Kevin explores the environmental impact of fitness-related items like single-use plastic bottles, PVC yoga mats, and cheap workout gear, and offers practical tips for making your fitness routine more eco-friendly.
Kevin explores the environmental impact of fitness-related items like single-use plastic bottles, PVC yoga mats, and cheap workout gear, and offers practical tips for making your fitness routine more eco-friendly.
Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcript is available in Simplecast.
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Welcome back to Get Fit Guy, this is your host, Kevin Don. Today, we’re diving into an important topic that concerns everyone, yes… even climate change deniers. Funnily enough, last week, I was called a ‘woke leftist’ for following the overwhelming evidence for human contributions to climate change. Funny. In the past on this show,I have discussed sustainable fitness. That being: fitness training that you can do across your life, keeping you healthy and injury free. But what about the sustainability of fitness environments, as well as the protocols within those environments being sustainable themselves? That intertwines two important aspects of our lives: fitness and sustainability. Specifically, I would like to discuss the environmental impact of fitness-related items, and explore practical solutions to make our fitness routines more eco-friendly. So, grab your reusable water bottle, and let’s get started!
Imagine this: you walk into your favourite gym, ready for an intense workout. You grab a plastic water bottle from the vending machine, hydrate, and toss it in the trash when you're done. Seems harmless, right? And we all know that hydration is important. Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent action is part of a much larger problem.
Single-Use Plastic Bottles: Plastic bottles are one of the most pervasive sources of pollution. According to National Geographic, a staggering one million plastic bottles are bought every minute around the globe. These bottles take up to 450 years to decompose, often ending up in landfills or, worse, our oceans, where they harm marine life and ecosystems. Not only that, but water itself uses water! The International Bottled Water Association, under pressure from environmental groups commissioned a survey into the waste of water in the production of bottled water. The results were certainly eye opening: Due to the processes involved in plastic manufacture, it takes 1.39 litres of water to make a 1 litre bottle of water. How is this possible? Well, there is a water cost in drilling for oil which many plastics are made from. Water is also used in the process of making the labels, the packaging into boxes and the transportation. Now, it actually is significantly more costly in terms of water to make a reusable water bottle. Up to 100 litres of water are used in the process of making a reusable aluminium water bottle. However, once the initial high water wastage is complete, there is no more. I have personally been using the same Yeti water bottle since 2019 and I inherited it from my girlfriend at the time, who had been using it for a couple of years. If I don'tdont lose it, I expect to be using it for another 5 years or more. In the last 5 years, if I had been using plastic water bottles, the water cost would have been significantly higher.
Beyond bottles, consider the fitness equipment we use. If you have ever been in a CrossFit gym, you’ll know they have hard plastic flooring. It is usually horse stall mats because they are so hard wearing. These are made of rubber. Yoga mats made from PVC or vinyl, cheap plastic dumbbells, and polyester workout clothes. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that’s difficult to recycle and can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Similarly, many inexpensive fitness products like foam rollers or cheap skipping ropes are made from non-recyclable plastics that contribute to landfill overflow and pollution.
The impact of plastic pollution is vast and multifaceted. Here’s how it affects our planet:
Ocean Pollution: Plastic waste often finds its way into the ocean. It breaks down into microplastics, tiny particles that are ingested by marine animals, disrupting their health and the broader marine ecosystem. These microplastics can also enter the human food chain, posing health risks to us.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production and disposal of plastic contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report by the Center for International Environmental Law, plastic production and incineration could emit 2.8 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050, exacerbating climate change .
Resource Depletion: Plastic production relies heavily on fossil fuels. This not only depletes non-renewable resources but also contributes to environmental degradation from extraction processes like drilling and fracking .
All of this means that us stayting fit using a gym can be costly and impactful to the environment. But there are plenty of ways we can mitigate these issues and make our fitness routines more sustainable. Here are some practical tips:
1. Switch to Reusable Water Bottles: Ditch single-use plastic bottles in favour of reusable ones made from stainless steel or glass. Many brands out there offer durable and stylish options that keep your water colder than plastic and your environmental conscience clear.
2. Choose Eco-Friendly Fitness Gear: When shopping for fitness gear, look for items made from sustainable materials. This includes clothing. I personally wear a well known Canadian yoga athleisure brand a lot. It is expensive, but I can also tell you I have pants I bought there 12 years ago that are still going strong. Fast fashion seems to be the preference because people don'tdont want to spend a lot on something you are going to just be sweating in. I would encourage avoidance of fitness fast fashion. One can also opt for yoga mats made from natural rubber, cork, or jute instead of PVC. There are many eco-friendly mats that are both durable and environmentally sound.
