Set The Bar with These Sustainable Business Practices

From our yoga studio’s in-house expert.
Picture of Katy Rohrer

Katy Rohrer

As an Amazon Associate, Breathe Together Yoga earns from qualifying purchases.

Looking up at the green tops of trees. Italy

One of the eight limbs of yoga is, “Do no harm.” When I think about doing no harm, I think about the amount of harm we can prevent from happening to our ecosystem and home, planet Earth.

My educational background is in climate-change adaptation, specifically focusing on human interaction with our environment. Everywhere around me, I try to implement practices of sustainable living while producing the least amount of waste I can. So, when I was asked to advise on sustainability practices at Breathe Together Yoga, I felt excited and up to the task. It’s difficult to run a profitable business while taking into consideration the many ways businesses and physical spaces use energy and resources. Luckily, the studio makes a concerted effort to be eco-friendly.

The first way to become a green-minded business is to consider how many items that might create waste are being provided for your clientele – from little things, such as providing single-use cups and utensils, to larger consumptive waste, like the amount of laundry and cleaning supplies used. Whenever possible, natural cleaning solutions, as well as reusable cleaning tools and cutlery can help maintain a neutral balance in your space. Encouraging the clientele to bring along their own towels, cups, etc. can be a great way to continue the trend.

Energy is another huge resource to pay attention to. Lights, computers, and thermostats are huge energy guzzlers that can easily be reduced. Being mindful to turn off all lights and electronics when they are not being used is important. Additionally, thermostats should only be in use when absolutely necessary, and, newer versions, like Nest, now have many energy-efficient settings.

By setting an example that sustainability mindfulness is important and integral to your business, you show your clients that you are creating a caring space while also encouraging other businesses to follow suit. Ultimately, by adapting to less wasteful and more sustainable practices, everyone benefits!

Picture of Katy Rohrer

Katy Rohrer

Katy is a California native whose studies and love for travel took her to Germany for two years and then Australia for another. She is receiving her Masters degree in Geography of Environmental Risk and Human Security and loves all things eco-friendly and sustainable. When she's not brushing up on climate change, she loves to cook with family and friends, ride her bike, travel the globe, and be around people as much as possible. She's always looking for smiles, views, and good times!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shine Your Way to Firefly | Izumi Sato

We aim to improve the flexibility of hamstrings and shoulders, as well as the strength in the arms, thigh adductors, and the core. Variations are offered to develop the sense of balance on the arms. It is an exploration of your own expression in Firefly, whatever stage of life you’re in.

Introduction to the Buddhist Mudras | Izumi Sato

Mudras are highly stylized and symbolized as non-verbal communication. In this introduction to the Buddhist mudras, we will learn five Buddhist mudras and the mudras of the five wisdoms, or five Buddhas. After learning the forms and meanings of the mudras, it’s fun to observe the arts such as Buddha sculptures and paintings.

Chanting Gayatri Mantra With Mudras | Izumi Sato

In this mantra, the 24 Mudras are practiced while chanting the Gayatri Mantra which has 24 syllables. Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, a Vedic sun deity. Among various translations of the mantra, I introduce the first line by Tias Little and the rest of the lines by Swami Vivekananda.

How Mindfulness Can Help You Navigate Social Media

Now that social media has become an extension of our own communities, a lot of negative perspectives and habits have made their way from the digital world to our real one. By becoming aware of your emotions and actions, you can get past the bad side of social media and enjoy the company of your social circle.

15-Minute Flow | Izumi Sato

Join us to practice Surya Namaskaram (Sun Salutations). Create space between your daily activities in the morning or any time of the day to practice yoga for 15 minutes.

Sun Salutations A, B, & C | Marcela Christjansen

This traditional Vinyasa practice focuses on Surya Namaskaras (Sun Salutations) A, B, and C. For beginners, this practice welcomes you to take your time and get acquainted with Sun Salutations. For more practiced yogis, this class offers a short yet energetic practice to break a sweat, refocus, and connect to the movement of your body.