The Sustainable Yogi: 8 Mindful Swaps for a Planet-Friendly Practice

Yoga is all about balance—between mind, body, spirit, and the world around us. As more yogis embrace conscious living, sustainability is becoming a natural extension of practice. After all, how can we seek harmony within ourselves without also caring for the Earth? Here are 8 easy yet powerful ways to align your yoga practice with the planet.

1. Choose Sustainable Mats & Props
Your mat is your sanctuary—but not all mats honour the Earth. Many are made from PVC, which is harmful to produce and dispose of. Instead, look for mats crafted from natural, biodegradable materials. At Kedgeree, our eco-friendly mats and props are made with sustainably sourced materials, designed to support your flow while protecting the planet.

2. Let Nature Light the Way
If you practice at home, embrace natural light where possible. For evenings, swap to LED bulbs—they save energy and last much longer. Adjust the room temperature with fans or layers instead of heavy heating or cooling to keep your practice eco-conscious.

3. Go Digital When You Can
Virtual yoga classes reduce unnecessary travel and carbon emissions while giving you flexibility. Whether you’re away or at home, you can still connect with your practice and your teacher.

4. Clean the Green Way
Cork mats, like ours, are naturally antimicrobial—so they self-clean without needing frequent washes. When cleaning is necessary, avoid harsh chemicals. A simple mix of water with essential oils like tea tree or lavender keeps your mat fresh and eco-friendly. 

5. Support Local Teachers & Makers
Attending classes with local instructors or buying from local wellness brands reduces your footprint while supporting your community. Small businesses often carry more sustainable, thoughtfully crafted goods too.

6. Choose Eco-Friendly Studios
Seek out studios that practice what they preach—whether that’s renewable energy, recycled decor, or sustainability-focused classes. Your support helps grow a greener yoga culture.

7. Repurpose Old Mats & Gear
Before tossing an old mat, see how it can be reused—animal shelters welcome them as bedding, and they make excellent gardening knee pads. Some recycling programs even accept cork or rubber mats.

8. Share & Inspire
Yoga is a journey of continual learning. Educate yourself about sustainability and share what you know—through conversations, workshops, or community classes. You might inspire others to walk the same path.

By weaving these mindful choices into your practice, every breath and asana becomes an act of care—for yourself and for the Earth. As yogis, we are reminded: the Earth isn’t something we inherit; it’s something we borrow from future generations. Let’s practice in a way that honours that truth.

with love,

Kedgeree Design