Health Hotline Magazine | January 2025

ECOLOGICALLY THOUGHTFUL TRENDS

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2 WE’LL TAKE SIMPLE ACTIONS TO SUPPORT SOIL HEALTH AND POLLINATORS

THE HEAT IS ON TO DEFINE REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE, AND WE’RE STEPPING UP

With rising concerns about climate change, soil degradation, and nutrient loss in our food, it's encouraging to see regenerative agriculture gaining momentum. This movement aims not only to sustain, but to improve soil quality and health, ecosystem health, animal welfare, and human health, while advancing fairness for farmers and farm workers. However, the term "regenerative" remains new and unregulated, lacking a universal definition. This often leads to ambiguity when the term is applied to products and used in marketing, which can pave the way for greenwashing, especially by large companies eager to capitalize on the trend. These companies may advertise their products and techniques as “regenerative,” but they frequently continue practices that harm the environment without making meaningful improvements to the land. This not only misleads consumers, but undermines those who are genuinely committed to adopting regenerative practices and enhancing environmental, social, and human wellbeing. In light of this, consumers will enter the fight in 2025, and will help define regenerative agriculture by supporting truly regenerative practices. We will seek out products with certifications like the Regenerative Organic Certification from the Regenerative Organic Alliance, and the Land to

Just as regenerative and organic farmers will work to build soil and ecosystem health, we too will go on a mission to make our own patios, yards, and gardens thrive! We’ll dig into using organic fertilizers and organic compost, we’ll plant cover crops and pollinator-loving native plants, and

spread natural mulch to keep the soil vibrant and healthy by boosting organic matter, microbial life, and water retention. Since a whopping third of our food relies on the vital work of pollinators, we’ll also commit to creating inviting outdoor havens that support their wellbeing and encourage biodiversity. We’ll take the Natural Grocers ® Ladybug Love pledge to avoid using synthetic pesticides that harm these beneficial insects. We’ll also choose organic seeds and use natural weed control methods like hand weeding, mulching, and more pollinator-friendly, vinegar based weed sprays. We’ll also plant pollinator gardens (or container gardens if you’re short on space) and set up water sanctuaries to help them thrive. We’ll embrace less intensive lawn care approaches like No Mow May or Slow Mow Summer to provide much-needed food and shelter for our pollinator pals. Knowing that these small efforts lead to significant impacts, we’re excited to roll up our sleeves and turn our yards and gardens into a buzzing success.

Market Verified Regenerative label from the Savory Institute, which provide criteria and benchmarks for genuine regenerative practices and call for proof of outcomes. We will also educate ourselves through resources like the Rodale Institute and books like Cows Save the Planet by Judith Schwartz, enabling us to drive meaningful change and win the battle to define regenerative.

CULTIVATING BIODIVERSITY BECOMES A PRIORITY In 2025 and beyond, we'll be more mindful of PFAS in our homes, prioritizing products labeled as PFAS-free, especially cleaning and personal care items and paper goods. We’ll swap out non-stick pans for stainless steel, cast iron, glass, or ceramic options, and give our water a fresh start with reverse osmosis and activated charcoal filters. We’ll also be cautious of stain-resistant and waterproof fabrics and won’t underestimate the power of a little dusting, because who knew those dust bunnies could be hiding PFAS, too! 3 WE’LL KICK FOREVER CHEMICALS OUT OF OUR HOMES In 2025, we’ll not only give our homes a thorough spring clean, but will address PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Dubbed “forever chemicals” because they stick around in the environment for, well, forever, these man-made substances are used in a variety of household items to make them more durable, stain- and grease-resistant, waterproof, and non-stick. Due to their widespread use, PFAS can sneak into our homes via furniture, wall paint, mattresses, rugs, non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, electronics, cleaning products, tap water, and everyday products like dental floss and paper goods. This is a sobering thought, considering exposure to high amounts of these chemicals is linked with a long list of negative health effects in both humans and animals.

BONUS TREND

Considering what life would be like without biodiversity, we will take decisive action in 2025 to protect it, recognizing its remarkable resilience and potential to recover with a bit of care. Whether it’s opting for organic food, supporting conservation initiatives, or tending to our own backyards and community green spaces, no action will be too small. We’ll find that when we all work together, we can make a significant difference in fostering a thriving and diverse world.

Preserving and nurturing biodiversity will become increasingly significant this year. Referring to the variety of life on earth, from tiny microbes and diverse animal and plant species to our own genetic makeup, robust biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and soil fertility. It underpins the health of our planet and enhances human wellbeing, even benefiting our mental health, as one study found. Yet, biodiversity faces mounting threats from industrial agriculture, rapid urbanization, deforestation, pollution, and climate change, and is on the decline.

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