Eco-Yoga: What We Can Do
Yoga is a spiritual practice, with principles to guide our actions in everyday life. Every one of these principles moves us towards less negative impact: on the people around us, on ourselves, and on the environment.
About a year ago, I donated all of my yoga mats (I had 6, in different colors) to Goodwill Industries and purchased an eco-friendly Yoga mat, made without PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). My yoga blocks were made from renewable cork, so they already met my new “green” standard for my Yoga props.
There are easy things we can all do, as Yoga practicioners, or just as global citizens that want to make a difference in how we live on this planet and use resources. Below, is my top 10 list of actions we can take to be Green Everyday Yoginis!
Top 10 Eco-actions for Yoga Practicioners:
1. Ask your local Yoga studio to ‘Go Green’
2. If your studio sells retail items, ask them to stock eco-friendly products
3. Find your way to Yoga class with public transportation
4. Buy yourself Eco-friendly Yoga Products (hopefully from your studio, that you asked to stock them!)
5. Use a natural cleaner for your new, eco-friendly Yoga mat
6. Use soy wax, or other non-petrolatum candles during your home practice
7. When buying cute new Yoga togs, focus on companies selling eco-friendly, renewable-resource clothing
8. Nourish your body, and your Yoga practice, with local, organic food
9. Join, and participate in, an organization that supports your values, your community, and the world.
10. Spread the word! Tell your friends what you are doing and ask them to join you!
How do you “green” your practice and your life? I’m looking forward to hearing from you…
