We depend on our planet, and our planet depends on us. That’s the message the World Health Organization (WHO) is sending around the globe today on World Health Day. This day is celebrated every year on April 7 to mark the founding of the WHO in 1948. The organization was created to connect nations and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations.
The goal for World Health Day is to draw attention to the work that needs to be done to keep humans and planet Earth healthy. This year’s theme is Our Planet, Our Health. It’s fitting as research continues to confirm that the climate crisis we’re facing is also a health crisis. Impacts to the environment including pollution, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels, put humans at risk in many ways. The WHO reports that:
- About two billion people are at risk for dengue fever because climate change is increasing temperatures and flooding.
- Environmental factors cause the death of 13 million people every year.
- Two billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water.
- Air pollution causes chronic diseases including lung cancer, strokes, and heart disease.
Food waste is another major environmental concern. About one third of food in the world is wasted every year. That’s equal to about 1.3 billion tons of food. Food is lost at every stage of production and consumption including problems with harvesting, storage issues, and waste in households, restaurants, and shops. In America alone, about 30 percent of food is simply thrown away.
You can make a difference
Climate change is a massive problem and tackling it can feel insurmountable. But if we all do our part starting with even small changes, it can all add up to making a big difference. How can you help? Commit to these efforts in honor of World Health Day and continue them every day of the year.
- Reduce your use and recycle everything you can.
- Plan your meals and eat any leftovers – don’t throw them away.
- Use reusable shopping bags for all your errands – not just grocery shopping.
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Find ways to do fewer trips in your car.
- Support companies that use environmentally friendly practices.
And spread the word! Use the #HealthierTomorrow hashtag to share your support of World Health Day on social media.
Mom’s Meals® supports better health for everyone by delivering medically-tailored meals to clients around the United States. We’re also working to be part of the solution when it comes to climate change. In general, home delivered meals can help reduce food waste because they’re portioned correctly so less food is thrown away. And, because Mom’s Meals clients can select their meals, they’re more likely to consume all of the food they order. See our menus.
Also, our packaging is made from recycled supplies while making sure meals are kept at a safe temperature until they arrive at our clients’ homes. Reducing and reusing our packing supplies is our goal and we encourage our clients to recycle them again based on recycling options in their areas.
Sources:
https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/people-and-poverty/hunger-and-obesity/food-waste-statistics/story
https://www.ecowatch.com/case-for-meal-delivery-kits-2650927816.html