Women's Health APRIL > Renee Loux, GREEN your WORKOUT

Tote these eco-savers to your next sweat session.

Cushion a hard workout with gear that's easy on the earth.

By Renée Loux

Wonder Wipes

 Sweat and makeup disappear in a single swipe with these chemical-free pomegranate cleansing wipes by Korres. Vitamin E moisturizes and softens the skin, while antioxidant-rich plant extract help tighten pores and tone skin. $12, sephora.com

Hip Flops

Fold the shower-friendly Floc Designs Pocket Flops in half and they'll fit nicely in your tiny gym locker. They won't clutter your conscience, either - they're made with 95 percent recycled tire rubber. $25, shopintuition.com

 

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Herb Appeal

Farmhouse Laundry Sachets contain no hazardous chemicals and mask your eau de gym bag with essential oils like lavender, lemon verbena, and white lilac. Bonus: You can toss the bags in the dryer to freshen up your clean clothes. $7 fo a pack of 3, sweetgrassonline.com

Hood Wink

So cute you won't care if you bump into your office crush after spin class. This hoodie is a blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and natural rayon. Alternative Apparel pullover hoodie, $45, shopintuition.com

Steel Yourself

Plastic is so 2008. A more mod choice: EcoUsable stainless-steel water bottles. From $12.50, ecousable.com

 

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Pack it in

Hidden series backpacks are made from 90 percent recycled PET rip-stop fabric, so they're tough enough for a full gym press of gear. Once empty, they fold up for easy storage. $28, timbuk2.com

 

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Down on

Forget those ho-hum earth-toned yoga mats - lighten up your serene scene with sun salutations in the grass (or at least a picture of it). Biodegradable, recyclable Plank mats feature whimsical, realistic digital images. $85, plankdesigns.com

 






 

 

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR STUFF

 

Caring for your gear saves money on replacements and space in landfills. Some suggestions:

 

 

 

> Clean your sneakers

 

Dingy Buildup makes fibers break down faster, so wipe them off with a damp cloth after an outdoor workout.

 

 

 

> Save your swinsuit

 

Rinse after swimming, then wash by hand with warm, soapy water.

 

 

 

>Tune your bike

 

Properly inflated tires reduce tread wear and avoid flats, and a well lubed chain and pedals will prevent rust.

 

Ask the Expert

WomensHealthMag.com/Experts

Eco-guru Renée Loux is the Author of Easy Green Living.

Visit her at reneeloux.com