Green Yoga Guide: 8 Ways to Align Your Practice with the Planet
In the spirit of Earth Day, and every day thereafter, yogis around the world are turning their practice into a testament of sustainability. As practitioners of yoga, we often focus on the harmony and connection between our mind, body, and spirit. But it's equally important to consider our connection with the Earth and how our practice can impact the planet. Here are some mindful ways to make your yoga practice more sustainable, showcasing how small changes can make a big difference.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats & Props
Your yoga mat is where you spend countless hours in meditation, practice, and self-reflection. But is your mat reflecting your values? Many conventional yoga mats are made from PVC, a plastic that releases toxins during production and after disposal. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives made from all natural materials that biodegrade and don’t leach harmful chemicals.
At Scoria, we take pride in our eco-conscious yoga mats and props, designed with both your practice and the planet in mind. Our materials are sustainably sourced, and our entire production process is crafted to minimize energy use. By choosing these products, you're not only supporting sustainable business practices but also ensuring that your yoga practice is in line with your environmental values.
2. Conserve Energy in Your Yoga Space
If you practice yoga at home, make use of natural light as much as possible. For indoor lighting, choose LED bulbs—they use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Also, keep the room temperature moderated naturally by using fans in summer and dressing in layers during colder months instead of relying on heating.
3. Digitalize Your Practice
Minimize your carbon footprint by attending virtual yoga classes. This reduces travel and the associated emissions. Plus, digital courses often provide the flexibility to join from anywhere, ensuring you never miss a session while traveling or staying at home.
4. Clean Green
Most yoga mats need regular cleaning to maintain their hygiene. Our cork mats are naturally antimicrobial, so it is actually recommended to not clean them so often as they self-sanitize. This helps save waste and energy from using chemical cleaners. However, when cleaning your yoga mats or gear, avoid chemical cleaners; instead, opt for natural cleaning sprays or simple solutions of water and essential oils like tea tree or lavender, which have natural antibacterial properties. This small step can significantly reduce the number of harsh chemicals released into the environment. For our cork mats, we suggest very occasional cleaning with soap & water only.
5. Support Local Yoga Instructors and Local Businesses
Choosing to attend classes held by local instructors can have a positive impact on your community’s economy and reduce environmental costs associated with traveling further distances. Supporting local businesses helps reduce transportation emissions and promotes local economic growth. Find a local stockist that stocks Scoria and other sustainable, eco-friendly goodies here
6. Support Eco-Friendly Yoga Studios
When choosing a yoga studio, look for places that embody sustainable practices. Some studios go the extra mile by incorporating recycled materials into their decor, using renewable energy, or offering classes that educate about sustainability. By supporting these businesses, you contribute to a culture of environmental mindfulness within the yoga community.
7. Recycle and Upcycle Yoga Gear
Before throwing away any old yoga mats or props, consider if they can be donated, repurposed, or recycled. Here's one of our previous blog posts all about repurposing your old yoga mats in creative ways. Old yoga mats can serve as knee pads for gardening, or be donated to animal shelters for bedding. Look for local recycling programs that accept materials like rubber or cork.
8. Educate Yourself and Others
Part of practicing yoga is continual learning. Extend this to learning about environmental issues and sustainability. Educate yourself about the impact of certain materials and products on the environment, and share this knowledge within your community. Hosting a workshop on sustainable practices in yoga could inspire others to follow your lead.
Adopting these practices will ensure your yoga routine contributes positively to your well-being and the health of the planet. By making thoughtful choices about the materials we use, the energy we consume, and the habits we form, we can turn our yoga practice into a powerful act of ecological mindfulness.
This Earth Day, let’s commit to making our yoga practice a reflection of our respect for the Earth. Every pose, breath, and intention can be a step toward greater sustainability. Remember, in the words of the ancient yoga texts, we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Let your practice be part of a sustainable future.
With love,
Scoria World