Planetary well-being, a wellness trend for everyone

If we go by the ancient wisdom, the divine peace mantra ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ emphasizes the happiness of all living and non-living creatures around us. Taking a cue from this wholesome philosophy is “planetary well-being”, a wellness trend that refers to the holistic approach to promoting the health and sustainability of the planet and all its ecosystems.  In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness  about environmental issues, climate change, and the need for sustainable practices. This growing consciousness has led to the rise of eco-conscious guests who prioritize sustainability and seek out hospitality chains that align with their values. As a result, planetary well-being has become a popular trend within the hospitality and wellness industry.

Benefits of environmental preservation:

By adopting sustainable practices and protecting the ecosystem, we can ensure a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations. The benefits extend beyond the immediate gain of environmental preservation and directly contribute to our health and well-being. According to naturopathy physician Dr Arun Tomson, director of AyurMa, “Planetary well-being creates a positive impact in the long term by promoting sustainable practices and protecting the overall ecosystem. It conserves natural resources, preserves biodiversity, addresses climate change, prioritizes clean air and water, improves soil health, enhances human health, and positively impacts the social and economic aspect of our life. By prioritizing planetary well-being, we can create a sustainable future.”

An impactful hospitality trend:

While the idea of locally grown, seasonal, organic, and sustainable produced food is being promoted heavily in hotels and wellness resorts, the practice also ensures economic support to local farmers and promotes plant-based dishes even in luxury meals. Many global hospitality groups now insist on promoting the conservation of precious natural resources, including land, water, air, and biodiversity. Chef Jurgen Kulli, the chef de cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, mentions some significant modifications implemented in the menus across all outlets to highlight responsible sustainability principles.

In an attempt to establish a harmonious and sustainable relationship between humanity and the environment through food practices, Chef Kulli says, “We actively seek out suppliers that offer sustainable alternatives, such as organic products, and we partner with fishermen who provide us with reef fish while adhering to responsible fishing practices. To minimize our environmental impact, we have taken proactive measures to reduce our footprint. When selecting products, we prioritize those that come with recyclable or reusable packaging, effectively minimizing our consumption of single-use plastic. Our outlets feature a dedicated section on the menu called “planetary well-being,” which showcases dishes crafted predominantly using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal options. One noteworthy change has been the expansion of our vegetarian offerings, as we strive to reduce meat consumption and instead promote locally sourced fish and vegetables. We firmly believe that even minor adjustments to our dietary choices can yield substantial positive impacts.”

Green, clean choices:

The wellness concept designed around the planet also recognizes that our actions and choices impact the earth. To maintain the balance of the ecosystem, and consume guilt-free from nature, one should keep in mind wellness practices that support both personal and planetary health. From making the right lifestyle choices to being mindful of our surroundings, recycling, and conserving nature, there are many ways to practice planetary well-being in our daily lives.

By being mindful of your actions, you can align your lifestyle with planetary wellness, as Dr Tomson recommends, “Spend time in nature, whether it’s by visiting local parks, hiking trails, or participating in conservation activities. Consider the environmental impact of your choices and seek opportunities to make sustainable decisions. Opt for eco-friendly transportation options whenever possible, and use public transportation, carpool, cycle or walk instead of relying solely on private vehicles. This helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. Practice responsible waste management by reducing your consumption, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials that can be recycled. This helps conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and minimize pollution.”