Surely, you’ve seen your fair share of donation requests circulating at the office or on facebook, requesting money to support a marathoner and the runner’s charity of choice. But even if you’re not the type to run races or sign up for triathlons, your sweat and tears at the gym or the park can count for something. Sign up for Plus3Network.com, which teams up corporate sponsors, worthy causes and people like you.

Log in every mile you walk, run, bike or swim and a penny or more will go to the charity of your choice. It may not sound like a lot right away, but at the time this post was written, a total of $19,622.25  has already been raised by Plus 3 Network. And individual corporations can make a big difference like sustainable footwear brand Ahnu, which has pledged $10,000 to The Conservation Alliance. Other eco-minded choices include Pedro’s, a sustainable bike care company, which is raising money for the Environmental Defense Fund and Trek Bicycles, which is raising money for the Rails to Trails Conservancy.

Besides loving that Plus3Network.com helps raise money for great eco causes, we also love the extra motivation it provides to get moving and burn those calories! Even the simple act of tracking your workouts can bring motivation. Get your friends to sign up and they can see how much you’re sweating and raising. You can also form online teams and plan events to make it a fun way to keep yourself and the planet healthy.

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When we talk about personal care products, we often mention that they end up flowing down your drain to later enter waterways. While it might sound like a scare tactic, a new research study gives us even more proof that it can happen. The antibacterial chemical triclosan has been found in the blood of bottlenose dolphins living in areas where treated sewage is released.

Triclosan, a registered pesticide, is found in some toothpastes, soaps and deodorants to help control bacteria. For the same reason, garbage bags, cutting boards and socks are often treated with the chemical as well. Home sinks are the main route for triclosan to enter waterways. But even though 95 percent is removed during water treatment, it’s one of the most commonly found contaminants in rivers and estuaries near treatment plants.

This study measured levels in dolphins from South Carolina and Florida living in a harbor, a lagoon, an estuary and rivers. At this point, researchers don’t know how the accumulation affects the dolphins’ health, but it’s certainly an indication that we need to consider the bigger picture when making buying decisions. Click here to read more

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of the heavy on the meat, light on the carbs Atkins diet. But have you heard about the Eco-Atkins diet? This new eating plan isn’t just healthy for your waistline, it’s healthy for the planet, too, and a recent research study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests it may be a good option for heart health.

The Eco-Atkins diet is really just a vegetarian version of the famed original low-carb diet. Instead the meal plan stresses plant proteins from soy, nuts, fruits, vegetables, gluten, cereals and vegetable oils. Since you’re cutting out meat, one of the biggest contributors to global warming, you can call this diet a low-carbon diet as well. Plus, since this diet consists of plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, you’ll be able to buy a lot of local and organic food.

Atkins has always been criticized for raising bad choloesterol. An early look at the eco version however, seems to indicate it has plenty of heart-healthy benefits. Click here to read more

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