Where To Travel For The World’s Cleanest Air
4.2 million people die every year from exposure to outdoor air pollution, the World Health Organization reports. Even if you live in a rural area or an eco-conscious city, the air is likely to be contaminated from faraway pollutants. Whereas an unclean, polluted environment can stimulate negative energies and harm physical health, spending time in nature where there’s pure air is spiritually and physically rejuvenating. So, where’s a person looking for clean air and a spiritual experience to go? Here are three cities offering some of the world’s cleanest air.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has the world’s best air quality, according to a report by the WHO. The medieval city has plenty of green space — in fact, over half of the country’s land is covered by trees — and narrow streets which leave residents opting for public transit over driving which keeps emissions low. Tallinn’s fresh air is also the result of being situated on the coast. Estonia has plenty of groves, hills, and stones regarded as sacred. For example, the stone ruins of the Pirita Convent dating back to the early fifteenth century are just a few kilometres away from downtown Tallinn.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu means “sheltered bay” in native Hawaiian, which is a fitting name for this beautiful city. Not only does Honolulu have a rich spiritual history, but it’s also been ranked worldwide number one for sanitation, which includes: air pollution, water quality and availability, waste removal and sewage infrastructure, and levels of infectious diseases. Having clean air to breathe prevents health issues associated with airborne pollutants like mold. Here you’ll find sandy beaches, blue ocean, and numerous spiritual sites, including, Kane’aki Heiau — the best preserved heiau on Oahu which features an alter, god images, two prayer towers, a drum house, and a taboo house.
Helsinki, Finland
The capital of Finland has some of the cleanest air in Europe. This is largely due to Helsinki’s relatively small population and wide streets which cut down on traffic congestion. The government has successfully implemented clean technology to limit emissions from both vehicles and industry — so much so as much as over half of the particle pollution in the country comes from elsewhere. Visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park — Finland’s third largest National Park — to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and experience true peace and quiet.
Travel is undoubtedly a spiritual experience. And visiting a country free from air pollution results in a more meaningful, restful, and invigorating trip. So, which clean travel destination will you visit first?
About the author:
Sally Jenkins is a freelance writer who broke free from a corporate job to live a more relaxed life with the people she loves. She now spends her time seeking spiritual connection and bringing more love into the world.