Below are some ideas for ways you can be more environmentally friendly while dieting:

1. Reusable Water Bottles: Plastic water bottles, while they may be recyclable, often get tossed in the trash. It’s estimated that less than 20% of those 28 million bottles of water we drink each year ever get recycled. This is not good for our environment at all! Plastic is also made from oil, which many people do not realize. If you’ve ever complained about gas prices (that’s just about everyone!) then reducing the amount of plastic you use will also greatly reduce the need on oil to make plastic bottles. Getting a staineless steel water bottle is the perfect solution. Not only is it reusable and helps the environment, but it will greatly save you on money in the long term as well. In less than a week it could pay for itself!

2. Recycle Exercise Equipment: Instead of buying new exercise equipment and tossing your unused stuff to the trash, you may be able to donate or recycle it instead. You could also find some great deals for used equipment also. Looking on sites such as eBay, Craigslist or Freecycle can help you get rid of stuff you don’t use – or find a great bargain that helps keeps things out of the trash.

3. Walk/Bike Instead of Drive: When you walk or cycle somewhere instead of driving, not only do you get a great workout, but it also helps reduce pollution from cars and gas use.

4. Buy Local, Organic Food: Buying locally not only helps your local economy, but it also helps reduce transportation costs and its impact on the environment. Most food in grocery stores in often imported from other countries if you don’t take time to look at the labels and see where it came from!

5. Reduce Packaging: Single serving and individually wrapped foods are convenient – but often causes a lot more waste than necessary. Switching to washable storage containers and cooking food from home will help reduce the amount of garbage going into landfills. Avoiding fast food and pre-packaged meals will not only be healthier for you and help you lose weight, but also reduce trash as well.

6. Get Reusable Shopping Bags: Buying reusable shopping bags can help greatly reduce the amount of plastic bags going out in the environment. If everyone did this, grocery store costs would likely go down (possibly making food cheaper!). You’ll also find these bags are way more sturdy and better for carrying items. You’ll never have to worry about a bag splitting and your groceries falling everywhere again!

7. Plant a Garden: Planting a garden is a great way to help the environment, since the more plants we have growing the better quality of air we have! Even those who live in apartments can garden in small pots. This can also help you save money, since you will be able to grow your own fruits and vegetables instead of relying on purchasing them somewhere else.

Do you have any other ideas for being more environmentally friendly while dieting and losing weight? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!