10 Frugally Green Workout Tips

By Linda LaRue, Intent

We all agree that we need to do a better job conserving our planet’s limited resources, but where do you begin? Here are 10 simple solutions that will help you get green into your workout routine without much effort at all. These eco-friendly changes are easy switches that will save you time and lots of money! How awesome and easy is that?

1. Curb your consumerism. Buy less active wear, expensive running shoes and/or fad, workout gizmos (that you know are NOT quick-fixes for proper exercise and diet). You’ll leave a smaller carbon footprint and leave more money in your wallet too.

2. Recycle your water/sports bottles. Buy a recyclable water bottle instead of plastic one-use water bottles. Recyclable water bottles will save you big bucks in the long run, as most designer waters are very expensive. Many individual 16-ounce designer waters that include minerals and vitamins are now over $2.00 a bottle. These outrageously overpriced waters are unnecessary, as you can obtain all your vitamins and minerals by eating a sensible diet along with taking a daily multivitamin. Did you know that according to the Container Recycling Institute only 23% of plastic bottles are recycled in the US? 38 billion plastic bottles go into landfills in the US each year. Plastic bottles take up to 1000 years to biodegrade. I recommend these two recyclable water bottle companies: Sigg and Klean Kanteen.

3. Use biodegradable body products. Buy biodegradable body wash and shampoo in bulk, which will save you money and decrease bottle use. Then, fill them into smaller, personal-use size reusable bottles. Most major discount retailers sell biodegradable body wash and shampoo in bulk and oftentimes run brand-name specials.

4. Join a neighborhood gym that’s within walking distance to where you work and/or live. You’ll be supporting the local economy and saving car gas emissions and costly parking fees.

5. If the weather is fine, walk outside it’s free. Did you know that out of all motorized pieces of fitness equipment, treadmills use the most energy?

Next: Tips 6-10

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Fred K.

4:07PM PST on Jan 22, 2012

I bicycle and walk to most places, providing both exercise and reduction of my eco-load. The bike uses occasional tyres, tubes, cables, brake pads, and lubricant but no fuel other than what I eat; it's much less than teh fuel for gas hog cars plus I can drop the attendant costs. My occasional need for longer distance transport can be worked out using the city bus system and/or Greyhound.

send a green star

Sumit j.

6:11AM PDT on Jul 10, 2011

THANKS 2 INFORM

Larysa S.

8:02AM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

Will get a water bottle today!

John S.

9:07AM PDT on May 18, 2011

Thanks, good to know.

Rupesh P.

1:28AM PDT on Sep 13, 2010

I agree. I currently help with the trash taking out at my mom's house. I have noticed that no paper plates or paper cups for just one week saves me room in the trash can and time.
Thanks
Workout Routines for Women

Past Member .

4:38PM PDT on Sep 4, 2010

Look up free stuff on craigslist or freecycle in your area. I was able to get a balance ball and hand weights free just for asking from freecycle. I also rescued a "step" from someone throwing theirs away. This is how I created my home gym.
Experience New York

john p.

6:25AM PDT on Jul 22, 2010

Great tips, thanks.

Hugo G.

11:40PM PDT on May 16, 2010

thanks for your contribution

Ellinor S.

7:19AM PDT on Apr 11, 2010

thank you