In yoga traditions, our connection to the Earth is an important part of the practice. The word yoga is derived from sanskrit yuj, which means “union”(1). This “union” mentioned so often in yoga texts extends beyond our physical bodies. It encompasses the metaphysical and natural worlds including other people and living things. That’s part of why an essential aspect of practicing yoga is caring deeply about our planet and its inhabitants. To be a yogi is to be an environmentalist. 

This concept of unity with our planet can guide our yoga practices and the way we live our lives. With a bit of effort and practice, we can all embrace being environmentally mindful and develop some beneficial habits. In this post, we’ll explore environmentalism as an expression of yoga ethics. We’ll also share easy tips to help reduce your carbon footprint and adopt sustainable ways.

YOGIC ETHICS and ENVIRONMENTALISM

Environmental stewardship is essential to our practice of yoga’s core ethical principles (yamas and niyamas). These ethical rules were codified in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational philosophical yogic text (2). Modern yogis can use these yamas as guides to navigate our planet’s environmental challenges. 

AHIMSA: NON-VIOLENCE/ ACTIVE LOVE

Ahimsa, the first yama, teaches us to do no harm. It is the yama most apparently connected to conservation. We can attempt to make lifestyle choices that will do the least harm to our planet whenever possible. Each of our actions has an impact on the environment. Everyday choices like what we eat, buy, utilize, and how we dispose of it can impact our bodies, minds, communities, and our planet. 

For guidance on how to minimize your carbon footprint and potentially improve your health, check out our Eating For The Planet article and our Conscious Eating Series.  They will help you learn how to build environmental ethical and mindful eating habits into your daily routine through:

• Meal planning to reduce waste
  
• Optimal food storage methods
• Zero- waste shopping
• Yogic values of food
• Navigating food labels
• Eating seasonal
• Understanding food sources
• Simple urban gardening
• Advantages of a plant based diet

Also, get inspired to cook healthier with Yoga District’s wonderful vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free recipes. 

Another way to practice ahimsa is to be a conscious consumer! Learn in our Conscious Consumption Guide how to shop sustainably (shrinking the ecological footprint of your purchases). Additionally, if you care about decreasing your consumerism (being more environmentally sustainable) then our Upcycling Guide has a lot of helpful tips. 

You can also check out our Recycling Guide and Energy Saving Guide for more suggestions on how to practice environmental ahimsa. Of course, recycling and living greener are always noble actions but not always easy tasks to accomplish. If you keep trying and practicing then it will get easier!

SATYA: TRUTHFULNESS 

Satya is another yama, and it teaches us to live honestly. Living with satya challenges a person to engage with the truth every day. It inspires us to find our voices and speak up for what we believe in when necessary. 

To live your truth, you can reflect on your values. Let that steer you to how you can best serve our planet. Is it through wanting to protect green spaces? Or reaching out to your congress member to help enact needed policy changes? If yes, then our Climate Policy Outreach Guide provides useful suggestions. Or maybe you are interested in helping in a more localized way, like community gardens or other forms of mutual aid.

ASTEYA: NON-STEALING and BRAHMACHARYA: RIGHT USE OF ENERGY 

Practicing the yamas of asteya and brahmacharya on an environmental level means being conscious of our use of the Earth’s resources. Also, these yamas can guide us toward the right use of our energy in our efforts to live greener. 

Earth’s resources are to be used thoughtfully. They should be shared among its inhabitants as fairly as possible. On a personal level, consider which environmental efforts you want to direct most of your energy towards for maximum impact. 

APARIGRAHA: NON- POSSESSIVENESS 

We can detach ourselves from consumerism through the yama of aparigraha. One way to practice aparigraha is to practice mindful eating, knowing when we’ve had enough and what foods we truly need. For suggestions on how to practice aparigraha environmentally then check out any applicable guides (conscious consumption, upcycling, recycling, etc.) in the ahimsa section. 

Our planet is so valuable it deserves more than just one day of recognition! Thanks for being part of this community that works to find ways to honor the planet daily.

Sources 

1. Yoga Definition, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4/yoga
2. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2526

– Charon K.

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INTENTIONALLY & SUSTAINABLY GIFTING  

Thoughtful giving comes from a practice of mindfulness. Being mindful means paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Why not practice this during the holidays? Gift giving is entwined with compassion, gratitude, and love. Mindfully considering the person to whom you are giving is a wonderful way to express care and deepen connections.

GIVE PRESENTS OF PRESENCE 

Shift your habitual notions of giving and instead focus on trying to tailor your present to the person or your relationship with them. Material items often break or become outdated so instead use your unique skills and creativity to share an experience or homemade gift. For example, if you enjoy cooking and baking then you might drop off cookies you made or invite them over to a meal you have prepared. Maybe photography is your passion so you could gifting them a photograph you have taken or give them a photography lesson.  

Another option is to give your time and energy to help them with a specific need. Ask your giftees about their needs? Are you an organized person and they wish to have their closet reorganized? Do they want to be more active and you agree to do yoga classes or go on a walk with them?

SUSTAINABLE GIFTS

We live in a consumerist culture with constant pressures to buy, buy, buy. To break this cycle of unbridled consumerism, try to practice intentionality in each of your purchases. Shopping sustainably can not only help cut down on waste and pollution but save you money as well! 

To learn how to  shop sustainably (shrinking the ecological footprint of your purchases) check out our Conscious Consumption + Holiday Gift Guide. 

Additionally, making your own gift might be an excellent way to celebrate this year. Maybe you care about decreasing consumerism (environmental sustainability) or finances are tighter (wish to spend less). If yes to either or both then upcycling might be a good option for you. Upcycling is the act of creating something of value out of something that would have otherwise been thrown out (2). Find some  interesting materials out there and give them a new life. Learn more about it from our Great Creative with Upcycling Post. 

Here’s to finding gifting joy this holiday gifting season!

By Charon K.

Sources:

1. Conscious Consumerism: What it is, Why it Matters, and How to Become a More Conscious Consumer, https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/blog/posts/conscious-consumerism.htm
2. What is Upcycling?, https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-upcycling-5116081

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In autumn we may find ourselves celebrating the season with visits to a pumpkin patch, an orchard, or a nearby farm to purchase recently harvested pumpkins, squash, or homemade goods. Possibly even busy planning an elaborate holiday meal to share with friends and family. While some of the ingredients we need to plan a traditional holiday meal can be found in our local communities, others may travel from miles away.

In this blog post, Audrey will delve into what it means to know from where our food comes. She will explore the benefits of food sourcing as it relates to choosing locally-grown foods, and consider the nutritional, economic, and environmental impact of knowing our food sources.

Conscious Eating and Sourcing Food

Knowledge of where our food comes from gives us an opportunity to make mindful choices around the food we consume. By knowing the origin of our foods, we can further practice conscious eating. Part of this practice includes understanding the stages before our food ends up on our plates (1). In a previous blog post, we discussed the benefits of eating seasonally. However, unlike seasonal eating, sourcing food goes beyond what is available in that season, and considers how it is grown and transported to our grocery stores or farmer’s market stands (2). As a result, we can better understand how our food affects us and our communities.

Where Does Our Food Come From?

