Delicious Craft (Eco) Beer: Bridge Brewing Company

Andrew and I are what you may call "beer snobs". Yep, I have to say we have discerning taste in beer. Drinking beer is like drinking wine. You gotta start really basic and easy (like fruity whites), drink lots until you can't taste the flavour anymore and eventually, you will learn to appreciate the deliciousness of the beauty called beer.

(Working four summers at a microbrew pub as a bartender also helped this appreciation. There was nothing funnier than watching the Americans hop off the Ferry, down a pint of Canadian micro brew and start slurring: "Y'all have funny lookin' money!". But then, I got my kicks where I could...).

Part of being eco-hip and all is buying local. Bonus if the local beer is also brewed sustainably!

Local beer does NOT equal Alexander Keiths (also, Keith's is gross icky beer and not worth your money). Investing your money back into small, independent and local business assures that your money is going directly back into the community with minimal shipping and production emissions.

(Love their logo! So rustic)

Last weekend, Andrew and I discovered our new FAVOURITE beer in Halifax... (drum roll:) Bridge Brewing Company. It's a new, I would say Nano, craft brewing company in the North End (Agricola and North St, near Gus' Pub). (Interestingly, a testament to the "small town" feel of the maritimes, even in it's biggest city, my best friend H is also friends with the owner's sister...)

(Yep, that's the owner, my friend's-friend M's brother!)

We're naming Bridge Brewing a 'Nano' craft beer brewing as they currently offer 3 styles of beer and brew about 300 litres a day. They only sell in "growler's" of 750ml, which is the perfect 2 beer amount. A small $ deposit means that you can refill your growler at cost of the beer as often as you'd like. They are phasing out the most gorgeous clay growlers (we're keeping one just for posterity) as they are more delicate (we discovered this today- just be sure not to be like Andrew, and hold them in your lap instead of allowing them to roll on the car floor), but the glass ones are just as fun. Refillable growlers equals less waste and better for the environment.

(the gorgeous clay growler chillin' next to the sleek glass growler)

Not only do they offer delicious beer in the coolest growlers in town, but Bridge Brewing Company's goal is to be ZERO EMISSIONS. Yeppers, they source all their power from Bullfrog Power and their spent grain goes to TapRoot Farms. It's clear from their site that should they be able, they plan on continuing to expand wherever possible on making their brewing production as environmentally friendly as possible.

Our favourite brew is "Gus", with the "Farmhouse" a very close second.

(self explanatory)

'Gus' is named after an infamous local North End pub: "Gus' Pub" (and coincidentally, it's the only place where you can get "Gus" on tap in Halifax- Andrew: "I would just sit at the bar, my eyes closed, and smile with eternal happiness"). Gus is a light, Belgium style beer that is filled with deliciousness: a hint of citrus with the lovely surprise of spice at the end. Yum!

(Farmhouse, all poured and ready to enjoy!)

'Farmhouse' has an amber look with a fruity aroma, large flavour with a hint of hop and bitterness. It also has more of a kick at 7.5% alcohol content.

They also currently have a dark beer, that we've never tasted. However, it would be a good bet that it is equally delicious.

If you're in the city, I highly recommend a quick stop to Bridge Brewing Company for a few growlers. If you're reading this as Come From Aways (not from the Maritimes), check out your closest city for micro and nano craft brews. You won't be disappointed!

Espresso Tasting: Craft Coffee Roaster North Mountain (Hyper Eco & Local)

This morning, after we completed week 3 of couch to 5k, Andrew and I went to a (free) espresso tasting. Yes, espresso tasting- like wine tasting only with espresso. And actually, no, it wasn't as pretentious as you might think!

 (Yummy espresso waiting to be tasted!)

Hosted by Smiling Goat Espresso (my favourite coffee place in the city) and featuring a small craft coffee roaster: North Mountain Coffee, it was fun, entertaining and surprisingly extremely interesting.

