15 Healthy Habits That Are Good For the Planet, Too

It's likely you've seen the devastating images of barren forests or the ocean covered in miles of trash. With so many of our natural resources at risk today, it's important for us as individuals to think about how our purchases, habits, and decisions impact our environmental footprint. Small actions we can take in our daily lives, like buying local produce or turning out the lights an hour early, are both beneficial to our health and the planet. Keep reading for ideas on healthy habits you can start that are good for you and the environment. It's a win-win!

Bike to Work
Unsplash | Blubel

Bike to Work

Cut down on CO2 emissions, save money on gas, and get exercise by riding your bike to work instead of driving. If bicycling isn't an option for your commute, consider carpooling or taking public transportation instead.

Reuse Your Water Bottle
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Reuse Your Water Bottle

Every year, billions of plastic water bottles end up in landfills and, worse, in the world's ocean. Help solve this problem by opting for a reusable water bottle to take with you on the go. If you're in a pinch and have to buy a bottle of water, be sure to recycle or turn it into a fun and useful DIY project, like this plastic bottle zipper container or a hanging planter.

Shop Consciously
Unsplash | Bewakoof

Shop Consciously

With more and more emerging brands putting a focus conscious production, it's that much easier to buy stylish and functional clothes without the guilt. The next time you're due for a new pair of yoga pants or sneakers, check out environmentally friendly companies like Outdoor Voices or All Birds, who both do things like source materials using recycled plastic bottles.

Run an Eco-Friendly Race
Unsplash | Martins Zemlickis

Run an Eco-Friendly Race

Organized races not only use up a lot of resources, they are often major trash producers that are not always recyclable. Support organizations that are conscientious about the events they put on by signing up for an eco-friendly race. From compostable water cups, locally sourced food, and tree seedlings as finisher gifts, races like the Portland, Austin, and Boston marathons are all taking big steps in making a greener experience for its runners.

Buy Local Produce
Unsplash | Ann Preble

Buy Local Produce

When you're loading up on your fruits and vegetables at the store, be mindful of the season and where it's coming from. Shopping for local, seasonal produce means it took less energy and resources to get that food to you, and best of all, it will be at its freshest. Next, turn your fresh produce into one of these healthy meals and feel good about eating local.

Grow Your Own Vegetables
Unsplash | Brooke Cagle

Grow Your Own Vegetables

Farm to table takes on a whole new meaning when you grow your own vegetables to eat. Start a garden curated with your favorite vegetables and herbs, and always have the freshest produce right in your own backyard. Gardening is a great outdoor activity and truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Read up on these beginner gardening tips before you get started to ensure a successful crop.

Plan and Prep Your Meals
Unsplash | Nielson Ramon

Plan and Prep Your Meals

Not only will planning and prepping your meals save you time and money, it will help cut down on the food waste that usually ends up in a landfill. Plan ahead and buy only what your need for the week — you can get creative and see how many different dishes you can make using the same ingredients. If you do end up throwing out any food, throw it in a compost bin so it can be reused for other purposes.

Eat Less Meat
POPSUGAR Photography | Sara Lipoff

Eat Less Meat

According to the World Wildlife Organization, the overproduction of beef and dairy have had a significantly negative impact on our environment, including water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Cut down on your dairy and red meat consumption by designating Meatless Mondays, or try out these delicious veggie-loaded dishes.

Stop Using Straws
Pexels | Element5 Digital

Stop Using Straws

Research shows that Americans use 500 million straws a day, many of which end up in the ocean. So next time you order or make a juice or smoothie, go strawless. Or you can stock up on compostable or reusable straws, and feel good that they won't end up polluting the ocean.

Make Your Bedroom Screen Free
Pexels

Make Your Bedroom Screen Free

Try removing the TV, tablets, and phones from your bedroom, and go screen-free before bed. Not only will this save energy, it will prevent that late-night scrolling and give you a better night's rest.

Get Some Extra Sleep
Pexels | Burst

Get Some Extra Sleep

We can all use some extra sleep, but shutting down and powering off our computers, TVs, and lights early will also help conserve energy. Try going to bed an hour earlier to save electricity and truly get a good night's rest — you won't regret it!

Work Out Outside
Pexels | Tirachard Kumtanom

Work Out Outside

Lace up those sneakers, shut the lights off, and take your workout outside. Get some fresh air and conserve energy by not using your TV or lights for your workout. Go to the nearest field, park, or beach and try this equipment-free routine fit for a celebrity.

Shower Once a Day
Pexels | Tirachard Kumtanom

Shower Once a Day

Reschedule that lunchtime fitness class and conserve water by working out first thing in the morning or before bed, so you only have to shower once a day. An early morning workout will also help get you energized for the day ahead while an evening one can help release all the stress and tension from a long day.

Join an Energy-Saving Program
Pexels | Rawpixels

Join an Energy-Saving Program

Energy-saving programs like Ohm Connect give cash incentives to flip off the lights and turn off the thermostat in order to help users reduce their carbon footprint. Sign up is free and you'll receive notifications for designated times to unplug when energy usage is at its highest in your area. It's a great opportunity to go outside for a break, take a walk, or get that workout in.

Take a Class That Gives Back
Unsplash | Geert Pieters

Take a Class That Gives Back

Many fitness studios like SoulCycle offer classes that support local charities, many of which help the environment. Search for gyms and studios in your area that have community programs that give back or better yet, offer to organize one.