By the time food reaches our plates, we have little insight into its origins. Foods we eat everyday may come from gardens in our backyards or from farms in countries miles away (3). As a result of the global food supply system, we find that grocery stores are filled with a variety of produce, meat, and dairy options. With food from all over the world, it’s challenging to know exactly where our food comes. However, once we are able to better understand the source of our food, we can have more insight into how it was made and choose the foods that benefit our local economies and the environment (4).

Understanding How Our Food is Grown

By learning about the source of our food, we can also understand how fruits and vegetables are grown, or how the meats we consume are raised. For example, if we choose to purchase foods from local farms, we can develop relationships with those farmers and gain insight into the practices used to grow the foods we purchase (5).

If we can’t purchase food locally, we can also look at food labels to understand how food was grown. Labels such as “organic” can indicate the types of practices used to grow or raise food. Farmers who produce organic fruits and vegetables abide by strict standards in which produce is grown without the use of certain pesticides or fertilizers. Farms selling organic meat or dairy aren’t allowed to use growth hormones or antibiotics (6). These labels bring awareness around the types of practices used to produce or raise food and allow us to make more informed decisions while shopping for groceries. We can support our local economies by choosing foods grown within our communities or support the longevity of farms using sustainable, ethical labor and farming practices.

Environmental Impacts of Sourcing Food

Knowing how our food is grown allows us to become aware of the environmental impact of our purchases (7). With the rise of technology and globalization, it’s possible for us to eat our favorite foods at any time of the year. Since food can come from all over the world, it may have traveled many miles before it reached our plates. This distance traveled is also known as “food miles” and while the transportation of food plays a role in the environmental impact of our food choices, other factors are involved as well. Although foods may have traveled the same distance to reach us, some foods require trucks, boats, and even planes to reach our grocery stores causing a greater environmental impact (8a, 8b).

When purchasing our groceries, we can also consider the production and processing methods used by producers. Although some foods may not have to travel far, the farming practices used to produce those foods may have a greater environmental impact than foods that come from miles away. For example, some farmers may use fertilizers that contribute to greater greenhouse gas emissions or store food in a way that requires a significant use of energy (9). By considering the environmental impact of our purchases, we can make conscious food choices. 

Sourcing Food Locally

One way to better understand where our food comes from is to opt for local foods. “Eating local” means that we are choosing foods that are grown or produced within a specific area, region, or country (10). By purchasing these foods, we can better understand their origins because we are part of the communities that produce them.

If we purchase local produce, we may even be choosing the fresher and more environmentally sustainable option (11). Fruits and vegetables that take longer to reach us tend to lose nutritional value compared to those that are grown closer to home (12). As a result, locally-grown food can potentially be more nutritious. Buying locally can also support farms within our community and helps preserve the diversity of local farmlands (13). By learning more about the source of our food, we can further appreciate the food that nourishes us and choose foods that best serve us and our communities.

Sources:

1. 5 tips for sustainable eating, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2015/06/17/5-tips-for-sustainable-eating/
2. Know Where Your Food Comes From with USDA Foods, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/05/25/know-where-your-food-comes-usda-foods
3. A Map Of Where Your Food Originated May Surprise You, https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/06/13/481586649/a-map-of-where-your-food-originated-may-surprise-you
4. Where does our food come from – why should we care?, https://isappscience.org/where-our-food-comes-from/
5. Do You Know Your Farmer?, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2010/07/14/do-you-know-your-farmer
6. People Still Don’t Know the Difference Between “Organic” and “Local”, https://time.com/2970505/organic-misconception-local/
7. The Environmental Impact of Food has Huge Variability, https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/environmental-impact-food-has-huge-variability 
8. Food Miles, https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/2b3235d3-7c2c-461d-89ff-57d5dddc7d68/2b3235d3-7c2c-461d-89ff-57d5dddc7d68/ https://static.pbslearningmedia.org/media/alfresco/u/pr/kontentreal/e2%20transport%20Food%20Miles_2b3235d3-7c2c-461d-89ff-57d5dddc7d68/309_food_miles_edu.pdf 
9. Food Transportation, https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/PEF-FoodTransportation-ExecutiveSummary.pdf
10. The benefits of eating local foods, https://www.mcgill.ca/foodservices/sustainability/green/local
11. The Lexicon of Sustainability, https://www.pbs.org/video/lexicon-sustainability-local/
12. Giving thanks for locally grown food, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC128403/
13. Farm To Table: Does It Matter What We Eat?, https://www.edi.nih.gov/blog/communities/farm-table-does-it-matter-what-we-eat

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Code Red for Humanity

Last week, you may have heard about another climate report published by the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (1). The report compiles evidence from a range of studies to provide the most comprehensive look at our changing climate to date. The evidence is unequivocal that human influence is warming the planet’s:

• atmosphere
• ocean
• land

With each additional increment of warming, changes in weather and climate continue to become more extreme (2). 

These changes are happening right before our eyes. We’re in the middle of a summer of astonishing climate extremes cropping up across the globe (3):

• deadly heatwaves
• unprecedented floods
• uncontrollable wildfires.

As of publication, July 2021 was the hottest ever recorded on Earth (4). There is no doubt what is going on with our planet. Climate change is not a problem of the future. It is happening now in every part of the world and we needed to act yesterday!

The IPCC report makes it clear that if the world continues to burn fossil fuels, we’re on track for catastrophic warming. On the flip side, scientists highlight that catastrophe can be avoided if global governments act quickly (5). We have a window of opportunity to prevent things from getting even worse. This requires the world to start cutting emissions from greenhouse gasses immediately. 

Our Future Hangs in the Balance 

This glimmer of hope comes at a critical time for climate legislation in the United States. Last week, the US Senate approved a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that would give a much-needed boost to the country’s clean energy infrastructure (6). While it’s a big step forward, it doesn’t go far enough to meet the emissions reductions we need.

The opportunity now lies with a process called budget reconciliation, which allows the Senate to pass budget-related measures with a simple majority vote. Last week, the Senate voted to begin that process and start drafting a plan to, in part, cut US carbon emissions in half by 2030. If passed, this plan would result in the most consequential investments in climate, justice, and communities we’ve seen to date (7 and 8). 

The significance of this can’t be overstated. What we do now will have an impact on the rest of our lives. We have an opportunity to create a less polluted, healthier, and safer future for our communities. It’s our future to create, so we need to make sure our leaders deliver. In order to make the emissions reductions necessary to avoid the worst climate effects, we need a Clean Electricity Standard that gets us on a path to 100% clean power by 2035 (9). 

In a previous post in this series, we outlined how to call your members of Congress. It’s more important than ever that our representatives understand the urgency of this moment, so here are some more tips for making your voice heard:

1. Make a plan. Find out how to reach your representatives, and take some notes to remember what you want to say.
2. Introduce yourself and let them know you’re a constituent. “Hi, my name is Hailey, and I live in your district/state.”
3. Tell them why you’re calling. “I’m calling to ask my representative to support a bold climate plan that invests at the scale of the crisis.” 
4. Make a specific ask. For example: “I’m asking that my representative fight to make sure the final budget agreement includes:

• A Clean Electricity Standard that cuts pollution in half by 2030 and modernizes our energy grid.
• Funding allocated for frontline and climate justice communities.
• Tax incentives for clean energy and electric vehicles.
• A Civilian Climate Corps that puts people to work.”

