Environmental health focuses on health issues related to the ways in which people interact with their surrounding environment. This includes studying the relationship between environmental factors and human health; specifically, how environmental factors can be detrimental to human health. This branch of health also includes the study of how to identify, prevent, and control environmental health hazards.
It is important for us to be aware of environmental health so that we can identify and become aware of health issues associated with naturally occurring environmental health hazards as well as human-caused hazards. It is especially important for us to be aware of environmental health so that we can alter our behaviors and identify factors that cause and prevent injury and disease so that in the long term we are able to increase our longevity and quality of life.
Ways that I can enhance local environment:
1. Limit my use of air conditioning, especially in the summer. If there is a breeze, I will open the windows to remain at a comfortable temperature. Even turning my air conditioning thermostat up a few degrees can have a significant effect on energy usage.
2. Make sure the dishwasher is as full as possible before turning it on. This also goes for the washing machine. By making sure the loads in both appliances are full, I will use the appliances less and will be saving electricity, detergent, and water.
3. I will also bring a reusable shopping bag with me when I go to the market and a reusable coffee mug instead of the plastic or Styrofoam cups. This will help cut down on waste that ends up in landfills and in the oceans.