Small craft coffee roasters are becoming increasingly popular in Canada and (unexpectedly) in Nova Scotia. As consumers are becoming hyper 'local' sensitized and wanting highly authentic experiences, the demand is enough to support smaller craft roasters. Despite the 'hipster' quotient, craft roasters often means that you are directly supporting a local business, usually assured shipping, processing and energy costs (and pollution) are low and said roaster likely practices Direct Trade (arguably even better than fair trade).

(The beautiful espresso tasting card and colourful flavour wheel!)

To be honest, Andrew and I approached this event with our fair share of trepidation. We had no idea what an 'espresso tasting' would look like. We managed to snag a few seats and were excited when we were handed beautifully printed 'Espresso Tasting' forms for feedback along with a Flavour Wheel.

(Austin Anderson, owner, being a good sport with my impromptu "Can I take your picture for my blog??" request :) )

Austin Anderson, the owner of North Mountain Coffee, began the tasting by giving a brief and interesting account of espresso's history. I learned that espresso's life started as a cheaper and faster alternative to coffee and it wasn't until Starbucks decided to price it as a specialty item that our culture shifted to expect espresso to cost more. He was approachable, well spoken and extremely down to earth. His passion for all things coffee was apparent with every word and it was obvious that he definitely walked the talk of directly connecting with the farmers.

Since I have never actually drank espresso (beyond a sip of Andrew's once) I was a little nervous about writing down my thoughts on the tasting card. Thankfully, Austin made it clear that the tasting was to share experiences, thoughts and develop our ability to perceive and analyze what we like about different flavours of espresso. So, there are no wrong 'tastes'. (phew!)

(Andrew, absorbing the smell before taking his first sip- serious business!)

Each espresso was brought out without a description to encourage a more personal experience. Guests were encouraged to chat about what they tasted, jot down notes and thoughts. Following each sample, Austin asked each group to share what they thought about the flavour profiles, the look and feel of the espresso, the smell and even the finish (just like wine!). Austin easily made each person's comments feel welcome and valid, which isn't easy with a group of strangers.

(Tasting my first espresso- unbeknownst to me at the time: the Ruli)

It was so neat to have to articulate not only what I liked and didn't like about the four espressos, but to hear my thoughts reflected in others, or even to hear completely different reactions to the same espresso.

What really surprised me, was that espresso can have so many different flavours, roasting styles and processing methods. It was fun to find out that typically smaller craft roasters tend to roast lighter and often from single origin farms.

Our favourites were:

• Ruli (Gorilla) From Rwanda- where the farmers of these beans get around 6x more for their beans directly from roasters than 10 years ago. Taste: not at all what I think of as traditionally 'espresso'; bright and fruity but still rich feeling and delicious. These farmers recently won awards for their sustainable agriculture as well.
• Yirgacheffé (Lion) From Ethiopia- where Austin shared that the coffee trees actually grow naturally and are the most authentic area for 'wild' coffee beans; the trees are organic and heirloom varieties! Taste: rich, dark and malt-y (from a single wash process) and made us think of a really great dark stout beer.

(our card with all my notes and ratings and BOTH coffees!)

Unexpectedly, not only did we get the entire experience for free, but Austin gifted each guest with substantial free samples of North Mountain coffee! AND because Andrew and I liked two kinds, he gave us both!

Where can you buy North Mountain Coffee? Here's a list!

• Smiling Goat (Halifax)
• Steve-o-renos (Halifax)
• Local Source (Halifax)
• Kate's Pantry (Berwick)
• Union Street Cafe (Berwick)
• Designer Cafe (Kentville)
• Paper Pleasures Coffee Shop (Greenwich)
• Kiwi Cafe (Chester)
• Mateus Bistro (Mahone Bay)

You can explore North Mountain's facebook page OR contact them directly!

A Canadian Yogi's Winter Guide to Walking to Yoga Class

This morning I woke up to -27 degree Celsius (-16 F) with windchill outside. Wtf???

(Our street this evening around 5:20pm)

The day before we had a winter storm which I walked to work instead of driving on the messy roads. Supposedly, most of Canada is being struck with an "Artic Wave" of cold weather with temperatures as low as -40's Celsius with windchill.

This weather is supposed to continue for the rest of the week.

