Health and Climate Change

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Reducing Carbon Pollution Improves Public Health


Climate change increases air pollution which has significant effects on asthma, heart disease, cancer, mental health and emergency department visits. 


Climate Solutions Week Health Tips


Healthy Responses to Climate Change, by Melissa Dupuis, MPH, Medford MA


The World Health Organization estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes, including our current climate crisis. There are many things we don’t have control over when it comes to our environment, however, actions such as what we put in our bodies, on our bodies, and how we live our daily lives can directly affect the future of our planet and our personal health. Here are some things you can do NOW:

How you commute
1. Walk or take your bike as much as you can
2. Take public transportation when you can
3. If you have to drive, carpool
4. If able, try to work flexible hours so you’re not commuting in rush hour or try a hybrid schedule so you’re not commuting every day
5. Purchase a climate-friendly car 
6. Don’t idle

In your home
1. Change to a renewable energy provider
2. Turn off the lights when you’re not in the room
3. Don’t run water while brushing your teeth
4. Use energy-efficient lighting
5. Keep the windows open instead of using AC and keep heating at 68 -70 degrees
6. Recycle and compost 
7. Use rainwater to water your lawn
8. Get rid of plastics and use reusable bags when shopping
9. Use Energy Star appliances
10. Install a low flow showerhead and take shorter showers
11. Do laundry less frequently and air dry whenever possible
12. Purchase eco-friendly cleaning products

In your body
1. Eat seasonally and locally (support your farmers!)
2. Eat organic when possible
3. Stop wasting food. Freeze leftovers
4. Select meat and fish from sustainable sources
5. Try growing your own food when you can
6. Stop smoking

On your body
1. Use carbon-neutral beauty and skincare products – these products don’t add carbon to the atmosphere during production
2. Find detergents that don’t have phosphate, chlorine, bleach, brighteners, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, artificial fragrances, and Dichlorobenzene

Your lifestyle
1. Use reusable bags, water bottles, and mugs
2. Limit the number of plastics you purchase and use