Living Well, Living Green: Green Workout Gear that Goes the Distance

By RachelSarnoffGuest Blogger(view all posts by RachelSarnoff)
at 8:35AM Sunday July 18, 2010
under Shop Smarter

Yes, we work out to feel good. For some of us, it's the bells and whistles of the gym. For others, it's accessing the exuberance of dance. Swimmers meditate through movement; runners through the heart-racing euphoria of the sprint. And, of course, there's always the deep calm of muscle melting yoga to get you to an all-day high.

But we also work out to look good and--let's be honest--we want to look good while we're doing it. Because there's nothing worse than showing up for class in your grubby old leggings and realizing your regular instructor has been replaced with the sub who's a dead ringer for Colin Farrell.

These clothes and accessories are all crafted from eco-friendly fabrics--some embracing fair trade, upcycling or other sustainable initiatives--with designs that perform as good as they look. Because the last thing you want is your gear distracting you from your practice.

Getting all hot and bothered by the sight of said yoga teacher in a side arm balance? That's the kind of distraction we live for.

EARTH CREATIONS

Here's something you don't learn every day: Though it tastes great on your pasta, the immense quantities of salt used in the commercial fabric-dyeing process can cause irreversible harm to our ecosystems. That's why Earth Creations' clay-dyeing process is so cool: All components used in the process are natural and biodegradable, and meet the strict guidelines of the Organic Trade Association Fiber standards. Roll up or fold down the waistband of their Dharma Pants and you can practice anywhere like, say, a deserted meadow with just a cameraman for company.

**During the week of 11/29, two EcoStiletto free newsletter subscribers will each win a $77 pair of Earth Creations Dharma pants.**

KIGO

Beloved by "barefoot" runners and water sports enthusiasts who need their feet wet but still protected, kigos weigh less than five ounces and feature a flexible midsole, which allows the shoes to fold closed—a bonus for travelers. Featuring a high-density, non-slip grooved outsole made from recycled plastic and a recycled-nylon lining, and they're packaged in biodegradable and compostable materials. Rope swing not included.

**During the week of 11/15, two EcoStiletto free newsletter subscribers will each win a $70 pair of kigos of their choice.**

HORNY TOAD

Walk much? Serious trekkers look for the perfect pants: Not so short that they ride up and chafe; not so long that they flap around your ankles. With a perfect, calf-skinning length and wide, smooth waistband, Horny Toad's Trudy Cropped Pants--made from high-performance, low-environmental-impact Tencel--might just be the answer.

**During the week of 11/15, two EcoStiletto free newsletter subscribers will each win a $60 pair of Horny Toad Trudy cropped pants.**

NAU

Early morning running is a funny thing. For the first fifteen minutes, everything from your ears to your fingertips is freezing, but once you warm up, all you want to do is strip down. That's where the Lightbeam jacket comes in. Designed by legendary eco-clothier Nau--each and every piece of clothing they make is recyclable--the Lightbeam is a windshell with purpose. Crafted from water resistant, breathable, quick-dry recycled post-industrial polyester with a stashable hood and elastic cuffs long enough to tuck frigid fingers inside, the Lightbeam keeps out the cold when you need it, but is light enough to wrap around your waist when you don't.

**During the week of 11/8, one EcoStiletto free newsletter subscriber will win a $175 Nau Lightbeam jacket.**

BE PRESENT

Think hemp's rough and tumble? Think again. Be Present's new Hemp line is ridiculously soft, sheer and sexy. The peek-a-boo Cross Back Tee is the perfect cover up for yoga--flip it around and you can even wear it to the beach. Plus, hemp is a naturally insect-resistant, anti-microbial crop that requires no herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers to produce. If the 1.4 billion cotton t-shirts sold in American each year were replaced with hemp tees, the energy savings would equal 3.5 billion gigajoules and the water savings would equal 1.3 trillion gallons--enough water for half the U.S. population for an entire year. That's a lottawatta.

**During the week of 11/1, three EcoStiletto free newsletter subscribers will each win a $49 Be Present Hemp Cross-back Tee.**

PKD SPA

We love soymilk in our lattes, but on our bodies? Indeed. Designer Patricia King-Davies' PKD Spa line captures protein from the discarded non-GMO soy "cakes" left once the oil is extracted from soybeans, then spins it into fiber for yarns without any toxic chemicals or bleach. The resulting fabric is so soft and supple, it begs for shavasana.

**During the week of 12/13, one EcoStiletto free newsletter subscriber will win this $144 PKD Spa Chakra halter and meditation pants set.**

For more eco-workout insights, plus $2,025 in giveaways, visit EcoStiletto's Fashion section. Now, get moving!

Savings.com Green Guru Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff is a writer, producer and marketing consultant who focuses on sustainable fashion, beauty, lifestyle and parenting--and the creator of EcoStiletto.com, an online magazine which explains, in real-girl terms, how eco-friendly choices can help turn your carbon footprint from a ginormous Ugg into an oh-so-slender Manolo.