I am a firm believer that if possible, especially in Canada, cold weather shouldn't stop my life (within safety reasons). Every city I've lived in across the country has had typical Canadian winters that dip well into freezing. Honestly, it's something I love about Canada- the four distinct seasons, the snow and bundling up for the outside... and how easy it is to keep the beer cold at the cottage.

(our street this evening around 5:20pm)

I walked a grand total of 40min outside today and I'll be walking again tomorrow. Just like if I had a yoga class to attend in the city (updates on this topic coming shortly!), I would walk.

Of course, you can't just throw any old winter apparel and march off to yoga in this kind of weather. With a few practical precautions it's possible to make it to class without frost bite, or windchill burned cheeks (which actually happened to me last week- I didn't properly wrap my scarf...).

(just got back from work!)

Here's what you need to transform your yogi self into an eco-winter walkin' yogi:

• Winter boots. REAL winter boots, none of this fashionable stuff with heels. Invest in good winter boots that have a good lining and preferably go up to your knee. You live in Canada, you'll use them again, trust me. For slushy cities there are rubber boots you can find with a removable lining...
• Winter jacket. Something that will actually keep you warm. Down to your knees and a hood are preferable. A longer coat will keep your thighs warmer and a hood is handy for snow. There are environmental options (like HoodLamb). 
• A LINED tuque (hat). Why would you buy a winter hat that is knitted and unlined? Wind will whip right through them. Also, you are going to a yoga class, so hat head shouldn't matter anyway.
• Lined mittens. Mittens keep your fingers warmer than gloves because they can intermingle, instead of separate exposed to the elements through the material.
• Leg warmers. This is an essential part- since there is always a part of your legs that are exposed. Leg warmers are much easier to remove before a yoga class than long johns UNDER your yoga pants.
• A long-wide scarf. The dimensions are important, since you can fold the scarf in half width wise for extra protection and carefully wrap it several times around your head, chin, mouth and nose. 

The best order for getting ready?

1. Leg warmers positioned high on your thighs.
2. Boots (trying to put on boots after you have your big bulky jacket on is awkward)
3. Scarf- carefully wrap it covering as much of your face as possible.
4. Jacket- tucking the scarf in.
5. Tuque
6. Hood up
7. Mittens

There you go! A Canadian Yogi's guide to walking to yoga class :)

Beltane: Letting Go of Worrying for the Planet

May 1st, Beltane.

I've come to realize that I'll look back on my initial working decade and know that this is a time of insecurity and uncertainty. When I first began blogging it felt like the Green revolution was on an upswing, jobs weren't that difficult to find and I could justify weekly yoga classes.

All that has changed and I finally understand the challenge of 'eco-fatigue'.

I would add 'yoga-fatigue' as well. Perhaps it's yoga-cynicism, or world cynicism.

It's just so easy to get caught up in being and focusing on the negative (especially when society is doused in a general feeling of malaise and anxiety).

In order to move forward, Beltane; a celebration of growth, life and Light, is the perfect time to let go of the Dark, to shed that dry husk and make like the trees- leafing forth!

What I'm letting go in Yoga:
- Coffee and Yoga. For a variety of truly disappointing and very negative (so I won't indulge them here) reasons, Coffee and Yoga was no longer making me happy. Every month I felt like a C&Y failure, it just wasn't living up to my expectations. So... I'm letting it go. This will leave a whole lot of emotional room for new practices that will make me happy.

What I'm letting go in 'Eco':
- As counterintuitive as this sounds, I'm letting go of worrying about our Planet. Don't get me wrong, I'm not letting go of 'caring' for our planet- there's a difference. This overall, pressing anxiety like the coming doom (which I actually do believe is unfortunately happening) isn't actually helping anything. Instead, it's creating an ever increasing sense of guilt (that I'm not doing enough), shame (over our terrible conservative government) and overwhelming sense of impending catastrophe- the kind where you should be stocking up and rocking hysterically in a corner (ok, maybe I'm exaggerating, but you green bloggers- you know what I mean!).