The bottom line is that it’s not too late, but we need to act in a big way. As humans, we have agency, and we’ve never had more certainty about how our actions affect the planet. The fight for climate action is a fight that’s rooted in ahimsa, or unconditional love, a foundational principle of yoga ethics. Let’s tap into our love for each other, our communities, and our planet to make our voices heard and fight for our future.

Sources

1. 1. IPCC report: ‘Code red’ for human driven global heating, warns UN chief, https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097362
   2. Key takeaways from the new IPCC report, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/08/key-takeaways-from-the-new-ipcc-report/ 
   3. Heat waves, wildfires & drought: How this summer is a ‘preview’ of Earth’s coming climate crisis, https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/heat-wave-2021-climate-scientists-warn-new-normal-rcna1664
   4. It’s official: July was Earth’s hottest month on record, https://www.noaa.gov/news/its-official-july-2021-was-earths-hottest-month-on-record 
   5. Climate change: IPCC report is ‘code red for humanity’, https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58130705
   6. The Senate Approves The $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill In A Historic Vote, https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/1026081880/senate-passes-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill 
   7. A Livable Future Rests on Congress Passing a Climate-Focused Reconciliation Bill, ​​https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/livable-future-rests-congress-passing-climate-focused-reconciliation-bill 
   8. Climate Justice, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/07/what-is-climate-justice/
   9. Clean Electricity Standard, https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/what-are-clean-electricity-standards

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You want to do your part to not waste energy but there are limited options for renters to switch to renewable energy. Yet seemingly infinite ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption at home.

Learn how to power your home with clean energy, save money and combat climate change with these energy efficiency tips!

By improving the energy efficiency of your home you can save:

• money
• improve your health
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)

Whether you rent, own, or manage a property there are so many tools available to help conserve energy in your home. 

Low to No-Cost Home Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy estimates that the typical household can save 25 percent on utility bills by taking energy efficiency measures, amounting to hundreds of dollars in savings annually (1). Residential energy production makes up roughly 20 percent of GHGs in the US. Putting that in context; if our household energy production was considered a country, it would be the sixth-largest greenhouse gas emitter (2). 

Renters may be left wondering what energy-efficiency steps they’re able to take while being limited to a lease agreement.  Since they make up the majority of DC residents, we’ll focus on what renters can do to save energy in their homes while we wait and advocate for widespread clean energy adoption. 

Home Energy Audit

The District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) recommends starting with a home energy audit to identify and correct energy losses in your home. Professional audits generally run between $300 and $500 and include the benefit of increased accuracy. However, DC DOEE provides guidance on conducting a DIY home energy audit (3). By correcting airflow issues, improving insulation, and using energy-efficient lighting, you can reduce your electricity use and lower your energy bill at little expense.

Low to No-Cost Energy Saving Tips

Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the easiest ways to cut your electricity use and energy bills. Modern, energy-efficient light bulbs can use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs. Opt for LEDs, CFLs, or halogen incandescents with the ENERGY STAR certification. Also flip the switch to the off position, when not in use, to conserve the most energy . 

Heating and Cooling 

Heating and cooling make up some of the largest energy expenditures in any home. Reducing energy use from heating and cooling can be as simple as resetting your thermostat when you’re away from home or asleep.

In these hot summer months, keep the thermostat temperature higher when you’re away, close window shades to keep out the heat of the sun, and set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible when you’re home and need cooling. If you have a window-unit air conditioner, be sure the area around the unit is properly sealed to keep the cool air inside. You can also remove the window unit in the winter months to prevent energy losses. 

During the winter, save energy by setting the thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re away and keeping window shades open to take advantage of the sun’s rays during the day. 

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are one of the main ways your home loses heat in the winter. Fortunately, there are a number of affordable options that are easy to apply and remove and will keep your home insulated.

Weatherstripping your doors and windows can seal them off from air leaks and prevent your heating and cooling system from working overtime. Your first step is to check around your home for any air leaks and assess your ventilation needs to ensure adequate indoor air quality. Choose weatherstripping products unique to each specific location. 

Visit the Department of Energy’s website for more information on weatherstripping (4).

Appliances and Electronics

Choose energy-efficient appliances whenever possible, and reduce the amount you use them to save money and energy at home. Even when turned off, electronics and appliances use small amounts of electricity that add up over time —also known as phantom power. Things like your phone charger, coffee machine, and TV are all still using energy when they’re plugged in, so be sure to unplug appliances and devices when you’re not using them. Using a power strip for electronics allows you to easily disconnect the power supply from multiple devices when you don’t need them. 

Water 

It takes a lot of energy to deliver and treat the water we use every day for:

• bathing
• cooking
• cleaning.

One of the easiest ways to save both water and energy is to install water-efficient products. WaterSense certified products like low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators are often inexpensive and reduce both energy and water use in your home.

Fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, and setting your washing machine to use cold water when washing clothes will also make a big difference. You can also save water by scraping your dishes instead of rinsing, and running the dishwasher once it’s full. 

You can use this calculator to find out your water footprint (5). 

DC Home Energy Conservation Kit 

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility is currently offering discounted Home Energy Conservation kits for$10 until 9/30/21 or while supplies last (6). These kits include 6 multidirectional LED light bulbs, an advanced power strip, and a bathroom faucet aerator.

DC residents who receive assistance with their energy bills through DOEE’s LIHEAP program can also request a kit at no cost (7). I ordered a kit for my rented apartment and the total cost was $10.60 compared to the original cost of $50.

Call to Action

Take the Pledge

During the month of July, when energy usage is usually at its peak, DC is encouraging residents to take steps to reduce their energy use at home with a chance to win a $300 credit on their energy bill. District residents can participate by taking the energy saving pledge on the Reduce Energy Use DC website. They will receive weekly usage reports via email beginning on July 7th that will share tips on how to save energy and compare your energy usage to your prior week’s consumption (8).

Reach out to your members of Congress and your local representatives

While we all have a part to play in energy conservation, it’s going to take bold action from our government to meet national emission reductions and climate goals.

Fortunately, Congress is currently considering ambitious climate policy on the federal level. Extensive research has found that if the electrical grid is decarbonized, then the residential housing sector can meet the 28 percent emissions reduction target for 2025 under the Paris Agreement (9). 

We currently have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pass comprehensive infrastructure reform that will usher in a healthier, more equitable clean future. If you’re registered to vote in DC, you can call Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton at 202-225-8050. If you’re registered outside the district, you can find out who your representatives are by going to www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and find your senators at https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm (10, 11). You can also call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with the office of your representative or senator.

Tips for Calling:

1. Make a plan. Take some notes to remember what you want to say.
2.  Introduce yourself and let them know you’re a constituent. Your opinion as a voter goes a long way!
3. Tell them why you’re calling. It’s crucial that Congress take serious action on climate change this year to meet the critical target of cutting GHGs in half by 2030.
4. Make a specific ask. For example: 

• “I’m really excited about the American Jobs Plan, and I think it’s really important to pass a strong clean electricity standard to get us on a path to 100% clean energy”
• “I love the idea of a Citizens Climate Corps and ask that Congress provide full funding”
• “It’s really important to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles with increased investment, rebates, and tax incentives” 
• “I’m asking you to support building electrification with rebates for induction stoves and electric heat pumps.” 

