First up is my friend and loyal reader Mike and his wife Melissa. They run Ohio's largest yoga studio in Dayton, named Sri Yoga, and I was blessed to meet Mike back in college when he was just starting on his path in yoga. Since then he and Melissa have grown their studio and eco-friendly lifestyle together. Check out the ways they work to lead a more environmental conscious life.
As for the studio: We use CFLs and other energy efficient light bulbs whenever possible, use low VOC paints and have an abundance of plants within the studio to increase the air quality. All of our cleaning supplies (from hand soaps to floor cleaners) are non-toxic, all natural and organic whenever possible. Our sheets for therapy sessions are organic and all our products used on clients are organic and handmade locally. Our tea lounge has organic teas. Our flyers and other forms of paper advertisements are made with post-consumer waste. The sri yoga website hosting is provided by ThinkHost, which is supported by 100% wind and solar power. We donate monthly to Dayton Power & Light for their Green Connect program to buy blocks of alternate energy. We recycle. Homegrown Aesthetics, operated out of Sri by Jenn Hecht, makes most of her products from the plants she grows here at the studio.
For us personally: We live a vegan lifestyle because the amount of energy required to produce animal products is unreal (factory farming). Strangely enough, it would appear that this lifestyle is one of the easiest & effective ways for us to lower our "carbon print" or environmental impact. Although we are vegan, we do support small farms that still produce animal products, so long as they are ethical and do so at a sustainable level. Since we are unable to support them as consumers, we help where we can through petitions for new legislation that protect small farms or by promoting them to friends. We use tote bags, CFLs, biodegradable bags to clean up after the dogs. We buy mostly organic and try to buy more local produce, in bulk when available. We buy eco-friendly household products (preserve for razor blades and toothbrushes) and toiletries. We are phasing out our non-stick cookware for stainless steel and use glass containers v. plastic. We buy organic clothing when we can afford it. Try to buy mostly USA or fairtrade products. We use water filters instead of buying water bottles, especially if it is from 3rd world countries. We use stainless steel water bottles. We try to recycle as best we can. We don't eat at fast food, and opt for restaurants that use dishes and silverware. Places like Chipotle are good about having good quality produce and meats.
What a difference Mike and Melissa are making by taking little steps like recycling and big steps by choosing to live a vegan lifestyle. I am still not quite there yet. I still do love my meat...especially my locally raised beef. Also, how awesome is it that they not only live an eco-conscious lifestyle at home but also at work. Interested in seeing Mike and Melissa's studio? Click here to read more about their studio and services offered there.
Want to be featured on Sustainable Susie's "The Eco-Life of a Reader" to tell everyone how you go-eco? Shoot me an e-mail to let me know!
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