I need to let that go. I am doing fantastic Green work. I will continue to do fantastic Green work. Hopefully be spreading my experiences on this blog it will help others make some small and large changes. That will have to be enough for now.

As Beltane, like Samhain, is a night perfect for magical doings- let's see what the Tarot has to say about this:

Basically that although I originally was quite passionate about Coffee and Yoga, the fire has burnt away leaving a more cautious and reserved person (Empress reversed). The Page of Pentacles at the top implies that leaving C&Y will allow more room for new and exciting endeavours though- which is exactly as I'd like it. :)

Have you experienced eco or yoga fatigue? 

What can you let go in your eco-yoga life to keep the Fires for Life and creativity burning brightly?

Happy Beltane!

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

DIY Body Lotion for Eczema

Remember my "DIY coconut oil" moisturizer?" I thought it would be the end of store bought moisturizer for life.

I was so stubborn I went TWO weeks thinking my skin would eventually get better with this two ingredient regime. Everyone has coconut oil as their cure all for eczema, so of course this will work! It's friggin' oil for frack sakes- it should be uber moisturizing!

After two weeks with patches of scary red, blotchy skin appearing all over my body and feeling itchy for all my awake hours (and waking up to having scratched in my sleep), I gave up and purchased Green Beaver's Après Ski with Calendula.

A slight improvement, but months have passed and I'm still suffering from dry patches and itchiness.

Last night, I decided that I was going to try making my own Calendula body lotion. Why not? I had some cocoa butter, unrefined coconut oil and I could just buy Calendula right? Whatever it is really, an herb or something. I'd just go to the Health Food store (Planet Organic) and search the herb section until I saw "Calendula" and whatever form that was I would buy some. (according to wikipedia, Calendula has been documented to decrease inflammation).

It's a yellow flower.

So, weirdly enough there wasn't any sort of "make your own Calendula, cocoa butter, coconut oil lotion" recipe online. Oh, there were plenty of various lotion recipes, but all had random ingredients I didn't own, or involved processes that were too time consuming. So I kinda decided to just wing it, take a few different recipes and see what happened.

What happened was that I made an oily body lotion that I used today. For the first time in MONTHS I am red blotchy, scratching and itchiness FREE!! No seriously, and I am almost a little shocked here, it actually worked. And it smells absolutely divine and wasn't that difficult.

My lotion immediately after poured into the mason jar last night!

EcoYogini's Cocoa Calendula Lotion 

Hardware: a double boiler (or makeshift one. I had to google what that was... cuz Andrew wasn't around for me to confirm that it's a large pot, with a metal bowl that sits on top but doesn't touch the water in the pot. In case there are other noobs reading this and not just me lol).
a small pot
a metal tablespoon
a mason jar (or glass container)
a mesh strainer
Optional: probe thermometer (it was handy)

Software:
1 tablespoon of dried Calendula petals (or 2 if you want more Calendula power)
3 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
3 tablespoons of cocoa butter
1 ounce of jojoba oil
1 ounce of olive oil

My double boiler and infusing oil!

Directions:
- In a small pot mix the jojoba and olive oil (honestly I just squirted what I thought was about an ounce each)
- Add the Calendula petals (I mushed them in a mortal to release some of the oils first).
- Heat the oil at low-medium, or so it's 170F (this is where the probe thermometer came in handy and I realized it was at 240F!!)
- Let sit for 20min at about that temperature.

Petals being infused

- Heat the cocoa butter in the microwave for about 35 seconds or until soft. (This was weird since it had been sooo long since I had heated anything plastic in the microwave. It felt wrong).
- In the metal bowl you'll use for the double boiler, add the coconut oil and cocoa butter. Bring water in the pot to a simmer (um, yup had to google simmer vs boil) and then place bowl with oils on top and melt.
- Once the Calendula is infused for 20min, strain the oil into the double boiler. Mix and pour the entire mixture into the mason jar. Allow to sit until at room temperature until hardens.

I really wanted to try it today, so I put it in the fridge overnight. The problem with that is it was rock solid in the morning and I had to heat it up again.

It smells absolutely delicious (even though the Calendula is STINKY while infusing).

