“Among my exercises one that pleases me particularly is the sirsasana, standing on the head with the palms of the hands, fingers interlocked, supporting the back of the head, elbows on the floor, body vertical, upside down. I suppose physically this exercise is very good; I liked it even more for its psychological effects on me. The slightly comic position increased my good humour and made me a little more tolerant of life’s vagaries.”
– Jawaharlal Nehru
In all the recent marketing-fueled hype and hoopla around Yoga, it is easy to forget that Yoga has been an intrinsic part of the lives of Indians, famous and ordinary, for a very long time. The International Day of Yoga, adopted by the United Nations in 2015 and observed on June 21st every year, is a recognition of this heritage. And since then, while it has become trendy for celebrities, politicians, and ordinary people to post pictures and videos in various yoga postures on social media, few can still match India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in the dexterity in the practice or the eloquence in the meaning of yoga!
Jawaharlal Nehru (Source: National Herald)
“Every tomorrow is determined by every today”
– Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi
Yoga has adapted to modern life over the years. And as with other aspects of our lifestyle where what we do today determines the outcome tomorrow, being environmentally conscious in the daily yoga routine must become a default option.
But, first, some background.
Yoga in the Modern Times
Today, the ancient practice of yoga has gained immense popularity the world over, with over 300 million practitioners worldwide! So widespread is its reach, that studies suggest over 1.7 million children in the USA alone, practice yoga regularly.
While many enthusiasts associate yoga with a mere fitness routine, the essence of yog is much deeper, beyond just breathing techniques and postures or asanas. A series of studies have shown that yoga helps in reducing stress and anxiety, managing depression, improving brain function, enhancing the quality of life of those suffering from chronic diseases like cancer and arthritis, and reducing the chances of heart disease. A caveat here is – Yoga is advised as a preventive routine and as a supplementary to those under medical treatment, and qualified supervision is recommended.
The word ‘yoga’ itself means union. Around 2,000 years ago, it was stated in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that there are 8 limbs of yoga. All the limbs (or parts of yoga) help a yogi connect with the universe on a deeper level. This is why practicing this ancient discipline, can help you lead a more planet-friendly life and connect with nature more closely.
5 Ways To A Planet-Friendly Yoga Routine
Here are 5 easy ways to get you started on a sustainable yoga routine:
Switch To Sustainable Yoga Accessories
If you attend a yoga class or even practice it yourself, you’ve likely invested in some essentials, like a yoga mat, blocks, or foam roller. Most of these accessories are made of plastic. Conventional yoga mats are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is both an environmental and health nightmare, as it isn’t biodegradable. When incinerated or buried in landfills, it releases dioxin, a known carcinogen.
The National Institute of Health associates areas around factories that use PVC with increased cancer risks. PVC contains phthalates, linked to both health and environmental impacts, in addition to other toxic additives. But if you already own a conventional yoga mat, don’t panic and toss it away!
It’s best to keep using the yoga gear that you already have until they wear out. And when they do, there are a ton of plastic-free options on the market. Consider purchasing yoga mats made from eco-friendly materials.
For example- Natural rubber, jute or cork mats are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than plastic or synthetic rubber. They are also more skin-friendly and prevent rashes or allergies.
One local brand you can try is Shakti Warrior. Their yoga mats are made from natural materials, such as hemp and tree rubber. Many of these yoga mats are printed with plant-based inks, which are better for the environment than conventional printing methods that use synthetic dyes.
Source: Shakti Warrior
Cork-based blocks too are a good alternative to foam-based alternatives. Kosha Yoga is another brand where you can find all kinds of eco-friendly accessories including meditation cushions, bricks, socks, belts and more. These are carefully crafted by yoga teachers themselves, so you can be certain of the quality!
If you look around some more, you can even find yoga bags and accessories made from recycled materials or organic cotton.
Pro-tip: If you aren’t fully sure of what to buy, try going in for second-hand yoga mats and accessories first. It will help prevent waste and also help you figure out what you need before you set out to shop. Borrow from a friend or ask around!
