As every new year begins, many are counting calories and crowding into overpriced eco-unfriendly gyms. Not only is a gym membership expensive, it can be a waste of money once you get in the momentum of not going to the gym, or going for 20 minutes and leaving with a smoothie. The gym is also swimming with germs, despite any efforts to wipe down the sweat-covered treadmills. Choosing Green methods of exercise doesn't only save energy or save you money, it can also save you from getting sick! Try some of these time (and money!) saving green fitness tips that will leave you feeling your best:  

Incorporate Exercise to Your Routine: When you limit exercising to a specific time, you can find yourself feeling free to make lazy choices. Making an effort to take the stairs or bike to work will make it less crucial for you to schedule an exercise time since you'll be getting regular exercise naturally.  

Choose Minimalist Exercises: Why break the bank for an elliptical machine that will eventually end up being used as a coat rack, when you can jog, jump rope or do yoga? Youtube and various fitness websites offer free workout videos and sites like Yoga for Beginners makes it easy to learn any yoga pose.  

Exercise with a Friend: Many feel too lazy or lack discipline to exercise on their own. Find a friend to run or do a workout video with twice a week. You'll stay focused and have more fun.

Find a Way to Make it Fun: Jog with your dog, swim or invest in a small trampoline. Anything you can do to make it feel less like exercise. Try to do squats or pushups while you watch TV.  

Don't Focus on Losing Weight: Try to get in better shape rather than weighing yourself every time you exercise. As long as you are staying active regularly you are bound to see results after a few weeks. Focus on having fun and improving your health rather than fixating on a goal weight.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $7,000 on food annually. The Department of Agriculture estimates that at least 25% of this food is wasted, and the learned “garbologists” at the University of Arizona Garbage Project say it is closer to 50%.   Let's use 33%. That means each of our families throws away $2,300 annually simply by buying too much food. You can easily cut this in half, saving over $1000 a year. Here, in logical order, are the Top 10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste:

1. Look in your cupboards and fridge to see what's on hand. Start with these ingredients and create a weekly menu.
2. When doing your menu planning, stick to what your family will eat. Save the experiments for your "out of home" experiences with family and friends.
3. Once your plan is complete, make a shopping list that fills in what you still need in order to serve the meals on the weekly menu.
4. Now, head to the store. Shop from the list and stick to it. No impulse buys. No big sales.
5. When you're shopping in the meat, dairy, produce or bread aisle, check the "last sale dates" on packages. Don't buy what won't last at least a week. This is especially important when viewing the "Manager's Specials" which are invariably within a few days of spoiling.
6. Ready to cook? Serve smaller portions and let people take seconds if still hungry. Remember, what stays on the plate becomes garbage. What stays on the platter becomes tomorrow's soup, salad, or sandwich.
7. All done eating? Split leftovers into convenient, easy-to-use servings and put in airtight containers.
8. Now, when you put the leftovers in the fridge, rotate food so the freshest is in the back. To ensure success, use masking tape and a pencil to label the containers with the contents and the date when first served.
9. When going out to eat, try sharing meals. It's economical and environmentally friendly.
10. And finally, if you've got a hankering for fast food, don't fall for "supersize" meals and deals unless you plan on taking the excess home and promise to eat all of it within 2 days.