The lotion tonight after being at room temperature all day. You can see it's a bit like vanilla pudding looking, but it actually separates as soon as you touch it. I might keep it in the fridge...

Some thoughts- the oils do separate and get a bit goopy, which is awkward to manage. Also, although it has worked miraculously, it takes a LONG time to absorb and is extremely oily. More so than the coconut oil alone. I had to get ready (do my hair and makeup etc) with minimal clothing and I even used a towel to pat some of it up. But it wasn't long that my skin soaked it up and no residue was left on my clothing!

That said- this is totally doable with basic ingredients and about an hour of your time. The stuff supposedly should last up to 4 months, or even longer if you put it in the fridge.

Enjoy!

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

What's Your Greenie Origin Story?

The "Greenie" (new word for me!) blogging world is full of parent (and mom) blogs. I sort of knew things going in to blogging, and although I like children (I work with parents, pregnant moms, preschoolers and babies every single day!) Andrew and I don't have any. (Unless you count our two cats, but since they don't wear cloth diapers I don't).

Often the environmental movement presents the reason for change as protecting our future children. How often do you hear: "We need to do X to assure a world for our children and grandchildren".

I hear it, I've read it, I've even written it here on this blog. But I didn't write it because that is the MAIN reason I care about the environment.

Yup, I said it. I am not a Greenie or EcoYogini in order to protect the planet for future generations. I'm not against children, Andrew and I will probably have one someday. But when I think about why we've made all these changes about our lives it has nothing to do with humans and everything to do with the planet.

(Lobster traps in Chéticamp Cape Breton last September 2011)

I recently read Jennifer's post "Childfree Greenies vs Green Parents?" and realized that we had some definite similarities with our Greenie origins. (although I most certainly am not as "anti-procreating" as she is, but I understand her point; children equal pollution).

My Origin Greenie Story includes the smell of moss and leaves in our Atlantic Canadian forests, clean rivers filled with non-mutant tadpoles and catfish, deer pistes in the mud near our cottage.

What's yours?

The Challenge of Being an Eco-Yogi: Critical Thinking and Yoga

Being an "EcoYogini" has actually been more difficult than I originally believed. Surprising? I think I was being a bit naive in the entire process.

Everything about the environmental movement involves questioning. Instead of swallowing the status quo, we start to question whether our current way of living truly is better for our planet and our race. Because we're surrounded by consumeristic choices, we have to spend our time critically examining all information that comes our way.

Is a product truly the "green" choice the company says it is? 

Is there a way we can do things with less impact?

Should we be investing in sustainable energy sources or decreasing and living with less?

People typically don't look to yoga seeking more questions. Generally it's to find some answers. Think about why you began to practice yoga.

"To find peace and decrease stress" (answer)

"To get physically fit" (answer)

"To reconnect with myself" (answer)

The entire starting point, the original premise, of yoga practice then becomes not about critically examining your surroundings, but a beginning based solely on finding answers. As a result, asking more questions really isn't high up on the priority scale. So it doesn't happen that often.

When you start to ask questions, for example why do yoga studios wax poetic about ahimsa followed by choosing to offer heated classes using energy with a high carbon footprint, they aren't always exactly welcome.

Even questioning the rule of "no inversions during moon time" garners some interesting responses.

It's difficult to question a practice that is so entrenched in spirituality and faith. Even approaching and voicing concerns can be met with admonishments of "non-violent communication", or some fluffy nonsensical sentence meant to dismiss or divert- they come in light and love. "You just need to let go and have faith in the practice" is a slippery slope.

Finding a balance between blind acceptance and openness to questions can be tough. Allowing yourself some questions can also bring you to a better understanding of your yoga practice and taking steps to make those changes so important for our planet.

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

One Big Eco-Change 2012: No More Zoodles

Choosing a big eco-change was difficult for many reasons.

One is the initial rationale behind my reticence in making New Year's Resolutions: often the "all or nothing", binge-type behaviours end in disaster. We burn ourselves out, pick unrealistic long term expectations and crash into oblivion. (This is also the reason why I am not a fan of bootcamps or 30 days of yoga or cleansing type activities).

