Five Ways to Keep Your Body Healthy and the Environment Clean

"When Hashem created Adam, He took him around to all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said to him: See My works, how lovely and excellent they are. Everything I created, I created for you. Be mindful not to spoil or destroy My world, for if you ruin it, there will be no one to fix it after you." (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13).

As Jewish believers, we know the world was created for us, and it's our duty to care for it. How do we put this into practice? How do we teach our children to maintain a clean environment, embrace simple living, and lead a healthy lifestyle? Here are a few simple tips:

1. Choose Healthier Options

We all know today's food isn't what it used to be. Flours, vegetables, fruits — all filled with chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful substances. Transitioning your family gradually towards natural and healthier ingredients will reduce constant exposure to toxins and help you maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle. Switching to natural soaps and cleaning products will also help turn your home into an eco-friendly space.

2. Save Energy

Not all of us have solar panels on our roofs, but we can always teach kids the benefits of solar power. Meanwhile, conserve energy by switching off lights and air conditioning when leaving a room. If you're feeling extra Earth-friendly, use a fan occasionally.

3. Start a Garden

Even if it's just for fun, try growing a home vegetable garden. You can plant seeds from a tomato in a planter or pot. It might not reduce pollution from agricultural machinery, but it will help your children understand that tomatoes don't grow on supermarket shelves. That's a win.

4. Recycle Creatively

Don't rush to throw away cardboard boxes. Sit down with your kids and turn them into pencil holders, bins for children's rooms, or even fun play kitchens. Ecological recycling activities can amazingly become an hour of pleasure and joy while instilling important values.

5. Enjoy a Picnic

Try swapping your next trip to the mall for a picnic on the beach or in the park. If you're into it, use reusable utensils. Don't forget to clean up afterwards — at the end of your picnic, give your kids a big trash bag, and clean up the area around you with them. It's a practical way to teach environmental care while setting a personal example.

Have more ideas for environmental care and promoting a healthy lifestyle? Write to us in the comments.