Paperless Personal Training May Ease Current Ecological Burden

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NEWS FEATURE:

For many businesses, including personal training, the paperless office once predicted never transpired. Today, 95 percent of companies are still estimated to store their information on paper. Yet, paper manufacturing is one of the world’s largest users of fossil fuels and natural resources, which could equate to an ecological disaster. This knowledge has prompted some health businesses to trial paperless personal training. 

The International Institute for Environment and Development estimates that worldwide usage of paper, per person, is more than 48 kilograms per year. Plus, paper production is increasing, with the Confederation of European Paper Industries stating that during 2010 the average quarterly production of pulp had risen by 9 percent.

What is Paperless Personal Training?

However, not all businesses are adding to this ecological burden. Gregory Stark, founder and director trainer of Better Being, a personal training venue in New South Wales, uses paper-reduced methods in his business. Stark says this is because he’s driven to make paperless personal training ‘a trend that catches on.’ 

“We use an online customer relationship management system, and our trainers have an iPad,” said Stark. Our trainers can have pre-exercise questionnaires and personal health plans at their fingertips. In addition, this saves the use of four pieces of paper per client,” he said.

How Does Paperless Personal Training Reduce Ecological Burden?

Stark says that his system is more effective, limits paperwork, and encourages trainers and possibly clients to be more careful of paper usage. Plus, it makes his trainers ‘more aware’ of how they use resources and protect the planet from climate change. 

“We conduct our services predominately in the great outdoors,” said Stark. “We encourage our trainers to think before they print. They have alternative resources. This, hopefully, encourages clients to do the same,” he said.

Is Paperless Personal Training Impacting Climate Change?

Stark does not feel carbon emissions contribute to or increase global warming. Instead, he feels that the temperature changes that we are currently experiencing are a part of our natural ecology, as with the Ice Age in prehistoric times. However, as he says, this does not mean we cannot develop sound ecological practices that reduce our impact on the earth.

Are Other Health Businesses Looking Towards Paperless Operations?

David Hall, a physiotherapist, personal trainer, and facilitator, is another health and fitness practice operator who considers paperless personal training essential for the environment’s good. As an environmentalist, he considers how his work impacts the planet before carrying out his daily duties.

“I have a long-term involvement as a volunteer with environmental groups, including The Wilderness Society and Beyond Zero Emissions,” said Hall. “I have a variety of ways to decrease environmental impact. I use 100 percent green power and, where possible, use services and select venues that do the same. I limit paper use and, as a wellness trainer, I often refer to the importance of protecting our green spaces and air quality,” he said. “I also refer interstate work to local providers to reduce travel emissions. Plus, part of my work activity includes cycle trips that have a sustainable focus.”

How are Wellness Practices Striving to Incorporate Paperless Personal Training in Daily Operations?

Hall aims to inspire others through example. This includes daily use of paperless personal training and wellness training. He also facilitates using environmental practices through organisations and supports worthwhile ecological causes.

“I think we are in strife because the financial bottom line seems to trump the social and environmental bottom lines,” said Hall. “I, like anthropologist Jared Diamond, am cautiously optimistic, as I agree that our current behaviour is heading towards the collapse of all that we hold dear, along with the resources that sustain us,” he said. “This is very hard to watch, especially now that I am a father.”

How Important is Going Paperless?

Hall firmly believes that we are all responsible for the environment that sustains us. 

“This is not simply an interest,” he said. “This is a requirement for our survival.”

“All of us who value our lives and the lives of our loved ones are concerned about the environment. We have different ways of expressing this,” said Hall. “Some of us choose to face this fear and take affirmative action. Others make a loud blocking noise of protest and state that the fear is unjustified. They insist that we do not influence global warming,” he said. “These head-in-the-sand pundits, such as Tony Abbott, leader of the opposition, are slowing down progress and need to be braver.”

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