5 Ways to Celebrate National Yoga Month

September is National Yoga Month, and whether you’re a daily practitioner, hot yoga addict or simply just in it for the Savansana, greening your routine takes less effort than any pose you’ll be twisting yourself into.

September is National Yoga Month, and you can celebrate by becoming one with Mother Nature. After all, yoga does mean "union." Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Yoga4Love

1. Switch to a recycled mat

Yoga mats are typically made from plastic #4 PVC, but there are several cool mats on the market that are made from eco-friendly materials that incorporate post-consumer plastics, and some even use biodegradable materials.

Kulae specializes in eco-friendly yoga mats that are 100 percent biodegradable, 100 percent recyclable and contain no PVC, latex, cadmium, lead or rubber. Unlike your run-of-the-mill slippery mat, Kulae’s are dual-layer constructed, providing a grippy, no-slip antibacterial surface.

2. Donate your old mat

According to Recycle Your Mat, “In 2008, more than 50 percent of mats collected were upcycled into other products, and more than 30 percent of mats collected were donated to local community programs.”

If your studio does not participate or you are a home practitioner, Recycle Your Mat has mail-in programs for all types of mats as well.

JadeYoga is also another option for donating and reusing your mat. According to spokesperson Dean Jerrehian, the program has been a success for yoga studios and teachers that could not otherwise afford new mats.

Before recycling your mat, thoroughly clean it using a spray bottle and a damp sponge. If your mat is heavily soiled, submerge it in warm water and mild detergent. Remember to use very little soap as any residue may cause the mat to become slippery during future use. Hang to dry.

3. Reuse your old mat

We love the idea of donating your old mat, but we’re also suckers for inventive reuse projects. In fact, we love them so much that we challenged our staff to reuse different types of plastic. One of our staffers used her yoga mat to make bird-shaped wall decals and liner for dog cages to be donated to an animal shelter.

Reuse ideas for yoga mats are a dime a dozen, but some of our other favorites include placemat settings, mouse pads and kitchen drawer liners.

4. Tote your own water bottle

It’s so convenient to spend the $2 on the bottled water at your studio. While it may seem like a necessary last-minute purchase if you’re running late for your 5:30 p.m. class, the materials (and the money) really add up. For example, let’s say you practice three times a week, that’s an estimated $312 annually you’re spending on just water! Flipping on the tap could cost as little as one cent per gallon.

If you’re still set on the bottle, remember to toss it in the blue bin once your class is over. If your studio doesn’t offer on-site recycling, tote it home to your curbside program or use Earth911 to find plastic bottle recycling in your area.

5. Try reusable bags

Ever been to a hot yoga class? Well, it’s hot. And after 90 minutes in 100-plus-degree heat, your clothes produce an abominable smell that you can’t wait to peel off. In many Bikram and hot yoga studios, plastic bag dispensers are commonplace, as most practitioners choose to shower on-site.

However, more studios are aiming for zero-waste by promoting in-studio plastic bag recycling or selling reusable bags specially made for those rank duds. Just remember to wash out those bags because they can get stinky and unsanitary pretty quickly.

OK, green yogis, we’ve given you the know-how, now go forth and work it out like a yoga pose. Namaste!

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