By Toni Gam
Are healthy oceans and healthy people mutually exclusive? Or is there a way to ensure you maintain optimal nutrition, without detriment to the environment?
Following the recent climate strike and Greta Thunberg’s awe-inspiring speech in front of the United Nations, it’s evident that the majority of us are ready for a change. While rallying for change can look like marching down busy streets and standing up for an integral common cause in a public forum, one of the easiest ways to make sustainable change can occur right now, from the comfort of your own home.
When it comes to improving the environment on a global scale, we can all take micro-steps towards creating a healthier and happier planet. Taking snack-sized steps instead of giant leaps can help make change maintainable. A maintainable change is far superior to buying all of the environmentally-friendly products, shunning anyone who uses a plastic bag, and throwing out all of your leather-laden products in a day. Going gung-ho can leave you with compassion fatigue, overwhelmed by all the changes you need to maintain. If this sounds familiar to you, it’s not the time to give up and throw in the (biodegradable, ethically sourced bamboo) towel.
Change can be as easy as swapping out the very first bite of food you consume in the morning, or carrying a reusable water bottle. Focus on one simple step you can take right now, such as the food on your plate.
How to thrive on a plant-based diet, and address climate change
A well-planned plant-based diet can provide us with all of the macronutrients, vitamins and minerals we need to optimise wellbeing, whilst minimising our environmental footprint. However, due to the ease and taste of processed, packaged goods, as well as the rise of diets that err on the side of restriction, many of us aren’t receiving the nutrients we need and are stripping the planet of its resources.
One nutrient often lacking in the modern diet is omega-3, required for the reduction of inflammatory markers and maintenance of cognitive function. While we’re often told to eat fish for its abundance of omega-3, there are legitimate concerns about heavy metal contamination and even microplastics in our seafood platters. Yikes!
Krill oil is even more highly prized (and priced) for its highly bioavailable omega-3s. However, the krill fishing industry has recently been exposed for its environmental impacts in some of the world’s most pristine places. So it seems we come to a crossroad – do we forgo omega-3 and its plethora of benefits to save the planet, or do we look after ourselves and forget about the planet?
We say both are possible!
Marine phytoplankton, the ocean’s gift!
Enter phytoplankton. Marine phytoplankton consist of microscopic organisms, including algae and bacteria, and form the foundation of the oceanic food chain. Hundreds of species consume phytoplankton, including the great blue whale, and you know… it’s pretty great.
ULTANA Phytoplankton from Phytality Nutrition is a sustainable and ethical alternative to fish and krill oils, offering nutritional benefits in an unprocessed, wholefood form. Unlike fish and krill oils, ULTANA Phytoplankton isn’t harvested from nature but rather, grown in controlled production environments - high-tech facilities where inputs can be controlled, ensuring consistency and purity in every capsule or spoonful you take. This method of production also ensures Phytality doesn’t compete with marine life for their source of food. After years of research and development in both the technology and marine biology sphere, Phytality is able to cultivate some of the world’s highest-quality and nutrient-rich phytoplankton at a large scale.
Each time you choose phytoplankton over fish or krill, you’re helping combat overfishing of our seas, and supporting ocean regeneration. A fish oil alternative that provides benefits and doesn’t harm the planet? Yes please!
Where does the Earth get its oxygen?
Marine phytoplankton actually plays a huge role in regulating the Earth’s climate. That means it’s not just not bad for the climate, it actually provides benefits! Phytoplankton inhale carbon dioxide and proceed to burp out oxygen (think of cute little phytoplanktons burping). Phytoplankton performs more than half of the photosynthesis that occurs on earth and are responsible for producing close to 90 per cent of the earth’s oxygen. This helps keep the ecosystem balanced and the planet healthy. By consuming phytoplankton, you’re helping regulate the Earth’s climate AND getting a great source of omega-3, plus a plethora of other essential vitamins and minerals.While creating a positive impact on the environment may seem out of our control, it’s all about perspective and taking the first step; and that first step starts with you. By forgoing regular fish or krill oil supplements and opting instead for a phytoplankton source, you’re helping support the ecosystem, reduce overfishing of our oceans and receiving nutrient benefits in return.
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