5 Ways to Paint Your Workout Green
The following is a guest post from Kat Sanders
Exercise and fitness are some of the most bandied-about buzzwords of recent times and people are obsessed with getting fit and losing weight for all sorts of reasons. And then there’s a section that’s intent on getting people to do their bit for the environment, what with the increase in global warming, the looming signs of climate change, the dwindling natural resources, and the very real danger our planet is in of being wiped out before we know it. If you’re looking to get on both bandwagons at the same time, you can straddle both by exercising in a way that’s eco-friendly. Here are five ways in which to exercise green, both in terms of fitness and in terms of playing your part to save the planet:
- Use your bike instead of your car: Some of us are regulars at the gym, and because they’re far away from where we live or work, we tend to drive rather than walk there. If you make the effort to get up before the sun comes out, you could bike down to the gym for your workout or the park for your morning jog. Besides reducing the amount of fossil fuels you burn, you’re getting some more exercise when you take your bike.
- Go natural: Instead of opting to exercise at gyms that use electricity and energy, choose the natural outdoors and engage in activities like trekking, hiking, jogging, biking and swimming where you rely only on your own stores of energy. You gain the benefit of fresh air besides being able to take pride in the fact that you’re going green.
- Carry your own replenishment: If you’re running a marathon or headed for the gym, bring your own bottle of water instead of using up the paper cups available there. They may be recycled, but it’s better to reuse rather than recycle.
- Get green gear: You could invest in clothing that’s made of organic cotton and buy workout mats and other gear that are manufactured in a way that’s environmentally friendly. Companies like Nike have come out with recyclable shoes too, so you can literally say you’re taking “green steps to fitness”.
- Walk more: Rather than take your car to work, walk or take your bike. And if it’s too far, carpool with people who live nearby and work with you or in the same neighborhood. Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator, and walk around more in your office instead of sending emails as a way of interacting with your colleagues.
