July 29th, 2010

‘Let’s Move!’ and the Sustainability Movement

The latest update around Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move!’ Program got us thinking again about the link between our health and the topic of sustainability.

According to the ‘Let’s Move!’ website, American children are now eating 31% more calories than children of 40 years ago; this includes 56% more fats & oils, 14% more sugars & sweeteners.  The average American eats 15 more pounds of sugar in a year than in 1970!  These horrifying statistics are just the beginning. We at SDialogue feel that there is a direct connection between personal wellness and that of the planets’.  Programs such as ‘Let’s Move!’ promote personal wellness through healthy food at home and in schools, physical activity, and emotional support from parents and communities.

Personal wellness connects to the public at an individual level; as people want to lead healthier lives. When people make that change and feel good about themselves they tend to promote active and healthy lifestyles to those in their community.

It is at the community level where the real change for the planet’s wellbeing can begin. Communities becoming healthier will lead to improved health for the planet. It is all a connecting cycle of health and interdependence, and the ‘Let’s Move!’ program has the right principles in their DNA but what we need is more of this behavior.

As your company or brand looks to integrate principles of sustainability, start considering how you can bring it down to an individual level allowing people to lead a healthier lifestyle first.  If you want to save the planet, start with saving the individual first.