       Choose your favorite climate priority! 

• 5. Leave your contact information. Great job – you did it! It’s that easy!

For many people, calling their representative can be a daunting task. It can be helpful to keep in mind that most of the time, the person on the other end of the phone is likely an intern or young staffer. They’re trained to listen to constituent messages and relay them to the representative and their staff so that voters’ views are represented in decision-making. Having been one of those people on the other side of the phone, I promise they’re not scary. 

It can be more fun to call with friends and even more effective with more people. Check in with a local environmental or climate organization and ask if they’re organizing around the American Jobs Plan. They might host events to call Congress with other people or have more call scripts you can use from home.

Sources

1. Why Energy Efficiency Upgrades, https://www.energy.gov/eere/why-energy-efficiency-upgrades
2. The carbon footprint of household energy use in the United States, https://www.pnas.org/content/117/32/19122#:~:text=Residential%20energy%20use%20accounts%20for,emissions%20in%20the%20United%20States 
3. DIY Home Energy Audit, https://doee.dc.gov/service/diy-home-energy-audit 
4. Weatherstripping, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/air-sealing-your-home/weatherstripping 
5. Water Footprint Calculator, https://www.watercalculator.org
6. Home Energy Conservation Kit, https://www.dcseu.com/homeenergykits
7. Income Qualified Efficiency Kit, https://www.dcseu.com/income-qualified-efficiency-kit 
8. Take the Pledge, https://www.reduceenergyusedc.com/about_the_pledge?locale=en
9. The carbon footprint of household energy use in the United States, https://www.pnas.org/content/117/32/19122#:~:text=Residential%20energy%20use%20accounts%20for,emissions%20in%20the%20United%20States.
10. Find Your Representative, www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative 
11. Contacting US Senators, https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

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With the holiday season underway, many of us are stocking up on gifts and increasing our consumption. Find out how to shrink the ecological footprint of your purchases by shopping sustainably, and read on for a sustainable gift guide for the holidays!

The Inconvenient Truth

Natural resources are continually extracted to produce goods that are used in the U.S., often briefly, before being tossed into landfills. Each step in a good’s production, distribution, use, and disposal has an environmental impact. Global supply chains account for a majority of corporate emissions and often require significant energy, water, chemical, and material use (1). All this, while it’s estimated that the average American throws out around 7 pounds of material each day – roughly three times the global average (2). This waste is then sent to landfills and incinerators, which emit harmful pollutants into nearby communities – often in low-income communities and communities of color (3). This cycle of consumption and disposal results in wasted natural resources and pollution that threatens our health, environment, and climate. Fortunately, we can each do our part to help break this cycle.

What Does It Mean To Be A Conscious Consumer?

Conscious consumption means engaging with the economy with more awareness of how our purchases impact the environment and society at large. We live in a consumerist culture with constant pressures to buy, buy, buy. These pressures can lead us to become unconscious of the impact of our purchases. The effects of this kind of culture result in an outsized dependence on fossil fuels and other non-renewables. All of which contribute to climate change and the pollution of our air and water (4). 

While we wait for corporations to act on environmental issues, and encourage them to do so, we can use our collective purchasing power to encourage social change. The good news? Shopping sustainably can not only help cut down on waste and pollution but save you money as well!

How To Shop Consciously

To break this cycle of unbridled consumerism, try to practice mindfulness in each of your purchases. Consider the entire life cycle impact of a product: from raw materials to its usable lifespan to its disposal. Individual choices add up quickly, so consider the following practices to reduce the environmental impact of your purchases:

Go minimal. Adopting a more minimalist lifestyle can make a significant difference in your environmental impact. Before you check out, check in with yourself and learn to distinguish between necessary and unnecessary buys. Limit non-essential purchases to save money and support the planet!

Prioritize products that are built to last. Planned obsolescence is a major driver of waste. When it comes to electronics, household items, clothing, and so many other goods, we’re encouraged to ditch current models to buy more (5). To avoid this, opt for items that will last longer, and the planet (as well as your wallet) will thank you. 

Shop local and shop small. There are so many benefits of supporting small local businesses, especially in these trying times. Shopping locally can reduce the environmental impact of your purchases. Locally owned businesses tend to make more local purchases, which require less transportation and fewer emissions (6).

Buy used. Shopping second-hand is one of the best ways to reduce your ecological footprint. Plus, pre-owned goods can offer big savings without compromising on quality. Whether it’s clothes, accessories, furniture, books, electronics, or vehicles, it always feels good to give something another life. (7).

Look for less packaging. Nearly one-third of garbage collected in the U.S. comes from containers and packaging, which are typically thrown out after purchase (2). Some companies are beginning to account for the impact of packaging and are starting to offer products with little or no packaging. A good tip is to avoid individually packaged goods, like snack packs. Buying items in bulk can also often lessen the packaging involved. (8)

Avoid single-use plastics. Single-use plastics are made from fossil fuel-based chemicals and are meant to be discarded immediately after use. Producing plastic is very carbon-intensive and emits harmful pollutants into our air. Because plastic isn’t biodegradable, every piece of plastic ever produced is still on this planet in some form. Some easy ways to avoid single-use plastics include bringing reusable bags to the grocery, using a reusable water bottle, and storing food in reusable containers. (9)

Embrace slow fashion. The impacts of the fashion industry supply chain are immense, and the average American is responsible for 70 lbs of textile waste per year (10)(11). We can offset this waste by mending and reusing the clothes we own, swapping with friends, and shopping second-hand. When you do need to buy something new, opt for quality, long-lasting items (12). 

Opt for natural ingredients and materials. Ethical consumption has increased in recent years as a result of more pressing environmental issues, making it easier to find products made with the planet in mind. If possible, research and buy from companies that put the planet and people first. Bamboo and hemp are great materials because they both grow quickly, require fewer resources, and are naturally renewable!  

Sustainable Gift Guide

Every holiday season, we face the decision of what to gift our loved ones. Giving gifts should be about thoughtfulness and gratitude, and it doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet. Instead of piling on more stuff, consider these gifts for sustainable giving during the holidays and all year round:

• Classes and workshops – I love to give (and receive!) the gift of an experience. Personally, after watching the Great Pottery Throw Down this year, a wheel pottery class is at the top of my wish list. Online courses are another great option!
• A massage or spa treatment – Give the gift of relaxation and pamper your loved ones! It’s hard to go wrong here. When it’s safe to receive these treatments, this gift will be much appreciated.
• A gift card to a favorite local restaurant – Support the hard-hit restaurant industry and give the gift of a delicious meal. Just don’t forget to pack up your leftovers!
• Organize an affordable weekend trip – Plan a trip for when it’s safe to travel! Book some train tickets and an Airbnb or campsite for a memory-making, low-cost getaway from the city.
• Books – Books (new, used, or online) can offer something for everyone on your list. Round up some reads that a friend will love and leave a thoughtful message inside for a personal gift. Opt for independent booksellers over large corporations whenever possible.
• Offset their carbon emissions – Ask your loved one to calculate their annual emissions (or estimate it yourself) with Conservation International and purchase carbon offsets to cancel out their personal emissions (13). Carbon offsets provide measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and help protect forests, preserve biodiversity, and benefit local communities (14).  
• Composting service – While D.C. offers free compost drop-off at select farmers markets around the district, there are lots of companies that offer home pick-up services. A great gift for a busy friend! Learn more about composting in our Mindful Meals blog post. 
• Donate in their name – There are so many incredible non-profit organizations that are doing good for our environment and communities. Oftentimes smaller local actors are the ones that make the most impact and need the most support. 
• Meditation class or app – Sign your loved one up for a meditation class or give a subscription to one of the many meditation apps out there today.
• Class pack from Yoga District – For the fellow yogis in your life, give the gift that keeps on giving with a class pack from Yoga District!