3. Recycle and Repurpose Old Gear: Before tossing out old fitness equipment, consider if it can be recycled or repurposed. Many communities have recycling programs for electronics and metals, which can include items like broken treadmills or dumbbells. Alternatively, get creative and find new uses for old gear – small weights might make great doorstops!
4. Buy Second-Hand or Rent Equipment: Check out second-hand stores or online marketplaces for used fitness equipment. Not only does this save you money, but it also reduces demand for new products and keeps usable items out of landfills. Some gyms and companies also offer equipment rental services, allowing you to use high-quality gear without the commitment of buying.
5. Opt for Sustainable Activewear: As I touched on already, choose workout clothes made from natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled materials. Brands like Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective, and Pact, amongst others are leading the charge in producing sustainable and ethical activewear. Additionally, these materials are often more breathable and comfortable than synthetic alternatives.
6. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Apply the three R’s to your fitness routine. Reduce your consumption of disposable items, reuse what you can, and recycle anything that can’t be reused. For instance, instead of using disposable wipes, bring a small towel to the gym to wipe down equipment.
It’s not all about us gym goers though. Gyms and fitness centers also play a crucial role in promoting sustainability. Here’s how they can contribute:
Implement Recycling Programs: Gyms can set up comprehensive recycling programs to ensure that plastic bottles, old equipment, and other recyclable materials are properly disposed of. Clear signage and convenient recycling bins can encourage members to participate.
Eliminate Single-Use Plastics: Gyms can eliminate single-use plastics by providing water stations where members can fill up their reusable bottles. Offering reusable towels instead of disposable wipes and avoiding plastic cups and utensils in their cafes can also make a significant impact.
Use Sustainable Products: Gyms can opt for sustainable products, such as eco-friendly cleaning supplies, recycled paper products, and energy-efficient equipment. Implementing energy-saving measures, like LED lighting and programmable thermostats, can further reduce their environmental footprint.
Educate Members: Gyms can educate their members about the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute. Workshops, informational posters, and social media campaigns can raise awareness and encourage eco-friendly habits.
There are already some fitness organisations leading the charge. These include but are not limited to:
Barry’s Bootcamp: Barry’s Bootcamp, a popular fitness brand, has made significant strides in sustainability. They’ve introduced reusable water bottles and eliminated plastic cups from their studios. Additionally, they offer eco-friendly products for purchase, such as bamboo towels and sustainable activewear .
The Eco-Friendly Gym: In London, The Eco-Friendly Gym has taken sustainability to the next level. They’ve installed solar panels to power their facilities, use recycled materials for their equipment, and even have a system to convert the energy generated by exercise machines back into electricity . This innovative approach not only reduces their carbon footprint but also sets a new standard for the fitness industry.
Personal Trainer Transformation: A local personal trainer to me here in Scotland decided to go green. She switched to a reusable water bottle, invested in sustainable activewear, and started biking to the gym instead of driving. Inspired by her efforts, her clients began a group recycling program and some, who were small business owners started offering discounts on eco-friendly products. This one trainer’s small changes sparked a larger movement within her fitness community, demonstrating the power of individual actions.
Sustainability in fitness is not just a trend. It’s not ‘woke’ or ‘leftist' it’s a necessary evolution for the health of our planet and ourselves. By making small changes in our own fitness routines, such as switching to reusable water bottles, choosing eco-friendly gear, and supporting sustainable gyms, we can collectively make a significant impact.
Remember, every step counts. Whether you’re a gym-goer, a fitness professional, or a gym owner, you have the power to contribute to a more sustainable future. So, let’s lace up our eco-friendly sneakers and get moving towards a greener, healthier world. Together, we can ensure that our fitness journeys not only strengthen our bodies but also preserve the planet for future generations.
If you have any questions or would like to just say ‘hi’, please email me on getfitguy@quickanddirtytips.com
Get-Fit Guy is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast. Thanks to the team at Quick and Dirty Tips Morgan Christianson, Holly Hutchings, the director of podcasts Brennan Goetchuss and Davina Tomlin (Duh-VEE-nuh TOM-lin). I’m your host, Kevin Don. If you have a question for me, leave me a voicemail at 510-353-3104 or send me an email at getfitguy@quickanddirtytips.com. For more information about the show, visit quickanddirtytips.com, or check out the shownotes in your podcast app.