What If?

As I am sitting in spinning class, a small room with 24 spinning bikes, and I think to myself...what if all of us were powering the electricity used to keep the fans that cool us?  Or powering the lights used to illuminate the gym? What if every person on the treadmill or the elliptical machine was helping to power this whole building.

An eco-friendly girl can dream...

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In Search of Eco-Friendly Exercise Clothing

I participate in many different forms of exercise: running, DVDs, weight training, and most recently, yoga and cycling. Buying yoga clothing has been the most fun. Many retailers offer organic cotton options for yoga wear. However, I have had some difficulty finding appropriate clothing for cycling. My collection of boot cut exercise and yoga pants is not safe when I have extra fabric flapping around between the pedal and the chain.

I am in search of cycling pants and tops that are eco-friendly and non-toxic.  

My Criteria (in order of importance):

1. Eco-friendly fabric
2. Eco-friendly dyes
3. Comfort
4. Style

I did some research.  In terms of fabric appropriate for exercise, I found options like organic cotton (hard to find for cycling clothing), wool, vintage polyester, and recycled polyester as being the best options. Bamboo is not on my list! Even though bamboo is touted as antibacterial and eco-friendly because it takes so little time to reach maturity, the process of transforming bamboo into fabric is very extensive. Toxic chemicals are used to liquefy the wood and turn it into a fabric similar to rayon. Bamboo itself is good, the process to transform it into fabric is far from being environmentally friendly. I know there are companies out there that sell eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo, but I have not found them yet!

What other types of fabrics can I look into?

What brands are going to be the best?  

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Weekend Summary - Friends and Exercise

The weekend is coming to an end.  I wish I had another two days to enjoy, but I am grateful for the two days that I have had.  This weekend was filled with many fun activities.

On Saturday, I enjoyed a nice run throughout our neighborhood.  The fall is perfect for running because of the cool weather and the gorgeous colors of the leaves turning.  I also enjoyed my first Garden Tea Party.  A coworker friend invited a few of us to a Garden Tea Party.  The weather was comfortable, the sun was shinning, and we enjoyed a three-course meal with tea in a very beautiful back yard garden.  I always love connecting with other ladies who can offer great advise about life, family, and kids.  This day was very fulfilling.

On Sunday (today), my husband and I went on a bicycle ride with our friends.  The two hours on the trail gave us opportunities to enjoy the scenery below.  Plus, biking is a great workout!

The trail goes through a wooded area along side a river:

>> What did you enjoy most about your weekend?

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Green Motivation Monday - Choose Cycling over Driving

I am starting a new series - Green Motivation Monday.  The purpose of these weekly posts is to offer motivation to take a small baby step in the green and eco-friendly direction.  Of course, I will be taking the step right along with you.  I will let you know how I did and I hope you let me know what you were able to accomplish.

Motivation: Choose to ride your bicycle over driving your car for quick errands.

If you need to run a quick errand like dropping off/picking up mail at the Post Office or buying a few items at the grocery store, ride your bicycle and take a small backpack or satchel with you to keep your valuables and purchases.  Not only will you complete your errand, but you will also benefit from the exercise.

>> Have you chosen to cycle over driving?

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