Enjoy a snack-sized workout
What if you could enjoy all the benefits of a regular exercise routine in bite-sized form? Proponents of micro workouts, also called “snack workouts” or minimalist workouts, claim they can do just that.
Numerous studies have found that micro workouts have a measurable, positive effect on cardiovascular health, physical function and mobility, muscular strength, and muscle thickness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activities per week.
Instead of setting a goal for longer workouts that require a larger chunk of time all at once, 10-minute micro workouts can be stacked throughout the day to achieve the same benefits. If you struggle with committing to a long workout, you might want to give this method a try!
Coffee gone green!
You might be ordering your coffee black, but have you considered ordering it green?
Green coffee is made from the raw beans inside the coffee fruit and is a source of chlorogenic acid, a powerful phytochemical also found in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, spices, and wine. Researchers are examining the potential benefits chlorogenic acid may have on combating diabetes, inflammation, obesity, and hypertension.
Don’t be afraid to sip green coffee instead of your regular cup of joe, as it is still a source of caffeine. Just keep in mind that it contains roughly 25 to 50 percent less caffeine than a traditional coffee made with roasted beans, so your daily jolt may be a little less noticeable!
The taste is described as “grassy” but is more palatable when honey, cinnamon, or cloves are added. Bottoms up!
Simplify cleaning with Swedish dishcloths
Described as a cross between a paper towel and a kitchen towel, Swedish dishcloths were first invented in the mid-1900s by engineer Curt Lindquist. They are made from 70 percent sustainable wood cellulose and 30 percent cotton, a combination that can absorb 20 times its weight, is sturdier than a paper towel, and dries quickly.
Another reason to covet this workhorse of a kitchen essential? Swedish dishcloths are made with sustainable materials and are biodegradable, compostable, and free of microfibers. Testing has shown that they will completely decompose over a period of approximately 10 months.
Use Swedish dishcloths to wipe surfaces such as granite, glass, and stainless steel without leaving any streaks; polish silver and brass; and remove dust from surfaces. When it comes to usage, the sky’s the limit!
Lace up a pair of biodegradable footwear
Didn’t think it was possible to invent high-performance footwear while keeping environmental impact in mind? Think again!
A molecular biologist and two biochemists from UC San Diego recently made news by designing the world’s first 100 percent biodegradable shoe made from algae-derived polyurethane foam. That means once the shoe’s life cycle is up, it will completely break down in the compost bin, soil, or even the ocean.
Other materials being used to make biodegradable—or at least partially biodegradable— shoes include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, lyocell (made from eucalyptus), linen, Biosteel fiber (a synthetic spider silk), and cellulose.
Some companies have leveraged these products as a call to action, encouraging owners to “plant” the old pair of shoes so that a flower can bloom where the footwear is buried. Any way you look at it, they’re definitely getting off on the right foot!