Clean Your Mat With Earth-Friendly Products
A great way to maintain your yoga accessories and make them last longer is to use organic cleaning products. For example, you can use natural all-purpose cleaners by Praanapoorna to clean your yoga mat.
If you want to go the DIY way, you can use lemon and lavender to make your own bio-enzyme cleaners. Lemon has anti-bacterial properties, and both lemon and lavender help keep odour away!
Check out our story on green cleaning methods to know more about the effective swaps you can make- Read it here.
Thrift Your Workout Clothes
It can be tempting to buy new yoga clothes, especially if you just signed up for a new class at an uber-cool yoga studio near home. However, you can enjoy a great yoga routine without the extra cost to your pocket or the planet!
Either reuse the loose comfy clothing you have at home (you can even reuse the gym clothes you have!) or opt to thrift. Not only does it save you from excessive shopping, but it’s also a safer option in case you decide yoga is not a long-term plan for you.
You can find pre-owned yoga clothes and accessories at popular online shops like Poshmark India, Kiabza, and OLX, or you can repurpose clothes from your closet. For more options, you can download apps like This for That and try pre-loaved clothing.
If you feel the need to buy a few new clothes anyway, there are local, sustainable brands that make organic clothing. Try brands like Satva and Proyog for some breezy and sustainable yoga wear option.
Volunteer To Make Your Yoga Studio More Eco-Friendly
Consider recommending eco-friendly options in your go-to yoga studio. Many green yoga studios use low VOC paint to minimize chemicals released into the air. Others invest in FSC-certified wood. FSC certification indicates that the wood is from a sustainable source. If structural changes seem like a big task at the moment, you can suggest eco-friendly swaps wherever possible. Some other suggestions –
- Introduce your batchmates to start eco-friendly mats, made of natural rubber or recycled cork. These products are safer for yoga students and cleaner than traditional mats.
- Help the studio managers swap out the plastic water coolers for glass jugs or good old-fashioned earthen matkas! This would work well if it’s a small, boutique studio with limited patrons.
- Suggest organic or natural alternatives when they stock up on bathroom essentials, cleaners, and more.
Take Your Practice Outside
The essence of yoga is minimalism. While an average gym routine is heavily dependent on equipment, air conditioning and appropriate indoor space, all yoga requires is your presence. To truly experience the joy of yoga, just take your yoga routine outdoors, either in the local park or even to your apartment balcony if space permits!
Outdoor yoga is much more beneficial for your body and mind than practicing in dim lighting. Natural elements like grass and earth will act as yoga props, as the soft grass and earth are easy on the knees and top of the head.
Natural elements like grass and earth will act as yoga props, as the soft grass and earth are easy on the knees and top of the head.
If you’re an early riser, trying an outdoor yoga routine first thing in the morning is also a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the stillness of nature. Not only will this make you feel calmer, but it will also help you appreciate and notice the green beauty all around you.
BONUS! If you’re feeling motivated to give this new routine a try, here are some yogic movements and practices that will bring you closer to nature:
- Start with a yoga practice that combines nature and animals. For example, the fish pose or Matsyasana helps with menstrual pain and combats fatigue! Similarly, the butterfly pose, Badhakonasana, and the Scorpian pose or Bhujangasana also help relieve body aches and improve your spinal strength. You’d be surprised at how many yoga asanas take inspiration from animals to help with specific problem areas in our bodies!
- Mountain pose or Tadasana is an excellent asana for grounding, which makes you feel stable and unwavering. To maximise your connection with nature, do this barefoot and feel the Earth beneath you.
- Tree pose or Vriksasana represents the steady stance of a tree and helps you improve balance.
If you do yoga, you already appreciate how transformational this discipline can be to your mind and body. By simply making sustainable choices when you pick your mat, clothes and accessories, you can make your routine more wholesome and rewarding.
Here’s wishing you all a very happy International Yoga Day!
