You’ve put in fluorescent bulbs. You recycle your plastic bottles. You even considered (or bought!) a hybrid car. But how eco-friendly is your workout? Here’s our top 10 ways to green your exercise routine.
Throw on eco-friendly threads.
Organic cotton is breathable, absorbent and available in everything from sports bras to socks. Try Patagonia’s organic cotton and recycled polyester Vitali-tee. Add Gaiam’s ActiveSoy track jacket or a pair of soft bamboo yoga pants for a full green ensemble.
Eco Yoga.
Green up your downward dog with a biodegradable yoga mat. Try Plank yoga design shop’s new EcoLITE collection (pictured above) with fun life-like photos. The “Plank” features a half-eaten blueberry muffin—a reminder to reward yourself for being good to the environment.
Make your own energy bars.
Dump wasteful packaging and worrying food additives, and save a little money. Fuel up with homemade recipes from Matisse and Jacks. Do the same with sports drinks by buying in bulk or mixing them yourself.
BYO bottle.
More than 60 million disposable bottles end up in trash heaps every day. Help cut down on that enormous pile of plastic by re-using. Klean Kanteen’s stainless steel water bottle with insulated sleeve ensures safe, cold hydration.
Reduce your carbon footprint by making a few of your own.
Instead of driving to the gym, run or walk there for a great (cheap) warm-up. If the gym’s too far, try biking or carpooling. Keep your workout clothes in the car to cut down on extra
stops and gas.
Next page: Take it to the streets.
Comments (4)
Here’s another tip for Keeping it Green. About once per month I put on some plastic gloves and take a trash bag and clean up our neighborhood streets and local park while walking with my I-pod. It’s a great workout, I meet a lot of people (shows a good example to our youth) and I feel good making our neighborhood look better. Happy Trails!
Unplug more than just using machines! When not in use, unplug all TVs, fans, air conditioners, CD/DVD players – anything that use remotes – even though they’re “off” they’re really “ON”. Forty (40%) percent of our electricity is used when we’re asleep.
Even better than unplugging is getting Bye Bye Standby plugs or power strips, which kill standby power. You find them on Google or Amazon. I have one in my living room for my entertainment center and am saving about $7/mo. from just one outlet. It paid for itself in the first 45 days.
Another way of going green is getting a hybrid car. It’s much safer for the enviroment. I know what people think when they see it; Oh its ugly,or its not that big. Well yes it is small,and no it isn’t more stylish than a cadillac.But, it is less harmful to the community and that is what people want.Go Green Kris Lean MMI all day F.A.H All my guys go