Sustainability supports well-being

Sustainability supports well-being in many ways.

Many people think that lowering their ecological footprint will lower their standard of living but nothing could be further from the truth. On the contrary, there are enormous benefits to well-being by leading lives that are more meaningful and less harmful, less wasteful and less stressful – to both people and planet.

The table below gives examples of how using our basic sustainability tips can support your well-being.

PracticeSustainabilityWell-beingNotes
House Insulation,
Passive solar heating
Less fossil fuel use
Lower emissions
Warmer, drier houses are healthier.Cold homes have been linked to cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness. Indoor dampness and mould have been linked to asthma, respiratory infections and rheumatic fever.
Walking and cyclingLess fossil fuel use
Lower emissions
Increases fitness and overall health. Less traffic. Saves money.Regular exercise has many health benefits and has been linked to better mood. It also means fewer cars on the road, therefore less congestion, stress and accidents.
Eating fresh food,
mostly plants
Smaller ecological footprintFresh food and plants are better for you than processed food and meatThe food pyramid recommends the bulk of our diet should be plant-based whilst meat and animal products, which also have a much higher ecological footprint, should be minimised. Processing adds many ingredients that can be detrimental to our health including sugar and salt.
Using natural productsFewer toxins, less mining,
biodegradable
Harmless, non-toxic products are better for your healthSynthetic products, especially those made from hydrocarbons, are often not biodegradable leading to the build-up of waste and harmful toxins in the environment.
Buying second hand, reusing, recyclingFewer resources usedSaves moneyAnything that saves money can help improve well-being. It means fewer money worries and could lead to having a better work-life balance.
Sharing and givingFewer resources usedMakes you feel goodA 2008 study found that giving money to someone else lifted participants’ happiness more than spending it on themselves.
In general:   
Buy less, simplify, downsizeFewer resources usedSaves money, Less anxiety and stress, Better work-life balance 
Smaller ecological footprint= Sustainability+ Well-being