Being eco-friendly means different things to different people. Some people may consider you need to be powered by renewable energy, like solar, wind or hydropower, to be truly green or eco-friendly. Others believe minimizing waste, and focusing on reusable materials and products, is essential for eco-friendly living. If you’re the type of person who wants to eliminate chemicals and toxins from their environment, then growing your own food, composting, conserving water and making your own non-toxic cleaners and air fresheners will likely top your list of eco-friendly things to do. Those people who experience traffic and poor air quality on their way to work may be more focused on lowering emissions by opting for electric vehicles, public transportation or other sustainable ways to get around town.

With so many eco-friendly activities one can engage in, living a truly green and eco-friendly life can be a little daunting at times. This is especially true for those who may be new to the idea.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be perfect at eco-friendly living. It’s something you’ll be able to incorporate into your daily life more and more all the time.

There is, however, an action you can take right now to get things jumpstarted. The most eco-friendly thing you can do today is to get outdoors.

Why Getting Outdoors IS key

When I say get outdoors, I don’t mean just walk outside. What I mean is to get out into nature. Walk barefoot in the grass. Do a little forest bathing. Lay in the sand at the beach. Go for a swim in the ocean or at a local lake. Each of these actions can help ground you to the earth.

You can also go for a walk or hike along a nature trail. Ride your bike in the mountains or nearby hills. Maybe you want to sit outside under the nighttime stars.

If you want to take pictures of the flowers, trees and animals you encounter, feel free to do so as this can help you see the life and beauty all around you. Be sure to unplug, though. You don’t need to be tethered to your phone or social media account while you’re enjoying time in the great outdoors.

The whole objective of getting outdoors is to connect, or reconnect, you with nature. Once you’re connected with nature, you’ll likely become more interested in protecting the earth. Then, taking actions to preserve the environment around you will come naturally. This is why getting outdoors is one of the most eco-friendly things you can do today and every day. It’ll keep you connected with nature and focused on doing what you can to protect the earth.

Health Benefits of being outside

Being outside can have numerous health benefits, as well. Safely exposing yourself to sunlight on a daily basis can help your body get the Vitamin D it needs. Vitamin D is essential for your overall health. In fact, Vitamin D helps strengthen your bones and muscles, support your immune system, reduce the risk of high blood pressure and more.

Getting outdoors and spending time in nature has also been known to reduce stress, improve people’s moods and overall mental health, as well as increase energy levels. Those who regularly go outside tend to sleep better, too.

Some people have seen improved cognitive abilities, better focus and an increased level of creativity. Try it yourself sometime. If you just can’t seem to focus, or you’re having a creative block, take a break and get outdoors. Take your attention off your work and put it onto the world around you. Allow yourself to clear your head and focus your energy.

Being out in nature will also expose you to better air quality and fewer toxins. Both of these are essential to your overall health.

take the first step

Since you now know the most eco-friendly thing you can do today, you just need to do it. Get off your computer. Put your work down. Go outside. Soak up some sunlight…safely, of course. Look at the trees, flowers, leaves, animals and nature all around you. Ground yourself to the earth, clear your mind and refocus your attention.

Once you’ve taken this first step, Biofriendly Planet Magazine has a number of eco-friendly actions you can incorporate into your routine on a daily and weekly basis.