One of the most overlooked issues on Earth Day is the condition of the human species and its correlation to environmental health. We have Save the Whales, Save the Dolphins, Save the Speckled Frog, Save the Trees, Save the Ozone layer, etc. etc. All great, worthy and essential causes, but let’s not forget the humans.

What most people fail to recognize is that the toxic condition of our environment that is wiping out or threatening species, destroying nature, the planet and perhaps altering the Universe itself also has a very destructive impact on the human species.

We are, after all, just another animal and we are not immune to the devastating effects of environmental toxins.

Unless you’re living a very environmentally conscious lifestyle, most people are exposed to a vast array of harmful environmental toxins on a daily basis. Even if you are, you’re still exposed to those that your neighbors and government use.

They lurk in your cleaning supplies, dishsoap, laundry soap, perfume, cosmetics, hair dye, nail polish, hairspray, air fresheners, carpet cleaner, packaging on your food, dryer exhaust, in your food, air and water, yard, public parks, highway, grocery store, church, post office, department store, clothing, cookware, plastic storage containers, educational institutions, neighbors yard and so on and so on.

The chemicals in these products alter, disrupt or damage the immune system, endocrine system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, metabolic system, detoxification system, reproductive system and are a major contributing factor to most of the chronic health conditions, both mental and physical, that we see in society today.

Unlike our smaller creatures in nature, we usually don’t die from exposure to environmental toxins unless it is a major exposure, instead we develop a variety of chronic degenerative heath conditions and mental health disorders as our organs and systems begin to malfunction and deteriorate.

It whittles away at our mental and physical health year after year, making us weak and vulnerable. Like a slow leaking gas, you don’t notice until it’s too late. We suffer for year after year, our quality of life is affected and our quality of society is affected as productivity and ability to interact appropriately on a social level dwindles.

From depression, anxiety, addiction, paranoia and hyperactivity to heart disease, arthritis, fatigue, fibromyalgia, chemical sensitivities, adrenal fatigue, bowel disorders and obesity, to hormone imbalances, PMS and mood disorders, to Parkinson’s, Autism, Liver disease, MS, Alzheimer’s and Cancer and everything in-between, environmental toxins are often a significant link.

The toxins in these common every day chemicals are even resulting in a decrease in sperm counts, feminization of males, and sexual disorders like loss of sex drive, impotence and premature ejaculation.

A great book to read on this subject is called Our Stolen Future.

So what are you to do you ask? You can make simple changes in your lifestyle and food choices that will drastically reduce the amount of toxins you are exposed to like eating organic, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, avoiding the use of pesticides, herbicides, air fresheners, cologne etc. and wearing organic. Read this list of 20 Green Living Tips to Save the Planet and Your Health for more ideas.

It is not unrealistic to think that if major change does not happen soon, at some point we may actually see the human being on the endangered species list.

Keep in mind that when you make a choice to live a greener lifestyle you not only make a positive impact on the Earth, but on the health of all those around you as well.

So this Earth Day, remember to Save the Humans.