That's Fit

The health of our planet is interconnected with our own personal health, so whether we like it or not, committing ourselves to a healthier, fitter lifestyle also means committing ourselves to a healthier, greener lifestyle. And although the whole "green thing" is starting to catch on in people's homes, it doesn't seem to have the same steam when it comes to workplaces. It's not clear whether it's because people think environmentally-friendly efforts at the office are someone else's problems or because they are simply discouraged by their employers lack of commitment, but whatever the reason, the environmental gap between home and office is shockingly large.

In a poll, 85% of people said that when they're at home, they turn their computer off when they're not using it as an effort to conserve energy but on the flip side, only 53% of those same people shut their office computers down at the end of each day. And that's just one small area -- the numbers are just as bad (or worse) for things like shutting off lights in empty rooms and avoiding excess waste when it comes to coffee and donuts.

These days, it seems like all the rage to be into exercise and being more eco-conscious. Hey, there have been worse trends, that's for sure!! But, is there a way to somehow combine both of these endeavors into one? There are plenty, actually, the easiest of which is working out in the morning before work.

If you are able to get up a little earlier -- that is, without the risk of shaving off time from the 7 to 8 hours of sleep you should be getting each night -- and squeeze in a workout, you may find it to be perfect for your busy schedule. No longer do you have to race home from work, run a few errands, change, and then high tail it to the gym. Instead, you can take your time waking up, have a healthy breakfast, and then make your way to the gym. It will be difficult at first, especially if you're used to working out in the evening, but you're body will adjust in about a week or two.

Now, I also mentioned that working out in the morning could somehow be more eco-friendly. How's that, you may be wondering. Simple; if you work out in the morning, you only have to shower once (instead of having to shower again in the evening if you were working out then), after your workout. On average, that can save around 25 gallons of water each day!!

Green has become a brand. Let's face it. While it is based on intelligent and environmentally friendly principles, the one unfortunate downside is that everyone from Fortune 500 companies to small, independently owned stores and service providers are trying to cash in on the Green brand. Is this a bad thing? I guess not, considering that it does help raise awareness and provide people with the option of living a healthier lifestyle. The only question is, At what cost?

Shape magazine ran an interesting piece in their most recent issue, taking a look at how to shop for organic foods without breaking the bank. Buying green without spending too much of it, I suppose you could say. The article itself was based on the new book The Organic Food Shopper's Guide, written by Jeff Cox. Here is one of the tips mentioned in both the book and the article. It is certainly worth considering the next time you're in the grocery store and want to go Green.

Search for the Seal. The USDA created a label in 2002 to help shoppers determine which grocery items were organic. This seal (which must say USDA Organic) ensures that the product is comprised of ingredients that are at least 95 percent organic. With specific regard to produce, the seal also ensures that the fruit or vegetable has been grown without the use of pesticides, or been genetically altered or treated with radiation to prevent spoiling. But Beware: the USDA permits companies to place the word "Organic" on their products if only 70 percent of ingredients are organically grown or processed. That's why seeking out the "USDA Organic" label is the healthier way to go.

Are you looking for a basketball shoe that has proven itself as a quality shoe over the years, but do you also want it to be environmentally friendly? Look no further than the latest incarnation of the Air Jordan: the AJXX3.

Michael Jordan wore the number 23 in the glory days with the Chicago Bulls, and with this shoe being the 23rd version of the basketball classic, Jordan decided to do something a little different. This will be the first shoe in Nike's history to reduce waste and use eco-friendly materials, like using an original system of interlocking panels instead of the toxic adhesives that are traditionally used in making sneakers.

Nike hopes that, now that they've developed the technology to make shoes a little greener, other shoe companies will follow their lead. And if you have $185 handy and are itching to have the hottest shoes on the court, you'll soon be able to hustle on out and snag yourself a pair.

So you want to make a commitment to being green so you've started taking public transport to work -- or maybe you bike or walk. You've also started to make sure you turn off any electrical equipment when it's not in use and you're taking shorter showers to save water. You reduce, reuse and recycle too.

But what about your beauty products? If you're interested in going green with your face, hair and skin products as well, you should check out this piece that offers suggestions for 10 Eco-friendly beauty products that will help you look good and save the planet.

In the recent quest to find an eco-friendly alternative to what I consider to be toxic, fragrance-strewn clothing detergents, I discovered the "soap berry." Yes, this is indeed a plant husk that contains saponins for natural, chemical-free cleaning of all those laundry clothes.

I've used these soap berries for a few weeks now and have been nothing but impressed. My clothes have come out smelling fresh (without smelling like a fake spring day) and being very, very clean. Although there are many earth-friendly detergents out there, this one takes the cake.

Although my family looks at me like I'm nuts, I just hand them their clean clothes after washing them in soap berries and those question marks turn to belief pretty fast. 200 loads for about $30 is not that bad, either.

You can apply eco-friendly principles to pretty much every aspect of your life. But even ... your sex life? Yep, according to this article from TreeHugger. They've listed some things you can do and products you can use to protect yourself, protect the environment and still have a great time with that special someone. Some tips?

• Shower together. Not only do you save water, but you are sure to have a steamy time.
  
• When it comes to lubes and lotions, go for the ones that are as natural as possible -- so without artificial colour, scents or tastes. You can even find organic products at some stores.
  
• Try bamboo sheets on the bed -- they're sensual and slippery.
  
• Try some natural aphrodisiacs. Herbs like ginseng and ginko biloba are rumored to be aphrodisiacs, plus some food items like strawberries, oysters, chocolate and wine. Know of any others?
  

Informed consumers are becoming more adept at looking for products and foods that promote a sustainable living arrangement for our planet, so why shouldn't green exercise equipment be in the mix?

