21 Tips for Developing a Sustainable Yoga Business
Sustainability is a core value and founding principle of Aquamarine Yoga. So what does that mean?
“Sustainability” is a buzz word that gets used in myriad and sometimes incoherent ways. I understand sustainability as a way of cultivating balanced and meaningful relationships that continue over time. This generally includes ecologically responsible behavior that supports longterm practice and prosperity. Sustainability is not really an option but a necessity at this point on our planet! When a business (or a whole society for that matter) is not thriving, it’s all the more reason to focus on sustainable development. Aquamarine Yoga wants to thrive as a sustainable business. Sustainability integrates mindful economic, social, and environmental behavior. It takes into account the holistic well-being of a business in all its relations. As such, it can be challenging to initiate, map, and measure!
For help in the early stages of this process, I reached out to Anam Kazim, a very insightful sustainability advisor and entrepreneurial project manager whom I recently met in a career development workshop. Anam and I had an encouraging meeting in which we discussed possibilities for sustainable development at Aquamarine Yoga. Our brainstorm led to a dynamic list of initiatives (see below) that I’m happy to share. A whole lifetime could be devoted to just one or two initiatives on this list, so it’s not meant to be a checklist! Nor is it an exhaustive account. It’s simply a reference point for yogis interested in sustainable development.
Sustainable development in business can be analyzed by the 3Ps, the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit. You can read more about this in my previous post “Yoga and the Sustainable Development Goals”.
To develop sustainably, a business needs to honor:
People: respect and protect the well being of all those involved in the business operations by engaging in fair exchanges that uphold the safety and dignity of the workplace, the quality of work, and the equitable access to its products and services
Planet: respect and protect the planet’s natural resources, the environment, wildlife, and public spaces by conserving energy when possible and accounting for the environmental impact of the business
Profit: respect and protect the financial stability required to maintain internal organization of the business as well as external partnerships that generate profit without compromising people and planet
With self-compassion, it’s important to remember that every step (including forward steps, back steps, and pivots) can be a meaningful experience. Our work is not a race; it’s a dance!
It can be helpful to have short-term and longterm goals. May the 21 Tips here support you in your own goal-setting for sustainable development and/or remind you of the value in the sustainable work you’re doing already.
Courage!
Sandi H.
Aquamarine Yoga
p.s. please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section and expand the conversation! What other initiatives would you include in this list?
Aquamarine Yoga
21 Tips
for Developing a Sustainable Yoga Business
by Anam Kazim and Sandi Higgins
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1) Reduce waste
Encourage students to bring their own water bottles and towels instead of providing single-use plastic and disposable ones. Use refillable soap dispensers in the bathrooms and provide recycling bins (and composting bins where applicable) in the studio. Minimize paper waste by using digital platforms for scheduling, registration, and communication.
2) Use eco-friendly materials
Choose yoga mats, props, and clothing made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, responsibly cultivated natural rubber, and recycled or repurposed materials. Use what you’ve already got and stop buying new products made from harmful synthetic materials and those that contribute to environmental degradation.
3) Find local & ethical suppliers
Source as many products as possible from local suppliers who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses.
4) Offset carbon emissions
Calculate the carbon footprint of your yoga business and consider neutralizing it by investing in carbon offset projects.
5) Sustainable studio design
When designing or renovating your yoga studio, opt for sustainable building materials and practices. Use non-toxic paints and finishes, choose energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and prioritize natural elements. Use live plants to energize the space and improve the air quality!
6) Practice energy-efficiency
Install energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, in the studio. Use natural lighting whenever possible and ensure windows are properly insulated. Consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels to power the studio.
7) Eco-friendly merchandise
Sell merchandise that also prioritizes items made from sustainable materials and produced under fair labor conditions. Partner with eco-conscious brands or local artisans who create sustainable products.
8) Educate, inspire, encourage
Educate your community about sustainability by discussing the importance of environmental stewardship and respect for the planet. Encourage students to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives and provide resources on how to do so, such as sharing delicious recipes for more plant-based meals.
9) Community involvement
Engage with the local community through events and workshops focused on sustainability and environmental awareness. Participate in the efforts of other organizations and lead your own community clean-up initiatives.
10) Continuous improvement
Regularly assess your sustainability practices and look for areas of improvement. Seek feedback from students and staff on how to make your yoga business more sustainable and implement their suggestions. Stay updated on new sustainable practices and technologies.
When possible, and within one’s scope of practice:
11) Provide affordable access to classes
Offer free or discounted classes to underserved communities and individuals facing financial hardships.
12) Offer equitable training programs
Provide support for BIPOC and LGBTQ students and individuals from historically marginalized communities to practice yoga and train to become yoga teachers.
13) Support social causes
Hold classes, workshops, and retreats that donate proceeds to local charities and provide educational outreach for social causes such as veterans welfare, addiction recovery, the ethical treatment of animals, ending hunger and poverty.
14) Yoga for special needs
Partner with schools and organizations to support children and adults with special needs.
15) Yoga for senior centers
Partner with retirement homes and senior centers to support physical and mental well-being in older adults.
16) Yoga for mental health
Partner with local mental health organizations to promote mental health and hygiene.
17) Yoga for incarcerated individuals
Partner with prisons and correctional facilities to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates.
18) Yoga for trauma survivors
Partner with shelters and other organizations to support the well-being of survivors of trauma, sexual violence, and domestic violence.
19) Support conservation groups
Donate a portion of profits to environmental organizations and provide yoga classes with and for local conservation groups.
20) Eco-tourism yoga retreats
Host eco-friendly yoga retreats to promote sustainable travel and support local communities when traveling.
21) fun, peace, and joy
Make sure you stay connected within yourself to the sustainable energy that powers your work. This probably includes a conscious connection to fun, peace, and joy.
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21 Tips for Developing a Sustainable Yoga Business by Anam Kazim and Sandi Higgins, Aquamarine Yoga - Nov. 2023
Anam Kazim can be contacted for inquiries about sustainable business coaching by Email & LinkedIn
Sandi Higgins can be contacted for inquiries about yoga and sustainability by Email & LinkedIn
