Like me, you might feel overwhelmed and powerless with all the news about global warming, habitat loss and planetary suffering.

There is HOPE. After listening to many experts, I have come to the conclusion that our actions CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, no matter how small. As a diabetes specialist, I also know that rates of diabetes have increased dramatically over the past 20 years as the microbial diversity of humans (and the planet) is in sharp decline.

I am acutely aware that the health of our people is inextricably linked to the health of our planet.

As a diabetes leader and CEO, I have a tremendous opportunity and obligation to speak up and support my community in making positive changes to promote the well-being of humans and our planet.

We came up with a list of 10 Simple Steps we can take to improve planetary health. I am committing to making all 10 of these changes in my personal and professional life, starting today.

I am going to share my planet pledge journey and resources with you in our weekly blog posts.

Change isn’t easy. We aren’t going for perfect, we are starting with intention and slowly moving to action, giving ourselves lots of grace along the way. I am excited to share my successes and wrong turns with you on this journey and we would love to hear from you too!

10 Earth Actions We Pledge to Take

1. Grow plants native to you area.

In celebration of Earth Day, we are excited to highlight the importance of plants and their role in supporting wildlife. The biggest secret to success is choosing Native Plants for your outdoor pots, balcony, yard or garden this year.
By choosing plants that originated from your geographic area, you help support your regional ecosystem and offer pollinators, birds, butterflies and other healthy critters needed food, pollen and building materials for their survival.

Read more on our blog, Earth Day Secrets to Improving Planet Health

2. Compost kitchen scraps and cut down on waste

3. Eat more sustainable veggies, fruits, grains and less meat, processed foods.

4. Drive less and walk more, especially in nature

5. Think of 3 ways to use less water

6. Use cold water to wash, hang clothes to dry.

7. Turn appliances, lights and computers off when not in use.

8. Purchase used items and re-use everything you can. Swap and trade instead of buying new.

9. Try to use less plastics

10. Trade out filament light bulbs for new LED bulbs.

Stay tuned and we share details and resources on each of these 10 Steps over the next few months. And, please send us your stories too at info@diabetesed.net. We want to hear from you!

Take the Planetary Pledge for a PocketCard

We came up with a list of 10 simple steps you can take to improve planetary health. Just pick your action(s) on this survey or come up with your own, and we will send you two gifts of appreciation, for free.

To thank you for taking action, we will mail you (while supplies last) our world-famous Medication PocketCard and a Wildflower Seed Post Card, complete with 10 simple action steps printed on it, that you can read, review and then plant.

Like you, I have a deep appreciation for all the earth has given me and I want to give back to this beautiful blue planet. Each intention and action matters.

We are excited to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and everyday. We will be posting blogs and resources to expand on actions we can all take to protect this precious earth we have the privilege to live on.

Each action, no matter how small, matters. We can do this!

With wishes for improved planetary health,

Beverly, Bryanna, Jackson, and Amanda

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How to Protect the Planet Resources Page