
Photo courtesy of Arthur Belebeau/Trunk Archive
Skip the Plastic: 10 Easy Ways to
Green Your Gym Routine

Andrea Arria-Devoe, a longtime editor at Daily Candy, is the executive producer of Straws, a documentary about how ditching plastic straws can make a massive difference to the environment. In her column for goop, Arria-Devoe shares her extensive knowledge about the best countertop composter, how to shop bulk, and other hacks for living the chicest, greenest life possible.
Single-use plastic is like mold. If you’re not vigilant, it’s everywhere. My daughter went to a co-op preschool where the kids were free to run around and in the mud. To my dismay, she would come home with her wet clothes in a single-use plastic bag. But when a routine inspection decreed the bags a choking hazard, the school replaced them with reusable nylon satchels, which parents then returned the next day. What a genius waste-saving solution born out of necessity. Wouldn’t it be great if gyms and workout studios adopted a similar system? Until they do, you can do your part.

1
When you’re ready for a new pair of sneakers,
donate your used pair to an organization like
Soles4Soles, which gifts gently used shoes to
people in need.

2
This thick nylon drawstring bag is great for
sweat-drenched gear. It packs down into a tiny
pouch that can be slipped into a purse. (It also
works for wet bathing suits on beach days.)

3
A reusable water bottle is a must. Maybe buy
more than one. Stash one in your car. Put a
Post-it on your forehead to remember. (Mason
jars work, too.) If you forget your bottle, use the
water fountain at the gym—a mild
inconvenience that the ocean will thank you for.

4
These leggings made of recycled fishing nets
win eco brownie points and fit like a glove.
(Consider investing in a washing bag to prevent
microfibers from getting into the water stream.)

5
Make your own pre- or post-workout protein
bar (so much better for you than the store-
bought kind) and carry it in a reusable container.

6
Hair ties are proof that plastic can sneak up on
us in the tiniest ways—but these are made of
organic cotton and are totally plastic-free.

7
If you need a mat, choose one that is made of
recycled goods (in this case, wet suits).

8
Use a natural deodorant—in a glass jar.
Bonus: A jar allows you to use every last
drop—zero-waste goals.