Sources:

1. EPA Center for Corporate Climate Leadership Supply Chain Guidance, https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/center-corporate-climate-leadership-supply-chain-guidance
2. Trash in America, https://frontiergroup.org/reports/fg/trash-america 
3. DC’s Waste and Environmental Racism, http://www.energyjustice.net/content/dcs-waste-and-environmental-racism
4. Shop Till We Drop: Does Consumption Culture Contribute to Environmental Degradation?, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/our-destructive-consumer/ 
5. Build to last: The environmental impact of planned durability, https://www.greenbiz.com/article/built-last-environmental-impact-planned-durability
6. Think Local! 7 Reasons Why Supporting Local Business is Good for Your Community, https://blog.mass.gov/blog/consumer-advice/think-local-7-reasons-why-supporting-local-business-is-good-for-your-community/#:~:text=They%20care%20about%20and%20are,carbon%20footprint%20than%20larger%20companies. 
7. How Second-Hand Shopping Can Save The Planet, https://greenwithless.com/second-hand-shopping-planet/ 
8. Trash in America, https://frontiergroup.org/reports/fg/trash-america
9. Single-Use Plastics 101, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101
10. The Environmental Price of Fast Fashion, https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-020-0039-9
11. Textile Waste By The Numbers, https://www.voxmagazine.com/news/textile-waste-by-the-numbers/article_9ea228ba-f13a-11e5-8c76-5b50180f85de.html 
12. How to Buy Less, Choose Well and Make It Last, https://goodonyou.eco/how-to-buy-less-choose-well-and-make-it-last/
13. Conservation International: Carbon Footprint Calculator,  https://www.conservation.org/carbon-footprint-calculator#/
14. Conservation International: Retire Carbon Credits, https://www.conservation.org/retire-carbon-credits

The post Conscious Consumption + Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Yoga District.

Upcycling is the act of creating something of value out of something that would have otherwise been thrown out (1). Help the planet and your wallet with this easy introduction to upcycling!

The goal of upcycling is to inch us closer to a circular economy, which aims to take us from a “take, make, waste” model of consumption to one that reduces the amount of resources used through recycling and reusing materials in different ways (2). We can make use of what we already have access to instead of depleting resources to create new products and materials. 

Closing the Loop

The simple fact is that many of us consume far too much. According to the EPA, the average American will produce about 5 pounds of trash each day (3). They estimate that around 1.5 pounds of this is recycled. This means on average each individual is responsible for sending over 1,200 pounds of waste to landfills each year. Then there are the resources that go into the items we consume and how they’re extracted, but that’s a whole other story (4). 

An individual may not be able to upcycle their way to achieving a circular economy, but individual choices can add up to make an impact. We can begin to use less water, energy, and raw materials by being more mindful of the resources we consume and discard. Some may choose to see this as a practice of harm reduction and non-excess, two key aspects of yoga ethics.

Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle

When you purchase fewer materials, you save money! Recently, my roommate and I talked about planting herbs or veggies outside. We don’t have much space, so we figured hanging pots were our best option. Instead of buying planters, my roommate found old tennis ball baskets in the alley behind our apartment and fashioned them to hold the pots. We ended up saving money while reclaiming metal from ending up in a landfill. Plus we ended up with a very cool and rustic look. Total win!

With a little creativity, you can find whatever you might need in or around your own home. Another option is perusing the nearby sidewalks, alleys, or a local Buy Nothing Facebook group (5). During non-quarantine times, you could find something secondhand at a flea market or thrift store. Upcycling can be as simple as cleaning and repurposing glass jars from pasta sauce, salsa, nut butters, etc. I often choose which of these items to buy based on the utility of the jar! Use emptied jars for airtight food storage, organizing pens, or holding flowers. Empty spice jars store anything from q-tips to bobby-pins. You can even use them to propagate your houseplants! Since reclaimed glass often isn’t recycled, this is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste (6). 

Upcycled No-Sew T-Shirt Bag

Both the rise of fast fashion and the abundance of textile waste present opportunities for upcycling (7). Instead of tossing old T-shirts, convert them to zero-waste grocery bags or kitchen rags. A quick internet search will yield tons of other options for old clothes. There are even ways to customize and update tried-and-true wardrobe favorites to a new, current style. If you are willing to get crafty and creative, the options are endless!

For an easy introduction to upcycling, try transforming an old T-shirt into a chic new tote to use for groceries or your next flea market trip! Follow along with the instructions and photo. All you need is an old t-shirt and some scissors!

Instructions:

1. Cut the sleeves off your shirt, cutting along the inside of the seam.
2. Cut out a deep U-shape from the neck to create the handles.
3. Turn the shirt inside out, making sure the bottom is even and smooth.
4. Begin cutting strips about 3-4” in length, cutting to the same line.
5. Tie the strips together to create the bottom of the bag.
6. You’ll see little gaps between each knot. To close those gaps, tie each top strip to the bottom of the adjacent strip, making tight knots.
7. Tie a double knot at the ends to reinforce the corners. 
8. Turn your bag inside out and you have your tote! 

Go Get Creative! 

Upcycling can be so simple. Just come up with a plan of action, gather all the tools and materials you’ll use, and get started! There are many interesting materials out there waiting to be given a new life. With infinite ideas for upcycling online, the possibilities are endless. The basic goal of upcycling is to reduce waste and conserve resources. So next time you go to throw something away, try pausing to see if you can reinvent or reuse the item before it goes to waste. It’s all about being creative. Once you start practicing, you’ll start seeing new uses for things everywhere you look!

Sources:

1. What is Upcycling?, https://upcycledworld.com/what-is-upcycling/ 
2. Closing the Loop: How a Circular Economy Helps Us #BeatPollution, https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/closing-loop-how-circular-economy-helps-us-beatpollution 
3. National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling, https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials 
4. Resource Extraction Responsible for Half the World’s Carbon Emissions, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/12/resource-extraction-carbon-emissions-biodiversity-loss
5. Buy Nothing, https://buynothingproject.org/about/
6. If You’re Not Recycling Glass Are You Really Recycling?, https://www.wastedive.com/news/if-youre-not-recycling-glass-are-you-really-recycling/570500/
7. Fast Fashion Speeding Toward Environmental Disaster, Report Warns, https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/apr/07/fast-fashion-speeding-toward-environmental-disaster-report-warns

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Why Recycle?

There are many benefits to recycling. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators and conserves natural resources. The practice also helps save energy and significantly minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. Workers and local economies also benefit from domestic job creation in the recycling and manufacturing industries (1).

