One way that you can be a positive role model to your kids is in fitness. Staying fit is critical to our health and well-being – including our mental health and happiness. We can help shape our children’s views on exercise by modeling healthy behavior and making fitness a fun part of our family’s daily routine. Another aspect of fitness that we may not think about but must is getting fit with less plastic. There is no time like the present to eliminate as much plastic as possible and create a greener family fitness routine.
When you stop to think about it, plastic is everywhere in the exercise world: clothing, shoes, water bottles, yoga mats and other equipment. As it happens, improving sports performance typically correlates with plastic technology. Snowboards, for example, are made out of wood but coated with plastic resin to glide on the snow more effectively. Workout clothes are typically made with plastic materials because of their wicking properties that keep sweat away from skin and help athletes stay more comfortable and perform better.
But now fitness companies are beginning to think more sustainably and develop products either made from recycled plastic or that use alternative, nonplastic materials. Here are some easy ways that you can nix plastic from your family’s fitness routine, and where to find eco-friendly family fitness gear in the DMV.
Opt For Glass or Stainless Steel Water Bottles
The simplest step you can take to reduce plastic at the gym and for your kids’ sporting events is to invest in a reusable water bottle made from glass or stainless steel. Not only will you reduce plastic use, but you will also be choosing a healthier option that does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA. Be mindful not to choose a reusable water bottle made out of plastic. It may be a better option than throwaway plastic bottles, but it still doesn’t help with the overall plastic issue that we are trying to address.
Shop:
Stanley water bottles made of recycled stainless steel at REI, multiple DMV locations.
Purchase Eco-Friendly Workout Clothes
Eco clothing is finally taking off, and now there are plenty of options to go green in the gym as well. Workout clothes made mostly from plastic materials have traditionally been associated with better performance, but now some companies are tapping into other types of materials and improving their characteristics when it comes to fitness, so they are breathable and do not absorb perspiration.
Look for clothes made from Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, hemp, linen and Lyocell or Tencel made from bamboo that does not contain any harmful chemicals. Some brands are also using recycled plastic to make the yarns that create their products. If you or your children are swimmers, you can also now find plenty of plastic-free swimwear options online. Conventional swimwear is made of new nylon, polyester and spandex – all plastic. Several companies around the world are now designing eco swimwear using recycled fiber from trashed fishnets and plastic bottles.
Shop:
Organic athleticwear, such as Maggie’s Organic sweatpants and Kooshoo headbands, at Mom’s Organic Market, multiple DMV locations.
Look For Innovative Shoe Brands
Sneakers are tough since there are endless brands and the majority on the market are made from a combination of plastic materials including ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, nylon and other synthetic materials containing some form of plastic. Even the eyelets that the laces fit through are usually made of plastic. However, there are a few innovators out there now manufacturing sneakers from recycled plastic materials like plastic bottles and fish nets. If you do some research, you can definitely find a comfortable, durable pair of shoes for your workout that is also more eco-friendly.
Shop:
Allbirds eco-friendly sneakers, perfect for running, hiking and working out, available at the Allbirds store in Georgetown.
Discover Green Fitness Equipment
This one is a bit challenging, but there are some ways to swap your fitness equipment from plastic to greener materials. Yoga mats are the perfect example. Most mats are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a toxic type of plastic that is a known carcinogen. That doesn’t sound very relaxing! Fortunately, you can now find mats made from a variety of natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, natural rubbe, and jute that are free from harmful toxic chemicals, heavy metals and smelly rubbers. Also, a quick online search will result in other exercise equipment, such as jump ropes and floor mats, that are made from recycled materials.
Shop:
Lululemon Align™ Yoga Mat 5mm is made with FSC™ Certified Rubber in which the Forest Stewardship Council International verifies that strict forestry standards are met at each point along the supply chain. Lululemon, multiple DMV locations.
Choose Used
Another easy way to reduce plastic – and all types of waste – is to borrow fitness equipment from a friend or to buy used. So many people purchase dumbbells, yoga accessories, jump ropes, sporting equipment and even large items like treadmills and indoor bikes with good intentions, only to hardly use them. Instead of purchasing brand new equipment, break the plastic production cycle and look for fitness equipment at garage sales, thrift stores and online sites like eBay. You’ll also be saving a ton of cash!
Shop:
Look for used treadmills, indoor cycles, dumbbells and more at Total Fitness Outlet in Purcellville, Va.; they deliver to the entire DC area.
Keeping your family moving is a key part of staying happy and healthy. Now you can also help the planet by cutting back on your plastic use during your fitness routine.
Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning author and journalist, and mother of two. She has 25 years of experience writing about parenting, wellness and environmental issues. Her books Finding Ecohappiness and Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness inspire families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. Learn more at ecohappinessproject.com.
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Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning author, freelance journalist and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness and environmental issues. As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project, her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. She is the author of the book Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer, and the children’s book, Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness.
