the University is in walking distance. I take the bus to work. Some days it gets old waiting for the bus, but it feels good to be one less person driving to work everyday, and while I understand this isn't possible for everyone I know there is more we can all do.

A University program called liveWELL put together some ideas on how to be kind to our Earth and ourselves at the same time. And so I will like to share them.

• Cooking at home. Make sure the meal contains at least one colorful vegetable.
  
• I am sure lots of you already cook at home, which is awesome! The goal then is to 'green' up your meals. This entails checking the ingredients on what you buy.
  
• Shop local! This is a major investment for your health as well. Typically things that are local are also in season. That means they did not travel miles, therefore less fossil fuel was used to get them to your table. Also, they are much fresher which = more nutrient dense. Really, everyone wins when you buy local produce.
  
• Bulk purchasing and bulk preparation. Bulk preparation is good for your health in that it helps you have better control of your portion sizes. Bulk purchasing ensures that less packaging is being used. Another plus is that buying is bulk is also a great money saver. Woohoo!
  
• Drink more water! Most of us mistake hunger for thirst. Take a reusable bottle to work and start drinking more water. Your body will love you for it.
  
• Use reusable containers to pack your lunch, bring cloth napkins and your own silverware.
  
• Take the stairs! Great for your health and you will be saving the energy it takes to run the elevator. 

So, there you have it. Some ways to get healthy and treat our Earth kindly. 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change 
the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead