On the road to a greener recovery: Four steps to keep ourselves and the planet healthy

THERE is no denying that a healthy world equals a healthy population.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that having healthier environments could prevent disease by up to a quarter. On a global scale, 71 percent of citizens agree wholeheartedly that climate change is as serious as COVID-19.

September 26 means today is World Environmental Health Day and everyone is encouraged to collaborate and work toward a healthier and greener recovery from this debilitating pandemic. As more people continue to stay home, it is believed that now is the best time to adapt these practices and help create a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

With the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its high transmissibility, it instantaneously increased the demand for personal protective equipment such as surgical masks and face shields. However, its improper disposal created another concern: increased waste and pollution. While protecting people’s health should be done at all times, there is also the need to reduce the waste that goes to landfills.

Cutting back on waste may seem hard for beginners, but it’s not impossible. There are plenty of groups on social media that can help anyone get started. Organizations like Green Antz, Green Haven, and The Plaf have the ability to turn waste into construction materials. They also offer pick-ups or have designated drop-off points to make recycling from home easier and safer.

Make your own compost

Composting goes hand-in-hand with managing non-biodegradable trash. As home cooking and healthy eating make a comeback, households produce more food waste which is already part of the world’s most abundant kind of waste.

Again, this may seem daunting for the inexperienced. Luckily, groups like Bokashi Pinoy came up with ways to help simplify composting for those who have no idea what composting is all about, even for urban residents who don’t have their own gardens.

Switch to cycling

Cycling reduces traffic and carbon emissions, provides good exercise, and saves money on fuel and maintenance in the long run. A number of people have turned to cycling since public transportation became hard-hit by several lockdowns and strict health protocols.

In response, more cities have transformed to become more bike-friendly for their residents—including the National Capital Region’s main thoroughfare–EDSA!

People can check out activities like Allianz Ride Safe, which aims to promote a healthy and sustainable cycling culture among Filipinos!

Allianz PNB Life Champions Green Initiatives

Allianz PNB Life ensures that sustainability remains a key priority and focus in its business practices. With the Allianz purpose of “We Secure Your Future” in mind, the world’s top insurance brand knows that working toward a healthier environment is one way toward a brighter and more confident tomorrow.

As one of the world’s most sustainable insurers, Allianz adapts several eco-friendly business practices and invests in other businesses that do the same.

The pandemic has pushed more and more Filipinos to get insurance. Allianz always strives to meet that demand and balance it with working for a more sustainable future,” said Allianz CEO Alexander Grenz. “Making everyday changes, no matter how small, will help us all recover better and move faster towards that future.”

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