Inside Yoga 160 (4/3/16)

There are a lot of reasons why practicing yoga is a good idea, but now here’s one to add to the list – especially for the ecologically and ethically minded amongst us: practising yoga reduces our carbon footprint.

India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change has produced a 21-page document about “Low Carbon Lifestyles”. It lists several sensible and well-known tips to save electricity such as using solar panels and low-energy light bulbs, and keeping car tyres at the correct pressure.

The Ministry’s report – which has about 50 tips – could help play “a strategic role” in helping India stick to its international climate commitments such as reduction in the emissions intensity of its GDP by a third from 2005 levels, and create enough forest and tree cover to absorb 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, by 2030.

The report uses statistics to make it case, for example, a typical treadmill that’s active for an hour of daily exercise will, through the year, use up 544.215 units of power which will translate to 446.26 kg of carbon dioxide and an extra 3,238 rupees (£34) to your power bill.

Yoga, by comparison, was zero emission and therefore, the study asserts, saved enough fuel to prevent the chopping of 44 trees per year.

So there you go, practising yoga is not just good for the body, breath and mind, but it’s a great way of saving the planet.

One of my clients, after I had mentioned the carbon footprint story, pointed out that I could add “carbon off-setting” to my teaching business. Clients can pay me a fee and I will practice yoga for an hour, thereby off-setting their carbon footprint! Now there’s plan – feel free to contact me regarding this new business outlet. And in the meantime know that by practising yoga you are looking after the planet and your carbon footprint.

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