Washington, D.C. has set a goal of 80 percent waste diversion by 2032. The current waste diversion rate falls around 23 percent, meaning the District has some work to do to meet the intended mark (2). Residents can play a major role in achieving this goal by knowing what goes in the recycling bin and what doesn’t.

District residents benefit from the convenience of single-stream recycling. In other words, all recyclable items go in one bin. However, good intentions can easily turn into what the recycling industry calls “aspirational recycling (3).” Conscientious citizens want to be able to recycle everything. Unfortunately, throwing the wrong things in the blue bin can end up straining the system. Things like plastic bags, cords, electronics, and other trash mixed in can clog up the machinery and cause costly delays. Such problems diminish the benefits to be gained from recycling in the first place.

Curbside Recycling in Washington, D.C.

There are a few essential things to keep in mind when it comes to residential recycling in D.C. First, do not bag recyclables. All items should be left loose in the blue bin. Recycling facilities may even reject recyclables if they are enclosed in a plastic bag or film of any kind (4). An acceptable alternative is to place recyclables in an open paper bag, like one you’d receive from a grocery store. Second, recyclables should always be empty, clean, and dry. So, be sure to give that yogurt container a good rinse before you toss it! This will also help keep your recycling bin clean without a plastic bag.

Note that plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted by D.C.’s residential recycling program. However, it is possible to recycle these items at local retailers. You can enter your zip-code to find the nearest participating location by visiting the Plastic Film Recycling Directory (5).

YES LIST (Acceptable for curbside recycling in Washington, D.C)

NOTE: All recyclable items must be cleaned and empty.

Recycle Soup Cartons and Aluminum Foil

NO LIST (NOT accepted for curbside recycling in Washington, D.C)

Don’t Recycle Ziploc and Plastic Bags

Special Waste :

There is some waste that should never be disposed of in residential bins. Electronics, including batteries, should never go in your home recycling or trash bins. The Department of Public Works (DPW) offers special waste drop-off every Saturday from 8 am – 3 pm at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. 

SPECIAL WASTE LIST (Do not belong in home recycling or trash bins)

• Electronics
• Batteries
  
• Paint cans
• Windows or ceramics
• Hazardous household waste*

For any items you’re not sure about, check out Zero Waste DC’s What Goes Where? Tool (7). Simply search for the item you’re looking to dispose of and receive information on how to properly do so in the District. Sticking to these guidelines saves time, energy, and public funds while supporting eco-friendly behaviors.*For a complete list of items accepted at Fort Totten, see the DPW website (6).

Interested in learning more?

Most recycled materials from Washington, D.C. are transported to a facility about an hour north in Elkridge, MD. Despite recent challenges to recycling programs in the United States, the Department of Public Works reports that almost everything collected in the District’s residential recycling program still finds a market for recycling (8 and 9).

For more information on how residents can get involved in waste reduction and diversion, please visit Zero Waste DC’s website (10).

If you live outside of the District, check your local municipality’s website for details on recycling collection. If you live somewhere without recycling collection, let your building manager know that you’d like to have a recycling program! Being proactive is the first step. Happy recycling!

Feel free to check out other articles in our Environmentalism series here.

Sources:

1. 1. Recycling Basics, https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics#Benefits
   2. TRASHED: Can the DC area clean up its waste problem?, https://wtop.com/local/2019/05/trashed-can-the-dc-area-clean-up-its-waste-problem/
   3. Aspirational Recycling, https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/are-you-an-aspirational-recycler-heres-9-things-you-actually-cant-recycle
   4. Requirements for Plastic Bags and Wraps, https://dpw.dc.gov/plasticbagremoval
   5. Plastic Film Recycling Directory, https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/
   6. Acceptable/Prohibited Household Hazardous Waste Items, https://dpw.dc.gov/page/acceptableprohibited-household-hazardous-waste-items
   7. Zero Waste DC’s What Goes Where? Tool, https://zerowaste.dc.gov/what-goes-where 
   8. Challenges to Recycling Programs, https://www.npr.org/2019/08/20/750864036/u-s-recycling-industry-is-struggling-to-figure-out-a-future-without-china
   9. State of Recycling in D.C., https://zerowaste.dc.gov/page/state-recycling-district
   10. Zero Waste DC’s website, https://zerowaste.dc.gov 

The post A Guide to Recycling in Washington, DC appeared first on Yoga District.

Read on for guidance on how to minimize your carbon footprint and potentially improve your health. We’ll introduce methods such as: planning meals to reduce waste, growing your own food, and transitioning toward a more plant-based diet.

What We Eat (and Don’t Eat) Matters

Food Trash

The most efficient step to reduce your carbon footprint is to shift your food choices. The food that comes our way is produced using a lot of resources. Food production is responsible for one-quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Through your food choices there are many ways to reduce your impact and potentially improve your health. 

Everything we eat has an environmental consequence. Food production includes land use, water use, water pollution, air pollution, and GHG emissions which all have an effect on the Earth. However, the degree of damage done by different foods is not equal. Meat and dairy are more resource-intensive than plant-based foods. (1). As consumers, we have the power to choose how we shop for food. Significant shifts can be made in global food systems if we collectively choose to eat and shop with the planet in mind. 

What we don’t end up eating has an impact, too. Food waste is a major contributor to GHG emissions. If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitting country in the world (2). Tossed food is a waste of resources, money, and labor. The good news is that reducing food waste in your home can be as easy as planning your meals and storing food properly. 

Join us as we incorporate methods to reduce the carbon footprint of your food choices. Learn how to shift towards a plant-based diet, plan meals to reduce food waste, shop mindfully, and more. 

Going Plant-Based

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Freekeh, Mushrooms, and Pistachios

People choose plant-based diets for various reasons. Common reasons include: health, ethics, environmental impact, and cost-savings. When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, food choices present a major opportunity. Plant-based diets are associated with lower environmental impact, including fewer GHG emissions (3). Growing plant-based foods requires a smaller amount of water and land use than producing animal products. This also frees up space for forest restoration and carbon sequestration (4). It’s a win-win for the planet and your health. A strong body of research associates a plant-based diet with a variety of health benefits (5). 

Moving towards a plant-based diet does not mean that you necessarily have to cut out all animal products immediately. Many people respond better to gradual dietary shifts over abrupt changes. Allow your body time to adjust. It’ll probably take some trial and error, and that’s okay. If you decide to make the shift, try committing to eating at least one plant-based meal every day and building from there. Start by cutting down on animal products and processed foods, while also stocking up on whole and healthy foods. Take time to notice how your mind and body feel as you incorporate these changes.

For plant-based recipe inspiration, check out some of the many plant-based recipes from the Yoga District blog. 

Meal Planning to Reduce Waste

Mason Jar Salad

Meal planning can often help save time and money. It also encourages healthy eating and can reduce food waste if done right. Set aside a few hours or so once a week (or opt for twice a week) to prep and you can enjoy pre-made meals throughout the week! If you’re just starting to meal prep, then it may be helpful to begin by preparing for three days and working your way up to five. 

