I have a secret I need to spill.

I’ve columbused yoga. According to NPR, Columbusing is when you “discover” something that’s existed forever. Just that it’s existed outside your own culture, nationality, race or even, say, your neighborhood.

Even though I’ve been surrounded by yoga – my best girlfriends yoga together, Erin dished her love of yoga and 5 reasons to start practicing, and all of the benefits, I never blinked twice. You could even all me anti-yoga.

I’m very fast paced – having gone through addictions to running, biking, pilates, Lithe Method, skiing… you get the picture. Previous yoga classes bored me.

But recently? I’m addicted!  Maybe I found the serenity of Stand Up Paddleboarding translated into a year-round, any climate activity. I also blame my good friends Andrea & Natalie, who convinced me to join them for the Art Museum Yoga on the Steps. Something about being surrounded by hundreds of women om’ing and downward dog-ing switched something in my brain. I wanted more.

After signing up for 5 classes at Dig Yoga in Queen Village, my Fall schedule became out of control. Between classes, work and side projects, I pushed my classes to the side. Recently, I found a yoga studio in Moorestown, New Jersey, close to my office to sneak in a lunchtime yoga routine a few times each week.

And… here’s the kicker. I’m actually embarking on a yoga retreat for a few days in Tulum. (Like, as you’re reading this.) I’ll explain more later, but to say I caught the yoga bug may be a big of an understatement.

So how can you practice yoga sustainably? Here’s a breakdown.

Green your Yoga Practice

Yoga Mat

Yoga mats often contain harsh, dangerous plastic chemicals like PVC.

My mat came courtesy from Jade Yoga, a locally-based Conshohocken company. Made from natural rubber, it rolls up easily and I don’t slip in the trickiest poses. Quite frankly, I dig it.

Other eco-options include Manduka eKO Yoga Mats, Prana Revolution Natural Sticky Mat &Yogasana Yoga Mat.

Clean your Yoga Mat

Once again, stay away from harmful chemicals when you’re cleaning the mat. There’s a few varieties of cleaners, consisting of a 50/50 water & vinegar mixture, water and lemon juice or mild soap.

Breaking Muscle breaks down the various formulas for you.

Yoga Attire

When you’re going for yoga attire, the most sustainable thing is what you already own.

If you need to go shopping, look for sustainable options like organic cotton, fair trade clothing or locally made products.

Teeki pants are made from recycled water bottles (just like those local Drexel girls started that Kickstarter for…) and other sustainable gear is available with a quick google search.

Beginner Yoga Advice

If you’re unsure about the leap into yoga, definitely just give it a try. You may be surprised with how much you enjoy it.

And research from more experienced people than me.

Readers, have you columbused yoga? What advice do you have for other newbies?

Photo: adidas by Stella McCartney S/S 11 by adifansnet

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher