Looking to be healthy and green in 2019? Here are a few of our favorite zero waste fitness tips!
Work Out at Home
Who needs a gym membership? Youtube has TONS of free workout channels. A few of our favorites include Fitness Blender and Yoga with Adrienne. Don’t underestimate the power of doing bodyweight exercises and cardio at home You’ll save gas driving to the gym, save money on a gym membership, and you’ll save time you would have spent commuting and finding parking. Nice!
Choose the Gym Closest to You
No space to exercise at home or maybe you just prefer going to the gym? Choose a gym closest to you. You’ll waste less fuel getting there. Maybe you’ll even go more often!
Use Your Commute to Exercise
Walk or bike wherever you can. To work, to the store, even to the gym! Bonus – you’ll get your warm up in so you’ll be ready to go once you get there.
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Think of how much plastic (not to mention money) goes to waste if you drink one disposable water bottle each time you work out. Now picture the water bottle mountain if everyone did that. Heartbreaking! Invest in a durable, eco-friendly water bottle. An insulated version will keep your drink at your desired temperature for hours.
If You Buy Workout Equipment, Buy Used
Especially if you purchase dumbbells or other heavy workout equipment. Why used? It takes a lot of energy to manufacture new products and fuel to ship these large and heavy items around the world. Buying used helps keep perfectly good items out of landfills. Folks move, develop new fitness needs or limitations, or just stop using perfectly good workout machines and weights all of the time! Check Craigslist, The Nextdoor App, Facebook Marketplace, or yard sales in your area.
If You Buy New Fitness Items, Buy Sustainable
Do you know what’s in your yoga mat? Many contain PVCs which aren’t healthy for you or the planet. Opt for one made of rubber, jute, or other plant fiber.
Rethink Your Fitness Wardrobe
Was your active wear made using harmful chemicals in a sweat shop? If you’re not sure, the answer is probably yes. Depending on what it’s made of, that top can easily take DECADES to break down in a landfill. When it’s time to buy fitness clothes look for items that are long lasting, eco-conscious, practical (can I actually work out in this?), and fair trade.
Sneak-in a Workout
–Whenever you can, especially when it saves energy. Rather than driving around looking for a parking spot, park far away and walk a little farther. Or, take the stairs rather than the elevator to save energy and get a workout in. This zero waste fitness tip is a great habit to get into.
Get Outside
What’s a better way to experience nature than to be in nature?! Go for a hike or hit the park with your yoga mat to get some variation to your typical routine. Feel inspired as you immerse yourself in the very outdoors you’re working hard to protect.
Eat Real Food
There’s really no need to buy expensive protein shakes and bars packaged in plastic when real nutrition comes from real food. Shop your local farmers market or bulk bins to get natural nutrition from nuts and produce.
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XOXO,
Eco Girl