The world has changed drastically in recent years. Global warming, pollution, and climate change are no longer a distant worry for the future — they’re here now. And these environmental changes have a serious impact on our health and fitness levels.
Luckily, there are many things we can do to make your health and the planet healthier. These steps are important to ensure that we can be eco-friendly with our activities without compromising our quality of life or budget.
Avoid Eating Fastfood
Fast-food chains are known for using harmful cooking oil and fatty meat. This oil is often used multiple times to fry more than one batch of food, which can cause high levels of toxic residue in your food.
Additionally, the beef that fast food restaurants use is usually of lower quality, with low nutritional value, and loaded with antibiotics. These antibiotics are harmful to your gut bacteria, a major component of your health and fitness routine.
Instead of fast food, try out some healthier alternatives such as cooking at home or going out for a run to a local restaurant. Cooking at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients you use, making it easier to eat right and boosting your overall fitness.
Practice Plogging
Plogging is the act of picking up garbage while you’re jogging. This common practice in Scandinavian countries has recently picked up steam in the United States, and for a good reason.
By picking up other people’s litter while you run, you are not only helping the environment but also getting a fantastic workout. Additionally, pick up any trash or debris you see along your run to form a routine.
It is a great way to incorporate both fitness and the environment into one activity, giving you two reasons to get off the couch this winter. It’s also a fun way to include friends or family members who might not be as fit as you are.
Plant a Garden
Growing a garden is a great way to produce food for your everyday needs and beautify your surroundings. It is also a good way to get children involved in fitness activities without realizing it.
In addition, flowers offer us a chance to remove toxins from the air and boost our mood. They can be a great addition to your patio or backyard, adding a pop of color and providing a serene environment for you to enjoy.
Do you happen to experience dry eyes? Planting and harvesting vegetables can be an exciting activity that encourages healthy eating habits. It’s also the best way to combat vision problems along the way. Although there are no alternatives to MGD treatment for dry eye, these plants are still great for overall eye health.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
By switching out your household cleaners with eco-friendly ones, you’ll not only save money but also potentially save your health.
Many common household cleaners are chock-full of harmful chemicals that can cause serious damage to the environment. When you use eco-friendly products, you avoid this issue altogether.
Furthermore, many people are allergic or sensitive to standard cleaning agents, making eco-friendly alternatives necessary for them anyway. These natural alternatives are kind to your wallet, household surfaces, and overall health.
Invest in Sustainable Equipment
Buying eco-friendly equipment is a great way to help yourself and the environment.
When you purchase equipment that has environmentally-friendly qualities, you are encouraging others to do the same. Additionally, sustainable fitness gear often lasts longer than standard products because it is designed with high-quality materials. Buying new pieces can be expensive, whereas sustainable pieces last longer and require fewer replacements.
Participate in Marathon for a Cause
If running a full marathon seems intimidating to you, there are many half-marathons held worldwide that give back to charities.
These events not only boost your overall fitness routine but also help provide safe water and other necessities to those in need. If you don’t have the time or physical ability to run a full marathon, consider donating to charity instead.
Marathon fundraisers and other charitable causes can help you support a cause bigger than yourself while also getting you moving. Donating your time and money toward these events is a great way to give back while staying in shape.
So there you have it! Easy ways to get eco-friendly and boost your overall fitness simultaneously. Whether you choose to pick up trash while running, garden, use eco-friendly cleaners or participate in charity events, there are many opportunities for you to get involved.
By making these small changes in your life, you can make a big difference for the environment and health. Why not give one or more of these activities a try today?