Tips & Resources
- Look for fitness apparel from companies that offer certified organic cotton or Merino wool fabrics—or those that have been certified by bluesign®, which tests products for their safety for consumers and the planet.
- Avoid fitness gear (such as hand weights, yoga mats, etc.) made with materials such as petroleum-based plastics, PVC, or phthalates, which have been linked to concerning health effects.
- A recent German study revealed that store-bought bottled water has a whopping 25,000 chemicals inside, including hormone disruptors strong enough to mimic a prostate cancer treatment drug. Tap water tested did not have these hormone disruptors present. Opt for BPA-free, reusable, stainless steel water bottles for your workout instead.
WVE Expert: Erinn Morgan
Erinn is a women’s fitness gear and apparel expert. She is the founder/editor of WomensMovement.com, an online magazine for women who are passionate about fitness and healthy living, and the author of Picture Yourself Going Green: Step-by-Step Instruction for Living a Budget-Conscious, Earth-Friendly Lifestyle.
Erinn’s Picks
Good Foundation: I love Icebreaker’s Rush Bra ($54.99) and Rush ¾ Tights, both crafted of responsibly farmed New Zealand Merino wool and elastane (for stretch). While made of wool, Icebreaker’s fitness garments are highly soft, good-looking, and performance-minded—each also comes with a BaaCode that traces the origin of your garment back to the farm.
Namaste: Gaiam’s no-slip Sol Dry Grip yoga mat ($69.98) is constructed from a closed-cell material that seals out germs, odors and bacteria—it also happens to be ideal for those with latex sensitivities. Plus, its 5 millimeter thickness is perfectly cushy.
Post-workout Coverup: Wrap up after yoga or the gym and head out into the world in non-toxic style in Ibex’s gorgeous Synergy Hoody ($160). Crafted (nearly) half organic cotton and half New Zealand Merino wool (with a touch of Lycra thrown in for stretch) is warm and cozy; it also features a longer length for ample coverage.
Hydrate Healthfully: Help them ditch their store-bought bottled water habit for their workout; it’s been shown to host hormone disruptors. Instead, gift them with a BPA-free, stainless steel or aluminum reusable water bottle instead, such as the AVEX Brazos Autoseal Stainless water bottle ($29.99) or the made-in-the-USA recycled aluminum Liberty Bottleworks Artisan Meadow water bottle ($19).
Sustainable Socks: Another perfect stocking stuffer is the non-toxic, made-in-America Farm to Feet collection of hiking and active socks. I love the lightweight but durable Boulder Crew sock ($18), crafted of Merino wool farmed in the Rocky Mountains.
Active Salve: Every active person’s skin takes a beating, especially if they’re prone to run, ski, or snowshoe outside throughout the winter. For skin protection and sore spots, I love this handmade Fountain of Youth Salve ($8, 1oz., aka “Boater Balm”) made by Megan Helbert, the wife of canoe guru and swiftwater rescue instructor Eli Helbert, from fully organic ingredients.
For Shredders: If you’re going big on the gift front and have a shredder on your list, the Jones Snowboards Mothership ($549) is a women’s freeride snowboard built with 100% FSC-certified wood (Forest Stewardship Council), recycled sidewalls, and VOC-free film topsheets (that replace the standard VOC plastic top sheet).
Organic Fuel: Kit’s Organic Fuit & Nut Bars ($17.99 for 12 bars/box) are one of the best quick, non-toxic, healthy workout fuel options available. Made with certified organic whole foods ingredients such as dates, almonds, barberries, bilberries, and sea salt, they are gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free.
Outdoor Aerobics: A perfect, non-toxic fit for winter running and Nordic or alpine skiing, Patagonia’s Women’s Merino 3 Midweight Zip-Neck ($125) is bluesign® approved and crafted from 100% recycled Capilene® polyester and Merino wool that is responsibly sourced from the grasslands of Patagonia and made without the use of chlorine. Wash it Consciously: A great, non-toxic stocking stuffer for active women, Nikwax BaseWash laundry detergent ($9.50, 10oz.) is designed specifically for is perfect for all fitness underwear in your post-workout laundry load. The good news: Nikwax is 100% water based and biodegradable and does not contain fluorocarbons/VOCs.
Advertising Partners
WVE is honored to have the support of the following companies this year that helped bring this guide to life and keep it a free resource for everyone, through their generous advertising support.
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