Did you know that natural bamboo has such a high tensile strength that it's used in story-high scaffolding? The natural rods can be used in creative ways for exercise equipment as well.

With eco-living comes those who would take advantage of it (naturally), so if you find that new piece of recreational or exercise equipment is being marketed as eco-friendly, ask questions to the seller and manufacturer. Where is the product made? How is it made? Of what is is made, exactly? Of course, eco-fitness can easily be had without any equipment using only your body. Want a bigger challenge? How about an all-natural Pilates setup?

Yeah, I know -- recycling may not appear to be related to the topic of fitness. But in reality, it is! Maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle not only includes the physical being, but the emotional and mental one as well. Doing small parts to help the planet definitely falls into this venue.

Where I live, some of the smaller communities have no curbside recycling. In an age of many adults being overworked and having less time that ever before, trying to mount a recycling project that requires effort by those needing to recycle can fall flat on its face.

Enter a hybrid trash collection/recycling program. Talk to your local wasts disposal authorities and find out if adding a separate recycling program onto trash trucks would make sense. Then, the only effort to get consumers to recycle is to have a bin where plastic, paper and glass products can be collected. Encourage this and get involved with the city council if necessary. One by one and little by little, the difference can be made.

We only have one Earth. And one Life. And one chance. So we might as well do things right, like preserving the gifts bestowed upon each one of us, say the powers that be at A.R.E. Naturals, an on-line shop offering products made from materials drawn purely through the generosity of Mother Nature.

This shop has quite an inventory of green items -- stuff for the kitchen, the bed and bath, the garden, the mind, and of course: The body.

Check out these fitness tools. There's a bamboo yoga block, a hemp yoga mat bag, and a hemp yoga bolster. How about a natural rubber fitness ball? Or natural rubber weight balls? These are just some of the finds you'll discover with one swift click of your mouse.

If you're an earth-loving enthusiast who lives and breathes the green life, this may be just the stop for you. If you've located other great green fitness locations, drop us a comment and let us know how to get there.

You might think your exercise program is for you and only you. But it can be good for the environment too, according to the website Green Living Ideas. By incorporating a few simple green practices into your fitness routine, you can fine-tune your body while helping to sustain the planet at the same time. Want to see how easy it is to accomplish both tasks at the same time? Read on.

The easiest way to turn exercise into an environmental act is to move your workout outside. Besides connecting with nature and connecting with your community, you'll cut your electricity bill by turning off the treadmill and exerting yourself outside. You can also replace your conventional workout routine with conservation activities such as gardening, hiking, or trail building. Check into volunteer opportunities at public parks too.

Heard of the "green gym" experience? What started in Europe is now spreading across the globe -- some are popping up on the United States East Coast. Slightly structured and costing nothing, these programs consist of people who meet a few times per week to get active and have fun while contributing to the wellness of the planet.
Think composting, reforestation, and recycling programs, and you've got the right idea. Gyms associated with this effort might include water-conserving shower heads and low-wattage light bulbs. If you spot any TV sets, they're likely programmed to turn off when not in use. They might feature biodegradable and natural cleaning products in the locker rooms and showers, and guests may be required to wear clothing made with organic cotton and other natural fibers.

Got some get-up-and-go this morning? Great. Now put on those running shoes, strap on your iPod, and do whatever it is you do to prep for your fancy fitness routine. Whatever you do, just make sure you do it outdoors -- and with a trash bag.

You are about to embark on an eco-running journey. The concept, started by Samuel Huber of Milwaukee, is simple: Just hang on to that bag and pick up any trash you encounter along your exercise route. Huber wants runners to combine their passion -- running -- with a purpose -- cleaning up the environment. He's sure it will make a difference. According to treehugger.com, studies show that by cleaning up an area you remove the incentive to contribute to its mess.

If you're not a runner, have no fear. You can still pick up litter while you walk, rollerblade, skateboard, or hike. Use your imagination. Just don't forget the trash bag.

The environment, global warming, and going green are all things that are becoming more and more embedded in our every day lives, which is of course a good thing. We can all be a little more conscious in our global efforts, and even if it's just making the smallest change the great part is that it multiplies across the population and can end up really making a difference. I thought for today's Jumpstart I'd take the idea that sometimes all your stalled workout needs is something new in the way of clothes or equipment to help make it interesting again, and going eco-friendly is the perfect excuse to help soothe that pang of guilt that's been holding you back.

Of course there are countless products out there to choose from in the green fitness world, and thankfully the options are only increasing. So what is it that would make the biggest difference for you and your workout right now? Maybe it's a new top, new shoes, or something else? Here's a few things I found online to help get the wheels of inspiration turning!

Just like that unleaded we put in our cars, food is the fuel for the human body. Eat junk foods and sugar water all the time, and the body begins to prematurely break down. Put in good stuff like superfoods, and your body will go 100,000 miles between tune-ups, so to speak.

When it comes to food, the better the quality the better the performance. Unfortunately, the convenience lifestyle many of us live and the hunt for cheap prices has forced an era of unhealthy food on the country. There's a reason why obesity rates are higher than they have ever been.

But what does it take to keep that body's performance in tip-top shape? Knowledge is the first tool, then intelligent food selection is the next. Research the term "superfoods" and see what you find, but for starters, here is a short list:

• Beans
• Berries
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Whole grains

You gotta love lemons -- they're pretty to look at in a fruit bowl, they smell great, and they make all kinds of things taste so much better. But have you ever thought to exfoliate and wash your feet with lemons? How about treat bad breath or soothe a bee sting? Hippyshopper (gotta love that name) has a list of 10 things you can do with lemons that are not only creative but also eco-friendly. So next time you're browsing the produce section at the grocery store or the farmer's market think about whether or not you need a few lemons to clean out your dishwater and, of course, make yourself some home-made lemonade.