Climate solutions are closer to home than we may think. Over 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from individual, household, and societal behavioural patterns. We have the power to change this and, in turn, reap the benefits for our physical and mental health.
The mind-body-planet connection
The symbiotic relationship between the Earth and humans has traditional roots.
Nicole Redvers, DPhil, ND, MPH, is an associate professor and director of Indigenous Planetary Health at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University. She says that one of the most unifying fronts among Canada’s 630 unique First Nations, four Inuit regions, and Métis communities is the tendency not to see divisions between the planet and ourselves.
“That has strong implications for how we think about taking care of ourselves and the land,” says Redvers. “When we take care of ourselves, we take care of the land, and when we take care of the land, we take care of ourselves.”
She often uses an analogy to highlight our role as beneficiaries—but also as stewards—of the planet, which starts by asking us to consider where our tap water comes from.
“Here in London, Ontario, for example, the water comes from Lake Huron and Lake Erie into our taps,” says Redvers.
“I am—and everyone is—the lakes and rivers of where they come from,” Redvers adds. “It’s not just about receiving wellness from rivers and lakes; it’s about the responsibility of giving back to them.”
Optimal time in green space
A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports of almost 20,000 people found that those who spent at least two hours a week in green spaces, such as parks, woodlands, and beaches, reported greater health and well-being than those who didn’t.
Practical eco-wellness practices
Recent research reveals how transformative eco-wellness practices can be.
One study out of the University of Wisconsin–Madison involved a two-month “Mindful Eco-Wellness” program. The course combined health and sustainability education with mindfulness practices. For instance, the “Air” class led participants in guided breath meditations while they learned about the benefits of clean air.
The participants saw improvements in anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels, along with gains in physical health in a statistically significant way. Throughout the course, they also learned how to reduce their carbon footprint.
Redvers emphasizes the profound impact of spending time in nature. This approach is now embraced to the extent that doctors can prescribe time outdoors and include free access to national parks.
The strong scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature for well-being—including decreased stress and cortisol and increased immune function—is behind this recent traction, explains Redvers. In Indigenous communities, you’ll hear people refer to it as land-based time or land-based healing, she says.
According to Redvers, it’s also about being mindful of nature itself.
“Oftentimes our Elders say the health of the environment is suffering because we’re not paying enough attention to the things around us, whether it’s the trees or the plants or the waters,” Redvers says. “Paying attention to what’s going on in nature spaces is just as important as spending time within them.”
Lifestyle integration
Eco wellness is something that can be seamlessly folded into our daily lives.
For example, start your day by bringing a reusable mug with you for your hot drinks. Single-use cups often end up in the landfill for various reasons, including lack of recycling technologies.
Green your commute to work: Take your bike, electric vehicle, or a public-transit or car-sharing service. Working from home some of the time can also reduce your carbon footprint.
Plan meals to minimize food waste—and teach yourself new ways to utilize your food scraps.
At some point during your day, spend a moment with nature in your own backyard or nearby green space.
Follow businesses such as Earth Day on Instagram (@earthday.ca) for more bite-sized changes you can make toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle!
Make your own eco-wellness starter kit
Equip yourself for eco wellness with these tips:
- Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. Select those made of durable material like metal or glass.
- Introduce indoor plants to your home. Indoor plants help clean the air and can increase positive emotions, decrease negative ones, and reduce physical discomfort.
- Start a compost bin. A well-tended compost bin may take three to five months to be ready for use, at which point the nutrient-rich soil can be added to the dirt in your gardens and flower or vegetable beds.
- Purchase eco-friendly cleaning supplies made with biodegradable, compostable materials. For instance, many cleaning cloths aremade from natural fabrics such as cotton, hemp, or linen.
- Stock personal-care products such as shampoo and conditioner from companies that feature reusable pumps and bottles or sell products in bar form.
This article was originally published in the April 2026 issue of alive magazine.
