The start of a new year brings motivation to do bigger and better things than the previous year. If getting in shape is one of your resolutions, why not take care of the planet while you do it? Going green while starting a healthier lifestyle is a win-win in our book. Here are ways you can switch up your gym gear and equipment for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
1. Dress for Sustainability
Buying eco-friendly workout outfits doesn’t have to be complicated. With a quick search, you’ll find companies are happy to produce green products. For example, Nike uses recycled water bottles to create their products, which reduces waste and energy usage.
2. Eco-Friendly Supplementation
Supplement manufacturers provide a little bit of everything when it comes to your health, from vitamins, minerals, palmitoylethanolamide (pea) supplement, and protein shakes, the possibilities are truly endless. So why not go for brands that like to keep things green? Opt for ingredients that are sourced from sustainable farms and fisheries. Supplements can also come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging like glass bottles and alternative shipping materials.
3. Avoid Fans or Air Conditioning
Instead of using fans and traditional air conditioning, use natural airflow when possible. By opening your doors and windows, you can take advantage of a cool, breezy day, and if you’re at a local gym, it can be more inviting for potential workout buddies. Not only will it help you save on your light bill, but it can help you break a sweat while enjoying some fresh air.
If you run your own gym or work out at home, look into getting an eco-friendly air conditioner unit or Smart Thermostat as an alternative. It helps you regulate the temperature as efficiently as possible. A Smart Thermostat uses your phone’s location to detect when you’re not there, and it can set itself to Eco Temperature mode. It also gives you an energy report so you can see when you’re using the most energy and how to save.
4. Convert Solar or Human Energy to Electricity
One of the most significant contributors to everyone’s carbon footprint is energy usage. At home or at the gym, you use a lot of energy, and you don’t even realize it. You use a fridge to keep your drinks and snacks cool. Then, you have lighting and a place to charge your phone. Add in the TV, music, and a treadmill, and you have used plenty of energy from one day alone.
Imagine how much energy you use every year! What if there was a way to power your home gym through sweat?
Fortunately, you can generate enough energy from an intense cardio workout that can be used to power a small portion of electricity in return. There are many options for home renewable energy, but what about powering your home every time you work out? The world’s first energy-producing treadmill makes it possible.
If energy generating equipment isn’t accessible for you at the moment, you can also search for sustainable gyms in your area. Eco-gyms are the latest trends in living greens and are slowly opening up new locations around the world. Eco-friendly gyms use indoor cycles, recumbent bikes, and ellipticals to produce human-generated electricity.
5. Choose Natural and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Cleanliness is essential for the hygiene and maintenance of your home gym, clothes, and other equipment. From dumbbells to your yoga mat, it’s not enough that everything must be cleaned after each use, but you also need to use products that are natural and eco-friendly!
Most of the time, natural, eco-friendly, simple cleaning products can handle most of your household cleaning needs and save you money. You can purchase green cleaning products from trustworthy companies, or you can also opt to make your own at home with ingredients straight from your pantry.
6. Recycle and Go Zero Waste
Recycling is one of the most common ways to go green. It’s as simple as setting up bins to gather cans, glass bottles, plastics, and paper, to be sent to the recycling plant.
You can reduce the waste you produce from wearing out gear and shoes. Instead of throwing old things away, you can send it to recycling programs. If it’s still in good condition, it can also go to charity. For instance, Nike has a recycling program that turns old shoes into playground materials. You can also consider buying used gear too.
Going zero waste is another effective way to save the planet from unnecessary pollution. We’re already doing it by going paperless and using reusable bottles. For an extra step, the next time you’re shopping for exercise wear and gear, select ones that are made of biodegradable materials, or ones that are secondhand.
For instance, yoga mats usually contain PVC, which is harmful to the environment. Instead, swap it out for ones made of rubber, jute, or other types of plant fiber.
Conclusion
Sustainability is not only the right thing to do, but it could potentially save you money and bring in a new wave of eco-conscious gym-goers. From low-cost changes like installing energy-efficient lighting to human-powered gym equipment, you can start contributing to a healthier planet today.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
