PLAYgreen

Cut Fat and Carbon at the Same Time

It turns out that fighting global warming is good for the waistline. If every American spent 30 minutes a day walking or cycling instead of driving, the citizenry would collectively cut carbon emissions by 64 million tons and shed 3 billion pounds of excess flab, according to Paul Higgins of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Trim even more by trading in that T-bone for tofu--livestock production produces 18 percent of the world's greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organization.

Discuss this subject with others at The Sierra Club.

Source: The Sierra Club, viewed March 3, 2008

Cal Adventures - Get outside and go!

The weatherman has predicted beautiful and sunny sky's for the weekend. So, there's no better time than the present to head out to the marina and experience Cal Adventures.

Cal Adventures offers several green activities from sailing to kayaking and windsurfing to youth camps! All of these programs are excellent ways to get outside in and around the Bay Area and just have some fun while being exposed to the local environment. Also, all these activities have less of an impact on the environment than many alternatives.

While participating in these activities with Cal Adventures, you may also be exposed to one of our numerous staff who have an infatuation for the natural environment. Many staff in the program take small steps everyday in attempt to make big difference. Staff ride their bike or take the bus rather than driving and Cal Adventures supplies re-usable mugs to the public for drinking water (rather than paper or plastic).

They open on Saturday, March 1 and beginning next weekend are open Friday 12:00p-7:00p or sunset, whichever is first, and Sat/Sun 8:00a-7:00p. If you are hoping to check out their sailing opportunities, rentals don't begin until 12:00pm.

For further information on how to PLAYgreen with Cal Adventures, visit our website at http://www.calbears.berkeley.edu/caladventures

Be an I Heart Tap Water Video Star

Hydrating your body with water is probably one of the best things you can do for it. Sometimes that means buying a bottle of water at our ProShop or drinking from our water fountains during your workout. Currently, bottled water backlash is stirring on campuses across the country. Whether it’s the health concerns surrounding lenient regulations on bottled water, or the myth that consumers are getting more bang for their buck; students, faculty and staff are working together to take back the tap. You don't have to stop buying bottled water to make a difference though, simply refill the ones you buy!

Food & Water Watch is challenging college students from around the US to declare their love for tap water –– and get it on film. Breaking the bottled water habit means not only recognizing the health, environmental and economic costs of bottled water but also building renewed confidence in tap water that is safe and affordable. Show your love for tap water by participating in the I Heart Tap Water Video Contest!

Delare your love for tap water here.

Source: Food and Water Watch, viewed February 25, 2008

Lean and Green

These days, getting fit means working out and eating healthy. The following are five tips based on the Food Pyramid Guidelines to help you get there.

#1: Eat Lots More Produce

#2: Eat Whole, Not Processed, Foods

#3: Eat More Non- or Low-fat Dairy Products

#4: Out with the Bad Fats, in with the Good

#5: Count Calories and Steps

Source: The Green Guide, viewed January 25, 2008

Nike: Recycle your shoes

As athletes, we know you work hard and workout even harder, putting plenty of wear and tear on your shoes. Here's a chance to do something good with your athletic shoes when their time is done.

NikeGO Places recycles all brands of athletic shoes to create premium sport surfaces such as soccer pitches, football fields, tracks, basketball courts and tennis courts. To find out how you can recycle your shoes at a collection location near you, visit here. If there is not a location nearby, you may also recycle shoes by mailing them, at your own expense, directly to Nike. Please note that we cannot accept non-athletic shoes or athletic shoes containing any metal parts.

Nike Recycling Center
c/o NikeGO Places
26755 SW 95th
Wilsonville, OR 97070

Once at the Nike Recycling Center, shoes are ground up into a material called Nike Grind, which is used in sports surfaces donated to communities across the world.

Source: NikeGO, viewed on January 24, 2008

Healthy Reusable Water Bottles

Hydrating your body is very important for your fitness routine. Right now, it's time for some water bottle therapy.

It used to be practically a requirement for the eco-conscious urbanite to lug water in reusable hard-plastic bottles, but it turns out those bottles can leach toxins. Choose lined aluminum, stainless steel, or glass instead.

So... be health-consciousness and produce less waste. Experts say we need to drink six to seven glasses of H2O per day, so keep a bottle handy.

Source: Ideal Bite, viewed on January 24, 2008