Many of us are currently eating most if not all of our meals at home. Since we are spending more time at home this might be an excellent moment to begin meal planning. Meal planning starts with your grocery list. Assess what your week will look like and plan your grocery list accordingly. 

Figure out much of a meal to make. Do you cook for others, and if yes then how often? Are you willing to eat leftovers or the same meal multiple times a week? For example, are you okay with making a specific mason jar salad and portioning it out for three lunches (6)? If the answer is yes to the above questions then you will need a larger quantity of ingredients for those meals.

Decide on the diversity of your ingredients list.  Will tomatoes be the star in many of your meals? Is it easier and more cost efficient to buy one type of tomato and use it in any of the applicable meals (regardless of what a recipe instructs)? You often won’t need to prep enough food for a full week so think ahead to prevent wasting time, energy, and food. It’s useful to keep a mental inventory of your pantry and refrigerator. Note what you already have before you plan your shopping and see what you can use in the upcoming week’s meals. 

Go for ingredients that are versatile enough to make into a variety of meals and snacks, and try to only buy what you know you’ll eat. While planning your meals, think beyond the recipe. Adopt the mantra: “fridge first, shop second”. Be flexible and use what’s already in your inventory before you go out to the store. Get creative! Infrequent shopping trips are another great way to decrease your carbon footprint! 

For help creating custom meal plans and well-portioned shopping lists, check out Meal Prep Mate, Natural Resource Defense Council’s (NRDC) online tool for meal prepping (7). 

Food Storage

“Rather than tossing food because you’re not sure if it’s still safe to eat, learn how to store food so it’ll last longer. It’s such an easy step to cut down on food waste” – NRDC sustainable food systems specialist Andrea Spacht (8).

Research the optimal storage methods for your food. Learn when it’s no longer safe to eat, and make use of food before it goes bad. The terms “sell by,” “best by,” and “use by” may provide some reference point, but do not actually indicate a product’s expiration date – with the exception of baby formula (9). Understanding food safety and the difference between these terms can help reduce food waste at home. 

When it comes to food storage, freezers are your friend. If you don’t have them already, look for containers that are freezer-safe, microwave-safe, BPA-free, and pre-portioned (a bonus for meal prepping). Finding the right containers can help preserve your food longer, as well as –  cut down on packaging waste. Always opt for reusable containers over single-use plastics and ziplocks. 

Visit Meal Prep Mate’s sister guide for a comprehensive food storage handbook (10).

Zero-Waste Shopping

Reusable Containers

When it comes to buying food, how you shop matters. We’ve all heard that using reusable shopping bags can help reduce plastic pollution, but there are so many more opportunities to shrink your carbon footprint when you shop for food. 

Avoid packaging as much as possible. Most produce can be left naked since it’s washed at home anyway. Smaller produce items can be placed in reusable produce bags or upcycled mesh bags. Bulk bins are great for reducing waste, especially with reusable containers. If you can’t find unpackaged foods then opt for paper, glass, and metal over plastic whenever possible. Try to avoid items packaged for single-use. Buying the largest container size can also maximize value and minimize the amount of packaging used. Buy the largest container of items like cooking oils, grains, beans, and nuts then store them in smaller ones. Plus, you’ll restock less often. 

Farmers markets are another great way to reduce waste, especially if your local produce section looks like a sea of plastic. Shopping from local farmers also means your food won’t have to travel as far, so it’ll be fresher and more flavorful. With the bonus of fewer carbon emissions! Farmers markets often offer lower prices than conventional grocery stores, and the farmers get a better deal too, so it’s a win-win for all involved! 

What you buy matters too. Like food grown locally, seasonal produce is also often fresher and more flavorful, and usually travels less. Organic produce is also often a better option for your health and the earth. Organic farming methods enhance soil and water quality, and reduce pollution compared to conventional farming (11). Studies have also shown moderate increases in nutrients and antioxidants in organic produce (12). The Environmental Working Group offers a guide for pesticides in produce based on annual analyses, called the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen (13,14). They help shoppers choose between organic and conventional produce.

Simple Urban Gardening

Backyard Vegetable Garden

Growing your own food may be easier than you think, and can be done with minimal resources. Even for those of us living in apartments or without a yard have many things we can grow without a garden. All you need is some organic soil and a few pots with good drainage. Start small with something you love to eat. Be mindful of different sunlight needs, and don’t overwater your plants.

As a fun, free, and sustainable option, here are some veggies that can be regrown simply from food scraps:

Green Onions, Leeks, Fennel & Spring Onions: Cut stalk from about one inch from the roots and leave them in a glass of water (without submerging the whole thing). Harvest the greens when full and repeat the process!

Celery, Cabbage, Romaine Lettuce & Bok Choy: Leave the stump in a bowl and fill the water halfway. Once there’s been new leaf growth for about a week, transfer stumps into a pot of soil. Harvest when fully grown.

Ginger: Soak the piece of ginger in water overnight. Submerge in a pot of soil and water weekly. Ready to harvest in a year. 

Onion: Chop the onion bottom, leaving the roots and about 2” of the onion intact. Allow the cutting to dry for a few hours to a couple of days in a shaded, ventilated area to allow for callusing. Plant the cutting roots down, cover with 1-2” of soil and water as needed. Separate new onions and wait up to 5 months to harvest. 

Garlic: Submerge garlic clove halfway and place the pot in a sunny window. Keep the soil moist and wait for the bottom ⅓ of the leaves to yellow before harvesting. 

Mushroom: Remove cap and plant stalk in the soil with only the surface exposed and with minimal sunlight. If the cutting takes, you’ll see new growth quickly! Harvest and repeat.

Composting

Compost Process (Inside Container -> Outdoor Bins -> Garden)

Additionally, composting your food scraps is another way to reduce food waste and can be done alongside any of the previously mentioned strategies (a bonus for gardening)! Compost is full of all kinds of microorganisms and organic material that your plants will love. Add it to your garden during the growing season, sprinkle it into flower boxes and other planters, and enrich the soil for your houseplants, and watch everything grow. 

If you have outdoor space, you can start a compost pile outside. Depending on the size of your pile, reap the rewards of your homemade compost within a few months. If (like me) you don’t have space for an outdoor pile, you can still save your food scraps with indoor compost bins. These bins can be found at local hardware or garden stores and can be placed on the kitchen counter or in the freezer. I recommend ones with carbon filters to absorb any odors.

What to compost: Fruit & veggie scraps, coffee grounds & filters, tea bags, eggshells, bread, grains, rice & pasta, lint, hair & pet fur, newspaper, shredded paper, cardboard, sawdust & wood chippings, yard & garden trimmings (unless treated with pesticides)

What not to compost: Plastic, dairy, meat or fish & bones, fats, oils, or oily foods, diseased or insect-ridden plants, pet waste

If you prefer to drop off your food waste at a compost collection, the D.C. Department of Public Works (DPW) offers free food waste drop-off at a number of locations around the District (15). And, DPW also provides District residents with up to five 32-gallon bags (bring your own bags) of free compost at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station (4900 John F. McCormack Drive NE) weekdays from 1pm to 5pm, and Saturdays 8am to 3pm (16).

Visit the EPA composting web page for more tips on home composting (17).

Final Thoughts

If all these actions seem intimidating, that’s okay. The goal is to move in a direction of compassion and stewardship for the planet. This means being compassionate with ourselves, too. So, you don’t have to take everything on at once.

