Let’s Collab for Earth Month
As we close out Earth Month, we've gotta pay some respect to our Mama. With climate anxiety at an all-time high, it's easy to feel like your individual choices don't matter. But hear us out—they absolutely do, especially when it comes to your fitness routine.
This Earth Day, we're highlighting some gym-specific ways to make Mother Nature your workout buddy instead of your victim. Because the only thing that should be burning during your fitness journey is calories, not the planet.
The Commute Glow-Up
Let's talk about how you're getting to the gym. With the N Willamette Blvd bike lanes looking fresher than ever, it might be time to reconsider your transportation strategy.
Walking or biking to West Coast Fitness doesn't just cut your carbon footprint—it's essentially a free warm-up. Studies show that active commuting can burn an additional 150-400 calories daily, meaning you're essentially sneaking in an extra workout without adding gym time. The science calls this "non-exercise activity thermogenesis" (NEAT) and we think it's pretty neat too.
With the weather finally remembering it's supposed to be spring, there's no better time to test out a human-powered commute. Your endorphins, wallet, and the atmosphere will all thank you.
Pro tip: Map your route before heading out to find the safest bike lanes and pedestrian paths. Nothing ruins an eco-friendly commute like getting lost and having to call an Uber.
Hydration Station Situation
You already know bringing your own water bottle is non-negotiable (it's 2025, people). But did you know the type of bottle matters almost as much as having one?
Stainless steel bottles keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, meaning your water stays refreshing throughout even your longest workout sessions. And unlike plastic alternatives, they don't leach chemicals into your water when they heat up.
Every refillable bottle in use means fewer single-use plastic bottles ending up in landfills or oceans. Your reusable bottle isn't just convenient—it's actively preventing plastic pollution.
Pro tip: Clean your bottle properly between uses. That funky smell isn't "character," it's bacteria.
The Secret Environmental Impact of Your Gym Clothes
Quick question: What are you wearing right now? (Gym-wise, not in a weird way.)
If it's made from polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fabrics, your workout gear is secretly releasing microplastics with every wash. These tiny plastic particles are too small to be filtered out by conventional water treatment systems and end up in oceans, lakes, and even drinking water.
This is why we're excited about our new 100% cotton tees that just arrived yesterday. The cotton fabric base is a step in the right direction compared to synthetic options. They're available at the front desk—a small upgrade that reduces the microplastic problem in your workout wardrobe.
Pro tip: When washing synthetic workout clothes, use a microplastic-catching laundry bag like Guppyfriend to minimize shedding.
Plant-Based Gains: Not Just for the Animals
If you're still clinging to the myth that you need animal products to build muscle, 2025 has news for you. Plant-based diets have gone from niche to mainstream for good reason.
Beyond the ethical and health considerations, plant-based eating significantly reduces your environmental footprint. Between cutting down rainforests to herd cattle or farm feed for cattle, polluting groundwater, and the greenhouse gas emissions, pea protein is looking like a pretty attractive alternative.
Research found that vegans and omnivores experienced similar strength gains when following the same resistance training program. The key difference? The plant-based group's protein came with a fraction of the environmental impact.
Even shifting to plant-based protein sources just 2-3 days a week can reduceyour carbon footprint by up to 330 kg annually —equivalent to driving 825 fewer miles.
Pro tip: Try incorporating more plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu into your post-workout meals. Small changes add up over time.
Bathroom Break: Our New Waterless Wonders
Let's talk about something most fitness newsletters avoid: bathroom habits. Specifically, the amount of water wasted in traditional urinals.
Our newly installed waterless urinals in the men's locker room are genuine game-changers. Each one saves 20,000 - 45,000 gallons of water annually without changing a single habit in your routine.
The technology uses a special liquid seal that prevents odors while allowing waste to pass through without water. It's a small change in our facility that makes a meaningful difference in our water consumption.
Pro tip: These urinals work best when you, well, aim properly. Help us keep the locker room fresh by paying attention to your technique. Your fellow members will silently appreciate it.
Small Actions, Real Impact
Sometimes environmentalism can feel abstract—like your actions disappear into a void of global statistics. But the truth is, consistent small choices do create measurable change.
Every time you:
Walk or bike instead of drive
Refill your water bottle instead of buying bottled water
Choose plant-based options a few times a week
Wear natural fibers instead of synthetics
You're making a genuine difference. Not in a vague "every little bit helps" way, but in a concrete, scientifically-verified way. The math adds up, even if we don't have a fancy digital counter to show it.
The Planet-Friendly Bottom Line
Being eco-conscious doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul or joining a commune (though if that's your vibe, no judgment). It's about making slightly better choices when the options are available.
Mother Nature doesn't need you to be perfect—she just needs you to be a little bit better than yesterday. Kind of like your fitness journey, right?
Green is the new gains,
Your West Coast Fitness Family
PS: want more inspo? Check out this article from last year
