NEWS An environmental action is often simultaneously a health action—and a workplace wellbeing initiative. This is the conclusion of Jaana Halonen and Jenni Ervasti in their recent article in Finnish Medical Journal [Lääkärilehti]. Many environmental actions have also health benefits, so effective promotion of these actions can be beneficial for a wide range of stakeholders.
Examples of such measures include low-emission transportation, increasing plant-based food consumption, and changing the energy sources of homes. These actions not only protect the environment but also improve public health and workplace well-being. Most of Finns’ carbon emissions come specifically from transportation (37%), food (23%), and housing (18%).
“Choices that benefit both the environment and health must be easy, affordable, and fit seamlessly into everyday life. This requires cooperation between environmental sector, healthcare, and workplaces. Beyond individual choices, we also need to develop societal structures and legislation,” says Jaana Halonen.
But how can this change be achieved?
Cycling instead of Driving
Transportation emissions primarily come from passive travel using motor vehicles. A shift towards active modes of travelling, such as walking and cycling, would reduce emissions and improve people’s health.
“In 2021, half of all trips under three kilometres in Finland were made by car. At the same time, according to the latest Terve Suomi (Healthy Finland) -study, more than half of Finns do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity,” Halonen explains.
Commuting could play a key role in increasing physical activity. Currently, 83% of work-related trips are made by car.
Increased commuting by bike or on foot has been associated with improved self-reported health and work ability. Active commute has also been linked to better blood lipid levels, smaller waist circumference, and lower markers of low-grade inflammation. Moreover, it has been connected to better job performance.
Workplaces can encourage daily physical activity by providing secure bike parking and locker rooms. Employers could also support the use of public transportation or offer benefits for biking.
Vegetables instead of Red Meat
From a nutritional perspective, the largest climate emissions come from the production of animal-based food. Consumption of red and processed meat has been linked to health conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
It has been estimated that if half of the meat and dairy consumption in Europe were replaced with plant-based products, greenhouse gas emissions would decrease by 25–40%, agricultural land use per capita would drop by 23%, and the intake of saturated fats would decrease by 40%.
“Dietary changes could be aided through standardized nutrition labels on food products and by influencing public food procurement. In workplaces with shared cafeterias, meat options could be offered less frequently,” says Jenni Ervasti.
20 degrees instead of 24
Due to the cold climate, Finland’s housing-related emissions are high. The transition to using renewable energy as source of electricity is underway, but it is not yet complete. Many Finns also use wood for heating, which accounts for about 40% of Finland’s fine particulate emissions that are harmful for health.
Measures to reduce housing emissions include energy renovations, improving electric heating efficiency with heat pumps, and switching to geothermal heating. Additionally, lowering indoor temperatures to 20–22 degrees Celsius can reduce both heating needs and emissions.