Many people are becoming more conscious of how their choices have a direct impact on the environment, their health, and the world as a whole. More and more people are taking strides toward becoming more sustainable in an effort to reduce their environmental footprint and make sure the world is healthy for generations to come. The average person usually knows about recycling or driving an electric car, but may be at a complete loss when it comes to other sustainability practices. Don’t worry because we have you covered with six things you can do if you’re serious about sustainability. 

Recycle 

Recycling is one of the easiest things you can do if you’re serious about sustainability. This has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the number of products or packing in landfills. Sometimes we forget what can and cannot be recycled so do your research or check out the Earth911 Recycling Directory to help you see what’s acceptable in your local community. If your neighborhood doesn’t pick up recycling, you can always find a drop-off location or request curbside service. Don’t forget that you can recycle items such as electronics, cellphones, and batteries at certain locations as well. Beyondsurplus is a company that commonly recycles electronics and offers its services throughout the United States.

Save Water

Reducing your water usage is probably one of the best things you can do if you’re serious about sustainability. You can install a low-flow showerhead, fix leaky faucets, shower for shorter durations, and only run the dishwasher on full loads. You can also reuse water after cooking to water your plants. Consider purchasing a reusable water bottle instead of buying a ton of individual water bottles. Plastic water bottles are incredibly harmful to the environment and local wildlife. 

Avoid Food Waste

Avoiding food waste is a good habit you can learn if you’re serious about sustainability.  According to the EPA, 94% of the food we throw out ends up in a landfill, which contributes to global warming and climate change. This also amplifies the amount of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more potent than carbon monoxide. You can help this problem by saving leftovers, reducing portion sizes, planning meals in advance, and learning how to store food. You can take aging fruits and vegetables, and bake them into a pastry such as a cake, muffin, or pie. Taking small steps will help the planet stay healthy and green for decades to come. 

Alternative Modes of Transportation 

Consider switching to alternative modes of transportation if you’re serious about sustainability. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and greenhouse gasses by driving your car a lot less. If you have to get something not too far from your local neighborhood, think about riding a bike, using an electric scooter, or walking. Most cities offer a wide variety of mass transit options such as the bus or the train. If public transit isn’t your cup of tea, consider carpooling or vanpooling with friends. This shift can help save money on gas and help improve the air quality for everyone in your local area. 

Vegan Makeup 

Making the switch from traditional makeup to vegan makeup is worthwhile if you’re serious about sustainability. Traditional makeup is composed of synthetic and harmful ingredients that are toxic for the environment as well as your skin. Tons of makeup go to waste everyday and the plastic packaging tends to have a negative impact on local wildlife and the environment. Several vegan makeup brands are making an effort to make packaging that is biodegradable and sustainable. Ingredients in vegan makeup are derived from plants and minerals, so they’re good for the environment. 

Make Your Home Green 

Going the extra mile and making your home greener is a good move if you’re serious about sustainability. Think about replacing your windows with energy-saving windows or investing in solar panels. You can use energy-saving light bulbs and/or a programmable thermostat to foster more efficient cooling and heating in your home. Look into buying energy-efficient appliances and consider switching over to a green power utility service. All of these efforts can make a big impact on your local community, reduce environmental pollution, reduce energy costs, and possibly inspire others to do the same. 

Conclusion

The practice of living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle is becoming more and more common these days. People care about their effect on the environment and are searching for ways to make a difference. Some of the ways you can become more sustainable are by recycling, reducing water usage, and avoiding food waste. Consider taking an alternative mode of transportation, using vegan makeup on a regular basis, and making your home green. Implementing these six sustainable steps can have a serious impact on your local community, your home, your environment, and potentially the world.  

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, folic acid is one nutrient you want to make sure you’re getting enough of. But what is the difference between folate and folic acid? And which form is better for you? Join us as we answer those questions and more. We’ll also discuss how much folate vs. folic acid you need during pregnancy, and share some other vitamins and nutrients important to mom and baby as well.

What Is Folate?

Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B-vitamin family. It is found naturally in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Folate is important for many bodily functions, including cell growth and DNA synthesis. It also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs).

What Is Folic Acid?

Folate is also added to some foods and supplements in the form of folic acid. Therefore, folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. It is not found naturally in food but is added to fortified foods and supplements. The body converts folic acid into folate before it can be used.

How Much Folate vs. Folic Acid Do You Need During Pregnancy?

The recommended daily amount (RDA) of folate for pregnant women is 600 micrograms (mcg). This RDA applies to both natural and synthetic forms of folate. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take a daily supplement that contains 400 mcg of folic acid. This is in addition to eating a diet that includes folate-rich foods.

Why Is Folic Acid Important During Pregnancy?

Folic acid is important during pregnancy because it helps prevent certain birth defects, including NTDs. These defects occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Folic acid helps prevent NTDs by reducing the risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 70%.

The benefits of folic acid in utero go beyond neural tube defect prevention. Folic acid has also been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes, including reducing the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Additionally, folic acid supplementation has been linked to a reduced risk of preeclampsia and placental abruption.

How Can You Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Folic Acid?

The best way to make sure you’re getting enough folate is to eat a diet that includes folate-rich foods and take a daily supplement that contains folic acid. Some foods, such as breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta, are fortified with folic acid. You can also find supplements that contain both folate and folic acid.

What is 5MTHF Folate?

5MTHR Folate is the natural form of folate found in food and supplements. It is also known as methyltetrahydrofolate or methyl-folate. This natural folate can be more easily absorbed by the body than a generalized folic acid supplement. Therefore, it is another choice for pregnant women and is available in both food and supplement forms.

What Foods Are Good Sources of Folate?

Folate is found naturally in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods. Here are some good examples of folate sources you can consume naturally:

• Spinach: One cup of cooked spinach provides 262 mcg of folate or 87% of the RDA.
• Black-eyed peas: One cup of cooked black-eyed peas provides 358 mcg of folate or 119% of the RDA.
• Fortified breakfast cereal: One cup of fortified breakfast cereal provides 100-400 mcg of folic acid or 25-100% of the RDA.
• Nuts and seeds: One ounce of nuts provides 50-100 mcg of folate or 17-33% of the RDA.

Wrapping Up: Other Important Vitamins During Pregnancy

Folic acid is just one of the many important vitamins and nutrients you need during pregnancy. Protein is also an essential nutrient during pregnancy that helps the body build and maintain muscle tissue. It is also necessary for the production of enzymes and hormones. Here are some others:

1. Vitamin A is a nutrient that is important for vision, the immune system, and cell growth. It also helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.
2. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy. It also helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.
3. Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy skin, bones, and connective tissue.
4. Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also helps maintain healthy bones and teeth.
5. Vitamin E is a nutrient that helps keep the immune system strong. It also acts as an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from damage.

You can get most of the vitamins you need during pregnancy from food. However, you may need to take a supplement if you have certain medical conditions or don’t eat enough nutrient-rich foods. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which vitamins you need and how much to take.