Today, I took a look at current habits in diet and exercise, and what I plan to change.
For diet and exercise, I rarely eat organically or locally as an intentional habit. I do make most food from scratch and bake my own breads, but could certainly improve in this category. My biggest shortcoming is coffee, though. I generally buy three cups of coffee out a week, and the first thing I need to change is bringing a reusable mug.
As for exercise, it is a rare occurrence, but at least I am not increasing my carbon footprint exercising. Generally once a week, I do yoga, and it is at home.
My plan (and it will get progressively more difficult over the course of this journey) is to begin exercising twice a week at home, as well as purchasing organic or local versions of foods at least 25% of the time. I also will begin bringing my own coffee mug every time I go out.
Challenge: Commit to exercising once a week in the home (instead of traveling to the gym), and begin purchasing the organic or local equivalent of one food or beverage that you purchase frequently.
Note-Buying a reusable mug instead of using disposable ones from coffee shops is saving me roughly 150 cups worth of trash per year, and is saving me $15 ($.10 per cup) which more than covers the cost of the mug!
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#1 by Marie White on December 6th, 2009
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I'm totally guilty of the coffee thing: not as often, and not coffee, but definitely wasted paper trash every single time. I have a travel resuable mug, and I will definitely start using it.
Exercising in my home is also a great way of building community, since my roommates can do it with me. And it's healthy
Another thing I like to do is simply work out outside: grab my ipod and keys and going for a walk or jogging in the neighborhood. The fresh air is so much better than stinky, stuffy gym air, too. Even in cold weather I prefer the outdoors to a gym.
Thanks, Jane…you have great ideas!
#2 by Jane Clair on December 7th, 2009
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Agreed, it is wonderful to experience the fresh air while working out, and certainly a greener way to work out! I'm glad that you are joining me on this journey.