One of the things that I remember learning very early on at naturopathic college is that in order to be healthy people, we also need a healthy planet.

The health of our bodies and the health of our environment go hand in hand.

This year I have been thinking about this concept even more. So I started wondering, what can I do on a small scale to reduce my carbon footprint?

Here are 5 things I have implemented that might inspire you to do the same:

1. Start composting your food waste - Luckily where I live I have a green bin for food composting that gets emptied every week along with the recycle boxes. To make it even easier to remember to use, I have a small food scrap bin underneath the sink in my kitchen that I will fill up, and then transfer to the big green bin outside.
2. Use a rain barrel - This year I bought two rain barrels as part of a fundraising event at one of the local high schools. I would much rather spend money on a fundraiser that supports the environment than buying chocolate almonds or doughnuts. Now I use a rain barrel at the office, and at my house, to collect rain water and then use it to water my flowers. Bonus - I'm saving money on water while keeping the environment pretty!
3. Use a drying rack instead of the dryer - This one will also save you money along with saving the environment. As a child I remember hanging the laundry on the line to dry outside. As soon as it was warm enough, clothes went outside to dry. Now I use a drying rack in lieu of a clothesline.
4. Have a folder for scrap paper - I have a folder of scrap paper to re-print, or write notes on and then eventually shredded and recycled. I also pester my receptionists to do the same.
5. Use alternative modes of transportation - One of the criteria I had when I was buying a new house was that it had to be within walking distance of my office. At least three times a week I either walk or bike to work. And I'm not limiting myself to nice weather either. Some of you may have seen my pic of walking home in the rain on my Dr. Michelle Durkin Facebook page 🙂 Could you make your new mode of transportation two feet and a heartbeat? If not, maybe consider carpooling.

Now I would love to hear from you! What is one thing you have started doing to reduce your carbon footprint? Leave a comment below and I'll be back next week with another edition of Doctor as Teacher Tuesday!