Have fun with these adjustments, be flexible and creative. You may find it’s not as hard as it seems to be a good steward for the environment.

Check out there rest of the Cut Your Carbon Footprint series here.

Sources

1. The Environmental Impact of Food Has Huge Variability, https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/environmental-impact-food-has-huge-variability
2. Food wastage and climate change, http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/nr/sustainability_pathways/docs/FWF_and_climate_change.pdf
3. IPCC Report 2019, Chapter 5: Food Security, http://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/08/2f.-Chapter-5_FINAL.pdf#page=77
4. IPCC Report 2019, Chapter 5: Food Security, http://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/08/2f.- Chapter-5_FINAL.pdf#page=6
5. Health effects of vegan diets, https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/89/5/1627S/4596952
6. How To Pack a Salad in a Jar, https://hurrythefoodup.com/how-to-pack-a-salad-in-a-jar/
7. Meal Prep Mate, https://savethefood.com/meal-prep-mate/
8. Your Newest Tool to Tackle Food Waste: Meal Prep Mate, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/your-newest-tool-tackle-food-waste-meal-prep-mate
9. How to Tell Whether Expired Food Is Safe to Eat, https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/how-to-tell-whether-expired-food-is-safe-to-eat/
10. Storage, https://savethefood.com/storage
11. Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880
12. Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/higher-antioxidant-and-lower-cadmium-concentrations-and-lower-incidence-of-pesticide-residues-in-organically-grown-crops-a-systematic-literature-review-and-metaanalyses/33F09637EAE6C4ED119E0C4BFFE2D5B1
13.  Dirty Dozen, https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
14.  Clean Fifteen, https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
15.  Food Waste Drop-Off,  https://dpw.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff
16.  Fort Totten Transfer Station, https://dpw.dc.gov/service/fort-totten-transfer-station
17. Composting at Home, https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

The post Mindful Meals: Eating for the Planet appeared first on Yoga District.

Find out how to reduce your carbon footprint while being homebound. During these unusual times, why not try to develop some new environmentally beneficial habits?

Each of our lives, bodies, and yoga practices are linked to our planet. Just as we receive nourishment from our yoga practice, the Earth sustains us. The word yoga is derived from the word yuj in sanskrit, meaning “union (1).” The concept of unity with our planet can be a key component of a yoga practice and how we live our lives. In this series, we explore how to adopt mindful practices to serve as caretakers of our planet.

Yogic Ethics and Environmentalism

Many of yoga’s core principles can relate to environmental stewardship. The yamas and niyamas are a set of ten ethical principles written at least 1,600 years ago (2). The yamas relate to self-regulating behaviors. This includes our interactions with other people and the world as a whole. The niyamas are personal practices. They relate to connection with our inner selves and the world around us.

The Yoga Sutra outlines them as teachings to guide us through our life journey (3). They help us reflect on our role within Earth’s ecosystems and deepen our awareness of our impact. We can practice ahimsa (non-harming) and asteya (non-stealing) by being conscious of the resources we use (4,5). We can detach ourselves from the consumerism through aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and santosha (contentment) (6,7). By practicing svadhyaya (self-study), we can identify opportunities to change our lifestyles and reduce our carbon footprint (8). 

What is our environmental impact?

Each of our actions has an impact on the environment. The miles we travel, the food we eat, and the products we consume all contribute to the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. 

Research has determined that greenhouse gases due to human activity are the main cause of the changes in our climate (9). A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide, methane, and others) generated through our actions. 

Climate change is overwhelming, and science tells us it will require large-scale global interventions (10).  That said, there are choices you can make and actions you can take to offset your impact on the environment. The United State’s climate impact is four times higher than the global average (11). You can even estimate your carbon footprint with a calculation tool from Conservation International (12, 13). Often, folks are surprised by the results. While this may be a harsh reality check, it offers us the opportunity to make a collective difference with individual choices. 

Upcoming Topics

Mindful Meals: Eating for the Planet

Shifting one’s food choices is considered the most effective step an individual can take to reduce their carbon footprint (14). We’ll offer guidance on ways to minimize your carbon footprint, and potentially improve your health, through your food choices.

Introducing methods such as: planning meals to reduce waste, growing your own food, and transitioning toward a more plant-based diet. 

A Guide to Recycling in Washington, DC

Recycling is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think about doing their part. However, different localities have different recycling standards. Too often, the things we hope we’re recycling end up going to the landfill. In our recycling post, we’ll explore the District’s recycling standards and learn how we can make sure the things we throw in the blue bin actually get a second life (15). 

Getting Creative With Upcycling

So many perfectly usable items are thrown away every day. This creates a massive amount of garbage and wastes valuable resources. In an upcoming post, we’ll explore the endless opportunities of upcycling, or reusing items to create something of higher value (16). 

Conscious Consumption

Just as we try to remain mindful in yoga practice, we should also strive for mindfulness when we shop. Our purchasing decisions have a direct impact on both the environment and our health, so we’ll dive into the concept of conscious consumption and offer some tips to minimize our impact on the environment as consumers (17). 

Maintaining Sustainable Habits: A Reflection

During this time of physical distancing, we’ve all been forced to slow down a bit. We’re driving and traveling less, planning out meals, trying to minimize food waste, and realizing that we may not need the extra little things that we once thought essential. 

While our current reality may be challenging, we can use this time to slow down and reflect on oft-forgotten values. Now is a time to remember the importance of a healthy environment. Our hope is to take lessons learned during this time and build on them going forward. 

Sources 

1. Yoga Definition, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4/yoga
2. Yamas and Niyamas, https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/live-your-yoga-discover-yamas-niyamas
3. The Yoga Sutra, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5518/the-yoga-sutras 
4. Ahimsa, https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/yamas-ahimsa-non-harming-yoga-practice
5. Asteya, https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/yama-asteya-non-stealing-yoga-practice
6. Aparigraha, http://www.yogajournal.com/article/yoga-101/yama-aparigraha-non-possessiveness-yoga-practice/ 
7. Santosha, http://www.yogajournal.com/article/yoga-101/niyamas-santosha-contentment/
8. Svadhyaya, http://www.yogajournal.com/article/yoga-101/niyamas-svadhyaya-self-study-yoga-practice/
9. IPCC: Observed Changes in the Climate System, https://ar5-syr.ipcc.ch/topic_observedchanges.php
10. Global Climate Change: What You Need To Know,  https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-climate-change-what-you-need-know
11. World Bank: CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita), https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.ATM.CO2E.PC?end=2014&start=1960&view=chart
12. Carbon Footprint Calculator, https://www.conservation.org/carbon-footprint-calculator#/
13. Conservation International, https://www.conservation.org/
14. World Resources Institute: Shifting Diet for a Sustainable Food Future, https://www.wri.org/publication/shifting-diets
15. DC Recycling Fact Sheet, https://dpw.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dpw/page_content/attachments/DC%20Recycling%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
16. About Upcycling, https://www.upcyclethat.com/about-upcycling/
17. 3 Ways to Become a More Conscious Consumer,  https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/ways-to-change-your-shopping-mindset-and-become-a-more-conscious-consumer

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