Eco-friendly principles are the perfect complement to a healthy lifestyle. Even though summer is now passed the focus to stay fit and keep our planet fit should never be too far out of anyone’s mindset. Check out our tips below for developing a workout program with minimal environmental impact.Get outside You could drive to the gym, run on a treadmill, watch TV and breath air-conditioned air, but electrically powered exercise machines require a lot of energy to operate – not to mention the power consumed by indoor lighting, TVs, heating and cooling systems, computers, etc. By taking your workout outdoors, the only energy you consume is what you ate for breakfast. Plus, you’ll connect with the natural world and your community. If you must hit the gym, opt for public transit, bicycle or foot power to get you there.Work out at home If outdoor exercise is not an option, try working out at home using equipment that requires you to generate the power, such as dumbbells, tubing, kettle bells, jump ropes and self-powered cardio machines like spinning bikes and rowing machines. Shop for eco-friendly fitness products such as yoga mats made of natural rubber and bags made of hemp. Check out and craigslist to buy or swap used sports equipment. Download yoga classes to do at home, in your yard or at the park. The options are virtually endlessDrink responsibly Individual plastic water bottles wreak havoc on the environment – even if they are recycled. Opt for some alternatives in the marketplace such as stainless steel reusable; or to be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach, check the recycling symbol on your bottle. If it is a 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a 4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a 5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is usually 1, and is only recommended for one time use. Do not refill it.Dress green When choosing workout clothes and shoes, look for organic cotton, bamboo or other natural fibers. Consider a pair of lightweight trail shoes since they use less energy to make, produce less waste, require fewer chemicals in production and are packaged minimally to reduce landfill. And don’t forget to donate your stinky old sneaks — recycled sneakers can have new life breathed into them or even help dress someone in need.
