This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Member Wellness Program.

If you spend any time at all attending to your personal wellness, that right there is a victory. Self care is an investment – of time, energy and sometimes money.

 

But wouldn't it be even better if your wellness practices could also benefit the longevity of the planet? Turns out, you can do both. So we consulted the experts and research to explain just how you can do that without sacrificing the things you love.

 

For even more tips on how to be an eco-conscious creator, check out Studio Green @ ASCAP; our new campaign to build a more sustainable relationship between the music community and Mother Earth.

 

 

Unplug your workout

 

When it comes to keeping your workouts eco-friendly, you’ve got options. Opting for workouts that use less electricity is a great place to start, says Allie Guillerm Tichenor, creator of Pilates Punx.

 

“Modern technology is incorporated into so many things these days, from treadmills and spin bikes to workout mirrors,” she says. “Practices such as Pilates allow for work on machines that don't drain any resources, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.”

 

Better yet, you could take your workout outdoors – a far cry from that HIIT class with arena-grade light shows. Working out outside – whether that be running, cycling, yoga or body-weight training – is not only free and likely to require minimal equipment and resources, but simply being outside can do wonders for improving your mood and emotional well-being.

 

+ The Creative and Health Benefits of Going Outside

 

Park your car

 

If you drive, one of your most powerful choices to help cut down on environmental pollution is to minimize car use at every turn – something to keep in mind for any aspect of your wellness routine that involves travel, Tichenor says.

 

For example, if you’re regularly driving to the grocery store to buy produce, consider the frequency of your trips. Could you buy more with each visit and batch-cook or freeze meals for later in the week?

 

If you’ve got multiple errands to run, consider plotting out your route in advance to allow you to hit several stops along the same trip. And it’s not like you have to drive everywhere, either; why not knock out the stops closer to you on foot or by bike and sneak in some bonus steps?

 

If you happen to live somewhere with reliable public transit, that’s a great resource to use to your advantage. Not only will you save money on gas, but you’ll also almost certainly find that hopping on the subway or bus is more efficient and less stressful than dealing with finding and paying for parking.

 

 

Reduce your plastic use

 

Like most people, there’s probably more plastic in your life than you’d like. It’s difficult to avoid, since we don’t have control over the packaging and materials that brands choose to use. However, you do have control over the brands you choose to support. For example, a lot of wellness brands make use of recycled and recyclable materials, and many others offer refills for products already purchased.

 

You can also take steps to reduce your daily plastic use by reaching for reusable water bottles and cups instead of disposable ones. Similarly, cooking meals at home, and using your own plates and silverware, is a reliable way to sidestep the mountain of throwaway materials that are inherent in ordering takeout.

 

The same applies to grocery shopping; do you really need to come home with nine plastic bags that are heading straight for the trash, or could you pick up a few high-quality reusable bags that will serve you for years to come?

 

 

Consider shifting some of your power usage to solar

 

This might sound daunting at first, but hear us out; shifting some of your electricals to solar is not only good for the environment, but it is a lot easier than you think. It will also chip away at your electrical bills.

 

There are quite a few companies out there that sell individual solar panels designed specifically for consumer use that can easily be placed in apartment windows (no professional installation required) and used to power pretty much any part of your routine that relies on electricity.

 

Sure, you’ll more than likely need to stay on the grid for your major home electricals, such as built-in lights, and probably your larger appliances. But with a solar panel or two you can charge phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, SAD lamps and more. Many of these companies also sell mini generators that can store the electricity from your solar panels, which means you won't need a sunny forecast in order to power your devices.

 

According to Energy.gov, shifting to solar power can help offset greenhouse gas emissions and other dangerous pollutants, including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and even reduce water consumption.

 

 

Incorporate more local produce into your diet

 

Taking the time to research where your food is coming from is another way to have a positive impact on the environment while looking after your own health. If there are farmer's markets nearby, try prioritizing those over the grocery store for your produce needs as much as possible.

 

“Wellness routines include food just as much as movement,” Tichenor says. “By finding local farms you can know exactly where your food is coming from and exactly what you are putting into your body.”

 

If a farmer’s market isn’t an available option, you can still compare where different products at the grocery store are coming from and choose the items that are sourced nearest to your location.

 

Tichenor also suggests familiarizing yourself with when your favorite fruits and vegetables are in season in your region. When you buy things that aren’t currently in season locally, that typically means those items are being imported or shipped from the places where they are currently in season – and those supply chains and the associated emissions aren’t doing the environment any favors.

 

 

Power down at night

 

Limiting your use of electronics at night isn’t just good for your sleep hygiene; it’s also another way to minimize your electricity usage and, by extension, your electric bills.

 

Rather than relying on a TV show or scrolling through social media to lull you to sleep, consider reading a book, meditating or even taking a bath to help you sink into a more relaxed state.

 

+ The Benefits of Quality Sleep for Creators (And How to Get More of It)

 

“Working in the music industry, creators are so used to sounds and stimulation. But turning it all off is going to be what ultimately gets you the best uninterrupted sleep,” Tichenor says.

 

“No TVs creating blue light, no phones pinging. Just shut it off, unplug and sleep soundly knowing that you've made some sustainable wellness habit changes for your own good, and that of the environment.”