New Year's Resolutions

The most common New Year's Resolution is to lose weight and the most common weight loss goal is 10 pounds. So, will losing weight reduce your carbon footprint? The factors affecting the answer are huge. Here are the pros and cons of losing weight on carbon footprint:

Cons (increases to carbon footprint)

1. More activity in the gym means more use of heating/cooling of gym, more electronic workout machines, more towels, more laundry.
2. Driving to/from gym.
3. Healthier lifestyle means living longer which increases lifetime carbon footprint.
4. Increased food consumption due to increased activity.

Pros (decreases to carbon footprint)

1. Healthier lifestyle means less time in hospital (lower medical/carbon impact).
2. More likely to walk than drive and take stairs over elevators.
3. More time working out means less time watching TV, better sleep patterns (less electronics usage at night), unless you're working out in front of one of these.

Sure, some of this is tongue in cheek. Yes, it's very important to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Note, however, that just being healthier is not in and of itself "Green". It's important to focus on the kinds of methods and means of arriving at a healthier lifestyle if one of the motivations is carbon footprint reduction.

What can you do?

1. Workout outside more often, take walks during lunch.
2. Hike in the mountains; you'll gain an appreciation for some natural beauty and may be inspired to help protect wilderness regions.
3. Bike or walk to the gym instead of driving. Better yet, ride or run for your workout - why stay inside?
4. Eat foods from your region (foodshed), eat organic, eat low impact foods (lower on the food chain).
5. Need a caffeine boost before your workout? Bring your mug to your favorite coffee shop, don't use their plastic or paper cups. If you do use them, make sure you recycle or compost!