Do wellness and sustainability go hand in hand?

With the health of both our bodies and the planet becoming an increasingly high priority, wellness and sustainability have emerged as powerful factors in how we live our everyday lives.

In this article, we will answer the question “what is wellness?”, exploring its connection with sustainability, defining the phenomenon of environmental wellness and explaining the mutual benefits of wellness and sustainability.

What is wellness?

According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness is defined as ‘the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.’ A holistic approach is characterised by the belief that all parts of health are interconnected, meaning that physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are all deeply connected and should only be approached as a whole.

This pursuit of wellness can include practising healthy habits such as exercise, healthy eating and meditation daily to achieve better physical and mental health outcomes. 

What is sustainability?

The United Nations defines sustainability as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ It involves making choices that reduce waste, conserve resources and protect the environment. 

These choices include everyday tasks such as recycling, eating less meat and shopping locally to minimise harm to the planet and its inhabitants. 

How do sustainable choices support wellness?

The answer to the question “do wellness and sustainability go hand-in-hand?” is yes. A recent study conducted as part of the World Happiness Report found that in countries with higher levels of sustainability, the citizens were happier and healthier. But why is there a connection between sustainability and wellbeing? Let’s explore how choosing sustainable practices supports both physical and mental wellness.

Physical wellness and sustainability

We often think of sustainability as just benefiting the planet. However, making more sustainable choices can have a profound effect on your physical health. Sustainable practices often encourage more physical activity, like for example walking or cycling instead of driving, which boosts cardiovascular health and reduces pollution, leading to cleaner air for everyone. Cleaner air, in turn, benefits our respiratory health, supporting healthier lungs and a stronger immune system. It’s a win-win!

Eating a sustainable diet also promotes wellness. People reduce their intake of harmful chemicals and preservatives by opting for locally sourced, organic, or plant-based foods while supporting more eco-friendly farming practices. Sustainable eating habits also encourage balance and variety, which can provide the essential nutrients needed to maintain physical health.

Mental wellness and sustainability

Too often we focus so much on our physical health that we forget about our mental and emotional wellbeing. However, by implementing a few sustainable practices into your life, you can kill two birds with one stone (we are by NO means condoning killing birds, no matter how many stones you use!)

The environment we live in can significantly impact our mental well-being. Factors such as noise or air pollution, overcrowding, climate change and a lack of access to green spaces can have negative implications on mental health. Sustainable choices help address these issues. For instance, supporting eco-friendly brands (like us!), spending time outdoors, or making eco-conscious purchases can deepen your connection to nature, which is scientifically proven to reduce stress and boost your mood.

What is environmental wellness?

As we’ve mentioned above, the state of the environment has a huge impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Enter Environmental wellness. Environmental wellness is a component of personal wellness and is defined as living in a healthy and respectful environment, as well as being aware of the environment in which we live.

Making sustainable choices, such as eating a more plant-based diet, recycling frequently, walking or using public transport rather than driving, or supporting local, eco-friendly brands can all help reduce pollution, conserve resources and contribute to a cleaner and healthier world for future generations!

How to embrace both wellness and sustainability in everyday life

We’ve written a whole article on how to incorporate sustainability into your everyday life, but what about embracing wellness simultaneously?! Let’s explore some simple and practical ways to adopt both wellness and sustainability practices:

• Reducing waste: We are going to bang on about the 3 Rs again (sorry not sorry!) By Reducing, Reusing and Recycling, we can reduce waste and help to minimise the amount that is thrown in landfills, helping to support the environment. It could be as simple as throwing your plastic bottle in the recycling rather than in the bin, taking your clothes to a recycling bank, or upcycling old or broken products into something new - there are a whole host of ways you can help to reduce waste!
• Choosing ethical brands: By choosing companies that use sustainable materials, opt for environmentally friendly practices, and prioritise fair labour, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also boost your emotional wellbeing by knowing that your money supports positive change in the world.
• Supporting charities: Taking old clothes to the charity shop or donating to causes that are close to your heart can not only help improve the lives of others but also foster a sense of purpose. Knowing that your contributions are making a difference can boost your emotional wellbeing and reduce waste, supporting both sustainable practices and social good.
• Practising mindfulness: Being mindful encourages us to consider the impact of our choices, from what we consume to how we interact with the world around us. Simple practices, like taking a moment to appreciate nature or reflecting on our consumption habits, help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. 

By embracing these simple yet impactful practices, we can create a lifestyle that nurtures both our wellbeing and the planet. Additionally, by combining wellness and sustainability, we are contributing to a healthier, happier life for us now, and a more sustainable world for future generations.

How does Hedgy combine wellness and sustainability?

One of our main pillars here at Hedgy is sustainability, and we are passionate about creating a better environment for humans and animals alike. That’s why our mission goes beyond simply creating comfortable socks! 

Our bamboo socks have a whole host of health benefits. They’re antibacterial, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and can even help with diabetes due to their stretch, soft texture and moisture-wicking properties!

We make sure to use eco-friendly materials (like bamboo) and sustainable practices when manufacturing our products, and we also proudly support local environmental causes, so when you purchase from Hedgy you’re making a positive impact on the environment! This Christmas, we’re also extending our charitable donations to include young people experiencing homelessness, donating our socks that don’t quite pass quality checks to those in need!