I made a happy observation at my weekly community yoga session this morning.  Not one person in the group of 20 or so in attendance brought a disposable, plastic water bottle.  I counted about 8 reusable stainless steel water bottles of various shapes, colors and sizes, but not one plastic – an exciting first!!

You may have read this month’s Oprah Magazine, which credits the media for raising public awareness of what they called the “Plastic Problem”  described as the growing concern about the toxic plastic chemicals entering our bodies and disrupting our endocrine systems.  News coverage and information is helping consumers to become more aware of this than ever before.

This may well be true (and of course since it was printed in Oprah, it undoubtedly is), but in the case of my plastic-free by happenstance yoga class, I think there is another factor at work as well.   Yogis, parents, friends of friends and friends of the earth –all of us share a growing concern for the future of the planet.  The fact is, the chemicals used to make plastic are among the most toxic on earth.  And  unfortunately they’re not so easy to “throw away”  –  since it doesn’t biodegrade, almost every bit of plastic ever manufactured is still right here with us.

Healthy and eco-friendly go hand-in-hand beautifully.  Whether you attribute it to media attention, health consciousness or our growing concern for the state of the environment, progressive changes are taking place.  That’s a reason to celebrate!

3 Great Ways to Green your Fitness Practice

1.        Switch to a reusable water bottle.   No surprises here, but more important facts:  regular bottled water users who invest in a reusable bottle and will save an average of $200 per year.  Studies have shown reusable bottled water drinkers consume more water, making this the healthy choice all around.  Worried about the safety or quality of your tap water?  Even though over 90% of municipal water meets EPA standards, those tricky plastic bottle manufacturers have done a good job with scare tactics that leave people uncertain.  Click here for the facts:  http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/faq/faq.html

2.       Use a toxin-free mats and accessories to ensure you’re not breathing the unhealthy fumes which are unfortunately present in 90% of the yoga gear currently on the market.   Start now to make your wellness routine even healthier in 2010! Look for yoga mats and blocks made without use of latex, rubber, BPA, Lead, Phthalates, Dioxins, PVC (which means no ‘new-mat’ chemical smell!), and biologically toxic chemicals.

3.       Carpool or bike to practice.  Find a yoga buddy and set up a carpool schedule.  You’re more likely to stick to your fitness routine if your integrate your participation with of a group of any size.  I’m taking my own advice on this one.  After several unsuccessful attempts to recruit a neighbor to join my class, I’ve posted a ride sharing request on the yoga center community bulletin board.  The bonus – a chance to meet like-minded new friends too!

About the author:

Elizabeth Borelli is the Founder of Nubius Organics, an eco-conscious mom, and an environmental activist. She began www.nubiusorganics.com to bring her knowledge of safe, healthy alternatives to a greater audience, and to share valuable  information, resources, and green solutions with the public and the media

Resources:

Plastic Facts:  Oprah.com:  http://myown.oprah.com/search/index.html?q=plastics

Toxin-Free Reusable Bottles:  Nubius Organics: http://www.nubiusorganics.com/Water-Bottles-C1.aspx

Tap Water Facts: http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/faq/faq.html

Chemical Free Yoga Mats: http://www.nubiusorganics.com/Yoga-Pilates-Safe-Mat–C457.aspx