About 97% of all scientists agree on a detrimental climate change existing and that we human beings are responsible for this change. Special gratitude is attributed to Greta Thunberg and the Fridays for Future movement for sustainability increasingly having come into focus with more and more persons trying out in how to adapt to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Even small changes can make a difference. Therefore, we would to make a few suggestions, how you can also live more sustainably through Yoga.
1. Yoga Wear
When buying Yoga clothing, we recommend checking them closely, if they come from a sustainable and fair production. For example, our Yoga Wear is made from renewable natural and recycled materials, their cultivation abstains from using pesticides and artificial fertilizers and water is used as sparingly as possible. The benefit of sustainable Yoga clothing is not only that it is produced in an environmentally friendly way, but its quality is excellent and lasts longer, giving you the benefit of having to buy less. We design trendy styles for all of our Yoga collections, which can be combined in a variety of ways and worn for a longer period of time.
2. Yoga Equipment
The most basic equipment of every Yogi is the Yoga mat. When buying it, make sure that the Yoga mat is made out of natural rubber or from some other non-slip natural material. Yoga mats are often produced from synthetic materials, see if they contain a certain percentage amount of mineral oil. As mineral oil is a limited resource, it should be used sparingly. To keep your Yoga mat as long-lasting as possible, wipe it regularly with a damp cloth or a mat cleaner. Also, when using the mat, always make sure that your hands and feet are clean.
In addition to the Yoga mat, another equipment is popular with Yogis as well, a Yoga block. When purchasing one, we advise checking, if it has been produced entirely out of natural materials, such as cork. You can keep your block clean by also wiping it regularly with a damp cloth. Yoga support belts are usually made out of cotton or Polyester. A Yoga support belt out of organic cotton is the best sustainable solution. If need be, the support belt can even be easily washed in the washing machine.
When selecting a meditation cushion, see if the coverlet is removable so that it can be washed. The filling inside the cushion should consist out of a natural material, such as the split husks of spelt or buckwheat. The same applies to buying other equipment made out of a natural substance, e.g. organic cotton.
3. On your way to Yoga
How about doing your part in protecting our environment when you are on your way to the Yoga Shala. Instead of buying a plastic bottle of water when you go outside and about, why not purchase a reusable water bottle which you can fill at home with drinking water or any other beverage of your choice. Our favorites are the S'well Bottles, they keep the fluid content cold for 24 hours and warm for 12 hours. Such a bottle is a handy All-Rounder, also for winter mornings, you can fill it with hot tea or coffee.
Shoes made from natural materials, such as cotton or natural rubber, contribute to using the resources of our planet sparingly. You can even make your shoes water-repellent by gently rubbing the fabric with a white candle. Avoid buying leather shoes when you go shopping for shoes the next time. You would contribute to protecting our environment in not only reducing the rearing of cattle that consume a lot of CO2 but also the tanning of leather whereby large amounts of pollutants are discharged uncontrolled into the water.
Why not using your bike to get as CO2-neutrally as possible to your Yoga studio. Maybe there is a quiet forest or park nearby that you can breeze through. Riding a bike takes the hustle and bustle out of everyday life and helps you to relax. If you do not own a bike or it would to take too long to ride, public transport is the greenest option. If you don’t have access to it, try forming a carpool.
4. Laundry
After Yoga, it is best to wash your clothes as soon as possible in the washing machine. If you did not sweat or only have transpired slightly during Yoga, certainly, you can wear your clothes more than once. Remove small stains with a damp cloth, so you do not have to wash the whole garment. The less you use your washing machine, the better for the environment. Make sure to fully load your washing machine and to avoid using softeners. It is best to resort to a bio-detergent without microplastic, since most conventional detergents contain tiny particles of plastic which are released into the environment during washing process. Additionally, for synthetic clothing, such as our Printed Leggings out of Recycled Polyester, we recommend using the Guppyfriend Washing Bag.
