Sustainability in the yoga studio: aspiration and reality
Authored: Moritz Ulrich | Reading time: 4 minutes | last edited: 26.11.2025
In our studio, Peace Yoga BerlinSustainability is not just a concept, but an attitude that we have been working with since the very beginning. We want to be mindful of the resources we use and make decisions that do justice to both the environment and our everyday studio life. Perfection is never the goal - but awareness, honesty and a sense of responsibility are.
The important things in brief:
- Sustainability as lived practicePeace Yoga Berlin understands environmental awareness as an honest attitude - decisions are based on mindfulness, responsibility and the real conditions of everyday studio life instead of perfectionist expectations.
- Conscious choice instead of green labels: Cleaning products, studio products, coconut water or yoga mats are not assessed across the board, but are considered in terms of origin, durability, resources and actual benefits - pragmatism instead of ideology.
- Mindfulness beyond the mat: Travelling, consumption and teaching are viewed with compassion instead of morality - sustainability becomes a yogic path that enables reflection, connection and growth without shame or black and white thinking.
Ecological cleaning agents & vegan products
Whenever possible, we use ecological cleaning products and select products for our boutique that are vegan, cruelty-free and responsibly produced. We try to reduce waste and use sustainable alternatives. At the same time, we know that We also have our limits. The path to sustainability is a process - and we go about it with so much mindfulness
as possible.
The example of coconut water: responsible pragmatism
An example from our studio shop:
We sell coconut water in aluminium cans - deliberately.
Because research shows: Aluminium cans often have a better eco-balance than glass bottles because they are lighter, can be transported more efficiently and are reliably recycled in Germany. That's not perfect either, but it shows:
Sustainability requires consideration - not ideology. It's about choosing the most sensible path in the respective context.
Ecological products in yoga: where does sense begin, where does the trend end?
Yoga mats made from natural rubber: eco or not?
Natural rubber sounds ideal:
- Natural product
- No plastic
- Biodegradable
However, the raw material almost always comes from South America. The transport routes are long. And: many natural rubber mats wear out more quickly.
A counter-example: a durable plastic mat that lasts for 15-20 years can ultimately have a better environmental balance than a natural rubber mat that has to be replaced every two to three years.
Vegan food: Advantageous - but not always clear
Veganism definitely has positive effects:
- Lower CO₂ pollution
- Less water consumption
- No animal suffering
But here, too, it is worth taking a second look:
- Cashews from Asia
- Almonds from California
- Oat drink in plastic packaging
Sustainability doesn't start with the label - it starts with our inner attitude.
It's less about being "better people" and more about truly reflecting.
Yoga holidays & retreats: the biggest blind spot?
Many retreats take place in Bali, Costa Rica or India. These trips can be transformative - but the flight causes most of the carbon footprint.
Make more conscious decisions - without thinking in black and white
- Yoga Retreats in Germany and Europe offer shorter journeys, often by train.
- International Teacher trainings (e.g. Jivamukti in India) attract people from all over the world - no matter where they take place, some fly far, others do not.
We are increasingly trying:
- Train instead of flight, where possible
- more conscious travelling
- Taking responsibility for unavoidable flights
Not out of moral exaltation - but out of
honest reflection.
Sustainability in yoga classes: awareness instead of pointing fingers
A Yoga course can become a space in which awareness grows - without shame or moral pressure.
Topics that create solidarity
- Standing asanas as a connection to the earth
- Breathing exercises as a connection to all breathing beings
- Nature stories and reflection questions
- Inspiration instead of evaluation
Why shame is counterproductive
It's not about condemning someone who:
- has just flown
- has bought a cheap mat
- cannot pay for sustainable options
Awareness instead of judgement - compassion instead of moralism.
Where we ourselves are strict and where we are lenient
Strict:
- no meat consumption
- Conscious product selection for the studio
- Sensible, durable packaging
Indulgent:
- where perfection would be unrealistic or impractical
- where life has grey areas
Important: That only applies to me. It is not my place to tell others
to evaluate.
Understanding sustainability in a wider context
Sustainability also means taking proportionality into account.
Examples:
- Air traffic is often overestimated (large part = freight & business)
- Shipping traffic for goods has a huge impact
- Diet and consumption often have a greater impact than individual holiday flights
Not every action has the same impact. It's about the big picture, not about individual guilt.
Shaming has no place in yoga. But compassion does.
Impulse questions for your own practice
- What does sustainability really mean to you?
- Where are you already living it, where not yet?
- What decisions do you make out of convenience?
- How do you feel about people who are less consistent?
- Where can you cultivate compassion instead of judgement?
Conclusion: Sustainability as a yogic practice
Sustainability is not a state - it is an ongoing exercise. Just like yoga.
It's not about being perfect. It's about constantly realigning yourself:
- What can I do today?
- What small step can I take?
- How can I make my decisions more consciously?
Step by step. Breath by breath.
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