Five Ways to Practice Yoga in an Environmentally Friendly Way

Practicing yoga involves physical, mental and spiritual practices. Part of the mental and spiritual practice is to be aware of the affects we have on the world that supports us. This is why so many teachers and practitioners of Yoga also practice the most sustainable and green lifestyle that they can. There are many ways that each of us can live lives that are less harmful to the environment, but here are five ways that are specific to Yoga.

Source – myyogaonline

Save electricity – In comparison to many forms of exercise, in gyms or swimming for example where machines are needed to heat water, exercise on or pump out distracting music, Yoga is inherently low in its consumption of electricity. Using a space that is naturally lit and ventilated (outdoors is perfect!) reduces the consumption of electricity to zero. I doesn’t come any lower carbon emission than that.

Transport – Think about how you travel to your lessons. Cycle or walk to lessons, or use buses or car sharing. The exercise from walking or cycling is better for your health. The reduced fuel use and exhaust fumes are better for the world. Car sharing is also a great way to get to know others students in your class.

Eco Friendly Equipment – Get an eco friendly yoga mat. The typical PVC yoga mats may be cheaper to buy in the short term, but they are massively damaging to the environment, both in their manufacture and in their inability to biodegrade. Look for natural organic cotton or natural rubber mats as an alternative, not only are these greener but they are generally much better quality, making them last longer and superior to use.

Clothing and Shoes – The clothing worn during Yoga sessions is vital to being comfortable, so it is worth thinking through your outfit to find out what will work for you. You’ll find any good quality apparel will last longer than cheaper alternatives. You can always save money by buying second hand, and purchases from charity shops have the additional bonus of doing some good while you get a shopping fix. Working in natural fibres such as cotton is often better for exercise than the non-breathable less natural fibres.

The Right Yoga Group – Yoga groups and classes differ vastly; ask before you join about the class’s and teacher’s ethos. Do they consider environmental impact, and ecological issues? You’ll find that most do, it is important to most teachers that they live within the teachings of Yoga.

This guest article was written by Marcus Yogaman, who organizes yoga holidays in Italy with Sardinia Yoga and also runs ExerciseBallsCompare.com