Being an environmentally conscious athlete can be difficult, but it’s by no means impossible. If you want to become a more eco-friendly athlete, here are a few simple tips you should take to heart.
Use gear from environmentally-friendly companies
One of the easiest ways to become an eco-friendly athlete is to procure sportswear and other gear from environmentally-responsible companies. You need to do your own research to find out which sporting goods companies are doing their part in protecting the environment.
For instance, Wilson Sporting Goods has Rebound basketball, which is 40% recycled rubber, and its packaging is made mostly out of recycled materials.
Drink from a reusable water bottle
Whether you’re training or competing, make sure you use as few disposable plastic water bottles as possible. Drink your water or sports drink only from more environmentally friendly bottles, such as glass water bottles. If you want to keep drinks hot or cold, you can use insulated metal water bottles.
Although drinking from plastic water bottles is convenient, the plastic waste you produce will sit in landfills for hundreds of years without decomposing. It doesn’t get any better if you just reuse plastic bottles. The water in plastic bottles absorbs the chemicals from the plastic in small pieces after a while, and this can have a negative effect on your health.
Consider training outdoors
Outdoors, in nature, parks and playgrounds, there are plenty of ways to stay fit. Why not take advantage of the opportunities to work out that are available for free outdoors?
For example, work out at the playground in the park while the kids are still in school. Use the jungle gym or a tree for pull-ups and inverted crunches. You can also just jog around the neighborhood instead of working out on a treadmill. Or use simple and inexpensive tools, like a Crossfit ring or a TRX, to make your workout outdoors. Why pay for a gym when you can get an easy, effective workout outdoors?
Do not cause damage to the environment when trail running
Trail running is a great way to get your cardio workout in. However, it’s best to stick to the trails that are already established so as not to harm the environment. Make sure you don’t crush any plants or break any branches. Try to leave the nature trail in the same condition you found it and protect nature.
Walk or bike to work if possible
Make your commute to work as environmentally friendly as possible. Walk to work, get on your bike or jog to your office instead of taking the car or bus. If your workplace is nearby and you have access to a shower room, you can exercise your cardiovascular system in many ways, save money and protect the environment.
Conclusion
With the help of these simple tips, it is certainly possible to exercise in an environmentally conscious way. You will surely be proud of yourself when you realize how your environmentally conscious attitude makes you more sporty and fit, while at the same time having a positive impact on the environment.
