Sustain-a-ville

Regular exercise is one of the absolute best things you can do to take care of your body. Personally, I love getting my workouts in outdoors whenever possible but the gym works, too, and it’s a nice backup when the weather is bad. I also totally understand that group classes help with accountability if that’s something you struggle with (I definitely do!) However and wherever you get your workout in, incorporating the zero waste mindset into your routine will help keep your body healthy and your conscience clean.

1. Bring a reusable water bottle

Hopefully this goes without saying but the last thing you need while getting your sweat on is water that contains thousands of microplastic particles! Recent studies have shown that one plastic water bottle can contain hundreds of thousands of tiny microplastics. So definitely make sure to use your own reusable water bottle.

2. Opt for eco friendly cleanliness

Many gyms have single-use, disposable wipes as a way of encouraging patrons to clean their equipment before/after each use. This is, of course, the easiest and most convenient option but try to find a gym that uses spray bottles and reusable cloths. If that isn’t an option at any gyms near you, see if they will let you bring your own spray bottle/cloth. And if you workout at home, this is an easy way to reduce waste!

3. Choose natural fibers whenever possible

Workout clothes almost never come in natural materials. This is because materials like spandex, nylon, and polyester are much stretchier which makes them more comfortable when you’re getting lots of movement in. Unfortunately, they are also all made out of plastic and leech microplastics into the water when we wash our clothes. Luckily, some companies have answered the call for eco friendly workout apparel either by making them out of 100% natural fibers or using recycled fibers. If the workout clothes you choose aren’t 100% natural fibers don’t beat yourself up. Opt for the highest percent cotton you can find and make sure the rest of the fibers are recycled. Another great eco friendly clothing option is always thrifting! The most eco friendly clothes on the planet are the ones that already exist.

4. Make your own pre/post workout fuel

So many gyms these days have a little cafe attached that sells all kinds of pre-packaged meals and snacks. One popular post-workout snack is a smoothie or protein shake because it’s packed with a lot of the fuel our body needs to replenish after a hard workout. Whenever possible, try making these yourself at home instead of buying in a single-use plastic container at the gym (it’s probably cheaper that way, too!)

5. Recycle your shoes

There are a lot of options these days when it comes to sneaker recycling which I found via a quick Google search. Whether you send your used sneakers to one of these companies or drop them off at the local thrift store for someone else to get some use out of, just make sure you aren’t throwing them straight in the trash when you’ve gotten your use out of them.

6. Stay close to home

The best option if you workout at a facility is if you can walk or bike to the gym but the next best option is somewhere close to home where you can minimize car travel. Think about somewhere you can stop on your route home from work, for example. Not only does this cut down on car emissions to get there but it will help you stay motivated if you don’t have to travel too far out of your way.

7. Reduce the length of your post-workout shower

Obviously an important part of any workout routine is cleaning off afterwards. But if you can keep your post-workout shower to just a few minutes, you can help save precious water. Also make sure you are working out a time when it is convenient for you to shower afterwards so you aren’t faced with the predicament of taking multiple showers in one day.

8. Always buy used equipment

If you prefer to get your workout in at home or have enough space at your house for a home gym, always search for used equipment before buying new. Not only will this save you money but it will also help the planet by reducing the amount of perfectly good workout gear that gets sent to a landfill. This goes the same for machinery like treadmills and stationary bikes as it does dumbbells and resistance bands.

Even if you can just incorporate a few of these practices into your regular routine, your body and the planet will both thank you!