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Most people who “go green” bring reusable bags to the store, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and recycle more. Others move to more involved changes, like trading in for a hybrid, buying carbon offsets, or installing solar panels. But even if you're not willing to overhaul your lifestyle to benefit the planet, there are some changes you should consider to improve your health, help you lose (or maintain) weight, and plump your bank account all while helping Mother Earth at the same time. Get rich and thin by going green? If you think that sounds too good to be true, read on. 1. Walk or bike instead of driving. Many of us live only a stone’s throw away from the places we frequent, like the post office, grocery store, or library, yet we head for the car when we’ve got errands to run. Instead of driving, walk or bike and you'll burn 200-300 calories per hour and breathe in air that’s a little bit fresher. According to recent calculations, if all Americans between the ages of 10 and 74 walked just 30 minutes per day instead of driving, we'd reduce our carbon emissions by 64 million tons; save 6.5 billion gallons; and collectively shed more than 3 billion pounds. While these specific numbers may be arguable, there’s no denying that less driving and more walking would benefit us all. And with gas prices averaging over $4 per gallon across America, every mile you don't drive is money in the bank. 2. Ditch the drive-thru. According to TheDailyGreen.com, every time you use a drive-thru, you burn about 18 cents worth of gas by letting your car idle. That might not seem like much, but consider the amount of times you drive-thru for morning coffee, a quick lunch, to visit an ATM or to pick up a prescription. Besides wasting money, you’re also contributing to greenhouse gases and global warming. Instead of idling your car and wasting fuel in the drive thru line, park and walk in. You’ll burn a few more calories by walking and standing in line, but you’ll also save money on gas. 3. Buy local and organic food. Did you know that the food on the average American’s plate traveled 1,500 miles to get there? One of the greenest changes we can make has everything to do with the fruits and vegetables on our plates. Buy them from a local grower at a farmers market to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Another bonus about locally-grown food is that it’s fresh, so it contains higher levels of nutrients. (The longer food has been "off the vine," the more its natural levels of vitamins and minerals diminish.) If your food is organic, the soil it comes from is usually healthier and the food itself will have lower levels of pesticide residues. Buying directly from the farmer benefits both of you financially, too— you’re eliminating the cost of the middleman. Continued › |
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Fitness Articles › Family & Lifestyle6 Ways to Get Lean by Going GreenEco-Friendly Choices Can Slim Your Waist and Fatten Your Wallet-- By Liza Barnes, Health EducatorSparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
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Liza Barnes
Liza has two bachelor's degrees: one in health promotion and education and a second in nursing. A registered nurse and mother, regular exercise and cooking are top priorities for her. See all of Liza's articles. |
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Member Comments
And the idea that buying from the farmer is economical because the transaction eliminates the middleman has not happened in my experience. Farmers' market foods tend to be kind of pricey compared to the nearby big markets in the city. - 3/13/2013 9:29:04 AM
Another area to go green is in your skincare. Choose products without harsh chemicals, petroleum, or animal bi-products and you will be helping both the environment and your body in BIG ways
While quality, organic products may have a higher sticker price, the value is far better than those with cheap fillers and expensive packaging.
Healthy lifestyle - 3/12/2013 12:18:57 AM
In America and Australia (where I live) car culture rules supreme. I am active and vocal in being part of the solution for people and animal friendly neighborhoods.
Get involved in your community: when we live in unpolluted, sustainable living spaces we naturally move our bodies more & connect with our communities. - 4/22/2011 10:29:45 PM
p.s. Most people eat way more protein than they actually need to. - 4/22/2011 9:06:51 PM
Make the comparison with an electric bicycle or a scooter, and things just got skewed for the worse.
Just making a point that you don't always save as much as you think. So unless you eliminate a car form the household, or need that commute as a from of exercise, it won't save you as much money as you think. Gaoline is still a very cheap form of energy. - 4/22/2011 4:30:53 PM
I won't cut back on my meat. As it is I rarely get enough protein. Much of the meat we eat is grass fed cattle raised locally or wild meat that has been hunted.
But, as with many things, we do what we can and what works for one doesn't mean it works for all.
- 4/22/2011 2:13:27 PM
I must be doing something wrong in the "grow your own food" department. With a tiny yard, I plant tomatoes in a container. The cherry tomatoes do just fine, but I'm lucky if I get two decent tomatoes per plant all summer long...off to the farmer's market I go. - 4/22/2011 10:56:33 AM