Missouri has many parks and trails that offer options for taking a jog or ride to burn a few calories and get some fresh air. More than 50 Missouri State Parks offer walking or hiking trails, and 21 offer some type of biking path including the Katy Trail. Check with your community for walking and biking trails that are well lit after dark. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and take all safety precautions.
If it’s just too cold to exercise outside, create your own home gym. Swap workout DVDs with friends, or borrow them from the library to get a workout in your living room. This saves the plastic waste in buying new videos, and can keep your routine from getting boring. If you want to purchase home gym equipment, look for used treadmills and other cardio equipment, or look for energy efficient models, or those that don’t use any electricity.
Try to purchase a reusable water bottle instead of plastic water bottles that end up in landfills. Workout gear can be recycled by some companies and made into new clothing. Try to buy sweats made of natural fibers that are easier to recycle, or find clothing and fleece made from recycled plastic.
You can’t get anywhere without the shoes on your feet, so look for a good quality, well-fitting pair of athletic shoes. When they are worn out, consider recycling your athletic shoes through the Nike Grind project, which accepts athletic shoes from any company, and grinds them into rubber chips. This rubber, much like shredded tires, can then be used in tracks, playgrounds and tennis courts.
For additional environmentally-friendly tips, please visit the department’s Green Tips.
