THE POWER OF ONE
How Our Choices Shape Our Health, Climate, and Genetic Potential
TERI COCHRANE
MARCH 2025
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In our interconnected world, the relationship between our health and the health of our planet is undeniable; our body and our planet’s body are intricately linked. Our genetic blueprint, much like the Earth's mineral composition, dictates not only our biological processes but also our interactions with the environment. The Earth’s crust, composed of minerals like silica, potassium, iron, and magnesium, shares a striking similarity with our own bodies. These same minerals are fundamental to the structural integrity of our bones and cartilage, along with the functioning of our electrical systems. Similarly, both the human body and the Earth's surface are predominantly made up of water, and just as our blood vessels transport nutrients and oxygen throughout our bodies, rivers and streams sustain life on Earth by distributing water.
As we delve deeper into understanding our genetic makeup, the concept of biohacking has emerged as a way to optimize our health by manipulating our genetic predispositions. This holds the promise of enhancing our physical and mental performance, yet this potential is inherently tied to the health of our environment.
Our genetic health is influenced by the world we inhabit and vice versa.
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Health Implications of Environmental Damage
The dramatic changes in climate over recent years underscore the urgent need to address these connections. For instance, 2021 was recorded as one of the hottest years ever, according to NASA. This rise in temperatures has led to severe consequences, especially for those without adequate resources for climate control. The effects are far-reaching, including crop failures, food and water scarcity, heat-related fatalities, and significant displacement of populations. Projections suggest that up to a billion people could become climate refugees within the next 50 years. Rising temperatures exacerbate natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and forest fires and contribute to the spread of epidemic diseases like malaria and dengue fever. These environmental stressors can, in turn, impact our genetic health, influencing our susceptibility to certain conditions and affecting our ability to adapt to changing conditions.
Oceanic changes pose a great threat to our quality of life as a result of rising carbon emissions. They absorb nearly 30% of the world's carbon emissions, leading to rising temperatures and acidification. This, in turn, has caused widespread coral bleaching and threatens marine biodiversity. The health of our oceans affects not only the marine life we depend on but also the quality of the air we breathe and the food we consume. Biohacking our genetic blueprint might help mitigate some health risks, but it cannot fully compensate for the damage inflicted on the ecosystems that support life.
Our Planet
Our genetic health is influenced by the world we inhabit and vice versa.
Deforestation, another critical issue, has significant implications for both environmental health and genetic well-being. The Amazon rainforest, once deemed the planet’s lungs, now emits more CO2 than it absorbs in some areas due to rampant deforestation and burning. This loss impacts the global climate and reduces the availability of natural resources that our genes rely on for optimal function. The Amazon supports the livelihoods of one in four people globally, provides a significant portion of the world’s food, and is the source of numerous essential medicines. Its destruction undermines a vital carbon sink and a crucial resource for human health, making it increasingly difficult to biohack our genetics effectively without addressing these environmental issues.
Plastic pollution represents another major environmental challenge with far-reaching health implications. Each year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans, with projections indicating that by 2050, the weight of plastic in the ocean could surpass that of fish. Recent studies have found microplastics in three out of four deep-water fish in the northwestern Atlantic. These microplastics accumulate up the food chain, affecting larger marine animals and eventually entering our own food and water supplies. The presence of these plastics in our environment can disrupt hormonal balances and impact our genetic health, highlighting the need for both environmental and genetic considerations in our biohacking efforts.
Chemical contamination from industrial practices also poses significant risks. Over 3,000 chemicals are added to our food, including preservatives, dyes, and artificial flavorings. These chemicals, which can mimic hormones and disrupt endocrine function, are linked to various health issues. The average American contains traces of nearly 30 pesticides, reflecting the widespread use of these substances in food production. These chemicals can interfere with our genetic expression, contribute to hormonal imbalances, and increase susceptibility to certain diseases.
Industrial farming practices contribute to the degradation of topsoil, which is crucial for growing 95% of the world’s food. The widespread use of pesticides and herbicides, such as glyphosate, leads to severe soil depletion and increased environmental toxicity. Glyphosate, in particular, has been associated with a range of health problems, including DNA damage and cancer. This pollution affects not only the soil but also the food we eat and the genetic risks we face.
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The interconnectedness of environmental and health issues is evident in the impact of pollution. Air, soil, and water pollution from industrial activities, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals contribute to a toxic burden that affects human health. This pollution can lead to respiratory illnesses, hormonal imbalances, and various chronic conditions. Additionally, toxic chemicals in food packaging and personal care products further exacerbate these issues.
Our liver, the primary detoxifying organ, plays a crucial role in processing and eliminating toxins. However, an overburdened liver can lead to a range of health problems, including metabolic disorders and endocrine disruption. As toxins accumulate, the body struggles to maintain balance, leading to increased rates of chronic diseases and reduced overall health. Biohacking approaches that focus on liver health, such as optimizing nutrition and managing stress, can be beneficial, but they must be integrated with broader environmental strategies to be truly effective.
Individual Change Translates to Global Change
In order to shift this narrative and turn the tide to reduce climate change, we must ask ourselves: Am I making a choice that is contributing to waste or a choice that maximizes my resources to promote sustainability? There are many simple, easy-to-implement changes in our everyday lives that could seriously shrink our carbon footprint.
Let’s try and take a 5-minute shower that saves us up to 15 gallons of water. While we’re at it, we should replace our toxic bath products with cleaner options to lessen the burden on our bodies and the water supply. One change, two positive outcomes.
For breakfast, let’s eat something organic we bought at the farmer’s market. Those who eat organic have a 50% lower burden of glyphosate in their diet. With this action, we use our food dollars to support organic farming methods, eliminate our toxic burden with chemical-free food, and increase our overall daily nutrition. This also significantly reduces the transportation and energy cost of our meals by sourcing locally.
Teri Cochrane
Now, let’s pack our lunch using a reusable glass container instead of a plastic one made with BPA to eliminate single-use containers that we microwave, leaching toxins into our food.
When it’s time to head to work or school, let’s take public transportation. Or, if it’s feasible, walk or bike to where we need to be. We can save an average of 28 gallons of gas weekly and reduce our emissions footprint by making this change.
Now it’s dinner time. Again, let’s take a look at those locally grown foods from our farmer’s market or co-op. When I was raising my children, we had an organic garden in our yard. There were zero transportation costs there, and it taught my kids the value of healthy food.
These are just a few examples of how individual choices can significantly impact both personal health and environmental sustainability. Making these changes as a collective is a work in progress, and we will all stumble from time to time. What we have to remind ourselves is that we all possess an inalienable individual power: making choices.
By making mindful choices and supporting sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthier future for ourselves and the Earth, ensuring that our genetic potential is realized in a thriving, balanced environment.
