Fitness Done Sustainably
Fitness is an important part of staying healthy and maintaining your energy, but in our busy, consumer-driven lives, Big Water Bottle and single-use items are a tempting and convenient choice. This Trash Talk Tuesday, we’ll discuss some low-budget, sustainable fitness options to keep you motivated without the waste!
As mentioned, disposable water bottles are often marketed as a convenient way to stay hydrated during your workout. An easy swap is a refillable water bottle, and if you want to avoid plastic entirely, you can find spill-proof, temperature-regulating stainless steel or glass options in a variety of designs with accessories like eco-friendly straws, caps, clips, etc. to suit your needs. Similarly, instead of buying energy bars wrapped in plastic, try a make-ahead energy bar recipe for an on-the-go snack.
If you get super sweaty during your workout and need baby wipes, why not try a reusable wipe or small towel? You can keep a few of our reusable non-paper towels in your gym bag to wipe off sweat or use wet after a hard workout. If you are going somewhere and worried about sweat in your hair…don’t! Did you know that sweat is actually great for your hair, and can be simply brushed through to help maintain your hair’s natural oils? Try our shakable dry shampoo instead of a rewash to reduce any excess oil and refresh your look. It’ll save time, water, and energy, and your hair will thank you in the long run!
When it comes to fitness equipment, foam and plastic seems to be everywhere. Cork rollers are a great eco-friendly alternative to the traditional foam roller if you can handle or prefer the firmness. You can also find cork yoga mats and blocks, with the added benefit that cork is antibacterial and has good grip even with sweat. Blankets and buckwheat pillows can make for good bolsters, and canvas straps can be used for stretching too. Finally, before purchasing a machine for your home, be sure to look at the cost and how often you’ll use it. You may find it more sustainable to just pay a small fee to a basic gym to use a variety of equipment instead.
With just a few small changes, you can see big gains in your sustainability game!