How can I make my yoga workout sustainable?

The climate crisis is considered one of the greatest challenges of our time. Therefore, responsible behavior is becoming increasingly integrated into the daily lives of more and more people.

For example, the number of people who frequently abstain from animal products in their diet is increasing significantly: According to the 2020 Veganz nutrition study, around 20.5 percent of the population in Switzerland are flexitarians. This means that these individuals abstain from meat on at least three days a week. Around 2.6 percent even follow a vegan diet – and this number is rising.

There are numerous other ways to make your lifestyle more sustainable. Did you know that you can also make your yoga workout more sustainable?

We've put together some exciting tips to help you make your yoga sessions more climate-friendly. With a few small changes, you can make an important contribution to greater sustainability .

What role does sustainability play in yoga?

Sustainability is a complex issue, an interplay of many small sub-areas. Our ecosystem is closely linked to economic factors. This ranges from conscious food consumption and choosing fairly produced clothing to foregoing certain environmentally harmful habits, such as regularly driving downtown to shop.

Every decision we make daily impacts our ecological footprint. Sustainability is therefore extremely important, especially for yogis who strive to live in harmony with their environment .

Often, certain aspects are overlooked, which we can easily change: For example, how many yogis shop at organic markets but then perform their asanas in fast-fashion yoga pants that release a lot of microplastics when washed?

Sustainability in yoga should always be holistic. Or at least, that's the goal. Because let's be honest: none of us are perfect. But the will to make a positive difference and to act mindfully is an important goal, especially for yogis. And this goal can be achieved with relatively little effort.

How can I make my yoga routine sustainable and environmentally friendly?

To make your yoga workout sustainable, you need high-quality, durable equipment. It's especially important to choose equipment made from natural materials that are environmentally friendly and avoid unnecessary waste . This will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production and disposal of the products.

The less you consume and need to replace, the better for the climate . For this reason, it can sometimes be a better choice to reuse existing equipment instead of buying something new. For example, you can buy or borrow used yoga equipment to continue using it.

If you're looking for something "new," products made from recycled materials are a great option. This way, you can save valuable resources like raw materials and energy – and ultimately reduce greenhouse gases – and do something good for the environment.

Sustainability and sportswear? A perfect match!

You can lay the foundation with your clothing choices. Since sustainability is already a major focus for many manufacturers of sportswear , you'll find a wide selection of sports leggings, yoga pants, tops, sports underwear, and more in relevant shops.

Here, it's especially important to pay attention to the composition of the materials and the production conditions . You can find detailed information on this topic in our article about sustainable yoga wear. Furthermore, our new online shop offers a comprehensive selection of suitable yoga wear made from recycled nylon.

Assembling sustainable yoga equipment

You can also choose your yoga equipment based on sustainability criteria. For example, look around in second-hand shops, at flea markets, or on classifieds websites. Often you can find nearly new yoga equipment there, which someone else is passing on for a small fee.

Whether it's a water bottle, yoga block, or yoga mat – finding a good deal on some of these items allows you to give high-quality yoga equipment a second life while also avoiding unnecessary waste. Many people are even happy to give sports equipment as a gift. So it's definitely worth taking a closer look at the available offers.

If you want to treat yourself to something new, you absolutely don't have to feel guilty . Even brand new, your water bottle or yoga mat can be sustainable.

At LUVIYO, we use recycled PET and biodegradable natural rubber in the production of our mats. This combination of materials makes our yoga mats particularly durable and easy to care for . So you can be sure that you're making a sustainable investment.

Planning a sustainable yoga session holistically

You can be climate-friendly in the entire design of your yoga sessions. Often it's the little things that make the crucial difference when it comes to sustainability:

• Short distances: Whenever possible, do your yoga session at home. Every trip you avoid by car or public transport saves greenhouse gases . Although buses, trams, and the like would clearly perform better in this regard. Alternatively, you can hop on your bike or perhaps even walk.
• Create the right atmosphere: A natural environment has been proven to lower stress levels , providing the perfect setting for a yoga workout with lasting relaxation or energizing effects. Asanas are particularly well-suited to nearby parks, and they're also ideal for group practice. At home, you can create your own personal oasis that will allow you to benefit from your workout in the long term. Just a few houseplants are enough. Let your intuition guide you on how much greenery you want in your home.
• Easy-care, durable materials: Choose sustainable yoga equipment that can be easily cleaned with a reusable cloth. This way, you can benefit from your sustainable yoga equipment for a long time.
• Snacks: Your diet can also be part of your sustainable yoga workouts. Prepare healthy treats from fresh, organic ingredients that will give you a real energy boost before or after your yoga session. Packing these in a reusable container will help you avoid unnecessary packaging waste from protein bars and similar items . You can replenish your fluids with freshly brewed teas, which you can carry in your reusable water bottle.

Designing a sustainable yoga workout

If sustainability is important to you as a yogi, you probably already place great emphasis on mindfulness. With our tips and suggestions, you can now make your yoga workout even more sustainable.

You can start with an inventory and then gradually work your way forward: Where are you already using sustainable yoga equipment, and where and how can you expand your equipment? Which yoga routines and habits could you change to be more climate-friendly?

Once you've identified your own potential, you can easily develop it. We hope you enjoy perfectly tailoring your yoga sessions to your sustainable lifestyle .