Parvati Magazine December 2014/January 2015: Consequence/Beginnings | Page 21

WELLNESS
exposed to the elements,
and absorb toxic chemicals along the way. One
way or another, plastics in
solid form and as broken
down particles, end up
in marine environments.
About 80% of all waste
in the oceans is plastic.
Researchers have found
that although some plastics sink most breakdown
into these tiny particles
and are consumed by fish
and other forms of marine
life from plankton to turtles
to whales. So now plastic
is in the food chain, coming back full circle and
potentially causing harm
to human health through
the consumption of seafood.
Harmful chemicals present in plastics such as
bisphenol A (BPA) and
phthalates are toxic to
wildlife and the environment and now researchers have linked high
exposure of these chemicals to cardiovascular
disease and associated
conditions such as obesity and hypertension.
These chemical are already known endocrine

disrupters playing havoc
with the endocrine system
particularly in young children and are believed to
damage the male reproductive system. Although
BPA is banned in some
products like plastic refillable drink bottles, it is still
prevalent in many plastic
products, and continues
to harm wildlife, the environment and us.
However, there are simple
solutions we can all practice that do make a difference to keep harmful
plastics out of the environment and these chemicals out of our bodies.
• Use a refillable water
bottle and carry reusable cutlery
• Say no to all plastic
bags, plastic straws
and plastic coffee
cup lids
• Use skin and personal
care products made
of natural ingredients, without harmful
chemicals or microbeads (plastic scrubs)
• Always recycle and
reuse where possible and never burn
plastics

• Encourage others to
do the same
These simple yet mindful
changes in consumption
can be a catalyst to motivate us to do even more.
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness stimulates motivation and can
be a truly effective practice when applied to consumption. For instance,
when you are shopping
next, take a moment to
be fully present to ask,
“Do I really need this?”
As we begin to understand the consequences
of our consumption and
consumerism we can
use mindfulness to make
conscious consumption
choices. We can be the
change that will have
positive
consequences
for the environment, for
society and ultimately
for our own wellness. We
conclude with the words
of the Buddha: “My actions are my only true belongings.”

Maha Nasr, MD, PhD, RHN, CPCC is a Toronto-based Holistic and tutors
Angie Bucu is a wellness researcher and freelance writer, Nutritionist
and Certified Cancerin the art of mind-body wellness therapies. She is
university students Coach with a PhD in oncological medicine. Maha
helps women struggling with cancer, looks at loss or chronic fatigue regain
currently working on a study that weight teachers’ views of teaching
optimal health. in schools forintegrated science-based holisticfor various
mindfulness She uses an the first time; she writes regularly approach
that allows them and she has a blog dedicated to sharing knowledge and
publications; to move through whatever physical, mental and
emotional blocks underlying their health issues and learn to truly nurture and
research on wellness, with a focus toward mind-body, environmental
support themselves.
and nutritional wellness.
Learn more about how she canAngie, please visit Ingredients of Wellness
For more information about help you at www.healthyuturn.com.