Working out without harming the planet is easier than you think. Eric Eckard, a fitness enthusiast, proves that sustainability and fitness can go hand in hand. When he laces up his sneakers and heads out for a run, he's not just thinking about his own health—he’s also thinking about the environment. From carrying a reusable water bottle to using second-hand gear and opting for outdoor runs, Eckard ensures his workouts have a minimal environmental impact.
"Although it’s just a drop in the bucket, I want to do my part to protect the environment," says Eckard.
If you’re looking to make your workout routine more eco-friendly, consider these tips to reduce your carbon footprint while staying active.
1. Move Outdoors for a Greener Workout
Opting for an outdoor workout is one of the easiest ways to save energy and reduce your environmental impact. For example, a 30-minute treadmill session uses about 0.75 kWh of energy, enough to power a Christmas tree for six hours.
Instead of using electrical equipment, choose human-powered workouts like jogging, walking or cycling outdoors. As environmental consultant Elizabeth Rogers, author of Shift Your Habit: Easy Ways to Save Money, Simplify Your Life and Save the Planet (Three Rivers Press), notes, "Working out on machines that aren't plugged in is a much better option."
If going outside isn’t feasible, work out at home with eco-friendly fitness gear like resistance bands, free weights or stability balls—all of which require no electricity and are great for building strength and flexibility.
2. Choose Organic Fitness Clothing
Your workout apparel might look great, but it could be harmful to the planet. Traditional cotton production uses harmful chemicals and pesticides. In fact, it takes almost a third of a pound of chemicals to produce a single cotton T-shirt.
Instead, opt for organic cotton clothing grown without harmful pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. This choice supports a sustainable, environmentally friendly option for your workout wardrobe, including organic cotton T-shirts, shorts, socks and towels.
"It's getting easier to find organic cotton clothing," says the Organic Consumers Association. "Look for the organic label. It's against the law to call an item of clothing “organic” unless it's been certified under federal regulations."
For even more eco-friendly options, look for workout gear made from materials like bamboo, hemp or recycled rubber. Many brands now offer fitness clothing and sneakers crafted from these sustainable materials. Be sure to check for the organic label on cotton clothing to ensure it's certified under federal regulations.
3. Buy Green Fitness Gear
Instead of purchasing brand-new fitness equipment that can end up in the landfill, consider buying second-hand gear. Used sporting goods stores are great places to find weights, bikes, yoga mats and even treadmills made from recycled materials. When you're done with equipment, donate or sell it to prevent it from ending up in the trash.
Investing in reusable water bottles is another excellent eco-friendly choice. The production of plastic water bottles requires significant resources, with 1.5 million barrels of oil used annually to produce the number of bottles Americans consume. A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste and is a simple but effective way to go green.
4. Recycle Your Old Gear
Some fitness gear can be recycled, including sneakers. Old running shoes with rubber soles can be recycled into materials used for athletic fields, playgrounds and running tracks. Many running stores accept used sneakers for recycling, so check with your local store for recycling programs.
5. Go Green with Yoga Gear
For yoga lovers, the eco-friendly options are vast. Look for organic cotton yoga pants, tanks and natural rubber yoga mats. These sustainable materials are better for the environment and still provide the same quality and comfort you expect from your yoga routine.
Conclusion
There are countless ways to make your fitness routine more environmentally responsible. Whether you’re choosing outdoor workouts, organic workout clothes or second-hand fitness equipment, small changes can make a big difference for the planet. By making more sustainable choices, you’ll not only improve your health but also contribute to a greener, cleaner world.
