Did you know that the average life of a running shoe is about six months but, if it goes to landfill, it will take thousands more months to decompose?* Or that around 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the oceans every year?** Or that between 33 and 50% of all food produced globally is never eaten?***
We’re sure you’re already trying to reduce your impact on the environment in other parts of your life but you might not have considered how to make changes when it comes to the way you exercise and look after your body. The KBPT team has put together these tips to help you make your health and fitness more green.
1. Invest in sustainable kit
Lots of activewear brands now have eco-friendly ranges, from bamboo leggings by BAM to sports bras made from recycled plastic bottles by Girlfriend Collective. You can also find gym equipment that is made from recycled materials and free from harsh chemicals (like the cork yoga mats from Cork Yogis) and, if you want to buy a treadmill or exercise bike, why not shop second hand on eBay, Facebook or Gumtree? And don’t forget to check out ReRun, a community project that aims to extend the life of running clothes.
2. Cut out single-use plastic
We’ve all seen the photos of huge swathes of bottles and other plastic goods floating in our rivers and oceans. Organisations such as The Ocean Cleanup and Surfers Against Sewage are doing an amazing job but you can help to stop plastics getting there in the first place. So, whilst it’s vital to rehydrate while you exercise, make sure you swap single-use plastic bottles for a refillable water bottle. There are lots of great choices out there, including Chilly’s, Hydro Flask and WAKEcup.
3. Find a greener way to exercise
Running and walking already have a low carbon footprint compared to other activities but there are ways you can make your daily run/walk even kinder to the environment. Could you travel to work on foot, rather than driving or using public transport? Or try ‘plogging’, which involves picking up litter whilst jogging? If you go to the gym regularly, have a chat with the manager about their business practices – for example, do they encourage recycling around the building and do they use renewable energy (e.g. solar panels)?
4. Make conscious food choices
One of the ways you can have the most meaningful impact on the environment is by eating less meat. According the the recent IPCC report on climate change, this can help to curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce deforestation. Maybe you could start by having plant-based meals one or two days a week? Check out the delicious veggie meal and smoothie recipes on @kbpt on Instagram. And finally, plan your meals in advance to help reduce food waste – only buy what you need and batch cook so you’ve always got a nutritious home-made meal on standby.
The KBPT team offers personal training in your home, your local park and online. Contact Kate at kate@kbpersonaltraining.co.uk for an informal chat.
Useful websites
https://bambooclothing.co.uk
https://www.chillys.com
https://www.corkyogis.com
https://girlfriend.com
https://globalwakecup.com
https://www.hydroflask.com/uk-en/
https://www.ipcc.ch
https://theoceancleanup.com
Research sources
* https://rerunclothing.org
** https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plastics-facts-infographics-ocean-pollution
*** https://olioex.com/food-waste/the-problem-of-food-waste/
