This Earth Month, go green with your exercise routine by creating an eco-friendly workout plan. By incorporating the following “green” tips, you can protect the environment and burn tons of calories in the process!
1. Take it outside
Temperatures are warming so why waste energy inside running on a treadmill or stationary bike by means of electricity? The fresh air is waiting for you to enjoy an outdoor workout.
Jog, bike, hike, jump rope or grab your yoga mat with some light free weights and resistance bands for an overall body workout. Another awesome way to celebrate Earth Month is to sign up for an eco-friendly cause, which may include a 5K or 10K race in your city.
2. Go green in the gym
Make your workouts in the gym eco-friendly with a few small tweaks and you’ll feel better both physically and mentally. Bring a small towel with you to eliminate paper towel use when wiping down machines.
Invest in a BPA-free reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the fountain. A water bottle you can use over and over not only saves the environment, but it benefits your wallet too.
Another helpful piece of advice… the higher you set your incline on a treadmill, the less energy it will use.
3. Green workout gear
When it comes to buying equipment such as bikes, weights, tennis rackets and sporting goods, look to purchase them from secondhand stores, yard sales, flea markets, or from friends who no longer use them.
While you’re at it, take it a step further by gathering any workout accessories you don't use and donate them to thrift stores or local sports leagues.
Keep an eye out for eco-friendly yoga mats and gym totes, which may be made from recycled polyester and TPE (a 100 percent biodegradable and recyclable material).
4. Refresh post workout
After your next workout, remove sweat and refresh with facial wipes that are biodegradable, vegan and GMO- and cruelty-free such as Derma E Hydrating Facial Wipes. You can also use these wipes to remove makeup before you exercise.
5. Homemade nutrition bars
Instead of buying pre-packaged bars from the store, ditch the wasteful, non-recyclable wrappers (along with suspicious ingredients) by making your own.
There are tons of healthy protein bar recipes that call for simple, clean ingredients such as plant-based protein powder, almond flour, nut butters, seeds and dried fruits. Go the extra mile by making these no-bake peanut butter protein bars (extra points for not using an oven!).
You can make these in bulk and they are perfect as a post-workout snack.
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