Another was that Andrew and I actually already have changed a lot of things about our lifestyles. What is left are mostly things we can't change, like heating (we have no control over in our apartment), selling the car (we need it for my job), buying only organic and local (we don't have the financial means to do this 100%, but we try where we can), getting our electricity from sustainable means (we live in an apartment...).

Over our weekly fancy coffee (Direct Trade Organic at Smiling Goat- best coffee in town!), we made a daunting decision:

We are only going to have one boxed/pre-made/in-a-can supper a week. 

You might think- whaaa? Super easy!

Except. I am a fussy eater. Always have been. I have food restrictions due to my IBS on top of that. A lot of "easy" and quick meals include things like tomato (anything), onions, sauces (I generally don't like them)... You see where this is going? 

 Also, both Andrew and I work/ go to school full time and Andrew gets home pretty late (6:45pm usually). I come from a family who eats supper at 4:30-5pm and I've submitted my childhood habits on Andrew. Since I'm so fussy and uncreative with regards to meals, by the time he gets home, I'm embarrassed to admit that we often have KD, zoodles, or frozen pizza. And we LIKE it. 

On top of all that it has taken Andrew 5 years to be ok with eating left overs. Yep, his childhood family habits have resulted in his intense distrust in anything frozen or left in the fridge for a day. His mother throws stuff out when the expiration date is two full days away.

So, this decision was not taken lightly and is a BIG DEAL. 

(THE list on our fridge. Thursday is blank because I have my LLLI course I'm teaching that night. Also, you may notice that we have a Pirate themed word magnets...lol)

It's daunting because we've tried meal-planning before. And failed miserably. I'm not exactly sure why (I think work exploded and I became frustrated with the lack of inspiration for meals), but it definitely makes me nervous about the weeks to come.

Ways to stop a FAIL:

• More ideas for meals. Although he annoys the crap out of me, we have "Chef at Home", Chef Michael Smith's cookbook... and it ROCKS. Therefore, we're going to purchase his new book (and check his website). 
• Sundays are now planning/shopping/cooking days. 
• Andrew and I have had an honest chat about sharing this burden. Including my fears regarding my limitations with food and lack of creativity and his limitations regarding a general sense of laissez-faire. We are both committed this time.
• I now know a really awesome and quick recipe for flatbread so we can make a quick flatbread pizza.
• I don't really like zoodles, I like to pretend that when I eat it the heat changes the "tomato" sauce to something "un-tomato". So it shouldn't be too hard to give up. (yep, this tomato phobia is all in my head, but it's deeply rooted from my childhood. You should SEE my brother eat ketchup. Barf).

In any case, we have planned our first week and tomorrow after yoga (while Andrew is at his night class) I'm off to pick up what we need for the week. I'm really hopeful this change will result in new habits and a new portion to our life that we'll stop thinking about, like getting rid of paper towel, or walking to work. 

Anyone else go through this process and have any tips/suggestions?

article and photograph copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com 

Eco-Favs and Eco-Failures

This is my 430th post- it's a little overwhelming to think I wrote over 400 posts on the environment and yoga!

Although I've done this before, I thought I'd put together my Eco favourites and a 'fess up to the Eco-Failures.

Eco-Favourites:
1. The DivaCup: My absolute, most favouritest environmental AND yoga invention ever. I have saved close to 300$, hundreds of tampons from the landfill and TIME with this beauty. Also, practicing yoga has become that much more easier (along with travel, work and ease in every day living!).

2. My prAna revolution eco-mat. I adore my mat, despite the fact that it weighs a ton, is a bit embarrassing to roll out in class (cuz me and the mat are disproportionate) and no longer fits in my yogoco mat bag. Yep, it's been over a year and it's still like new, sticky and beautiful and environmentally friendly. LOVE.

3. No more Paper Towel. This was a tough transition but I would never ever go back. Trying to scrub a sink, tub, toilet or counter with paper towel seems ridiculous now- it's not nearly as clean or effective as a cloth rag. We never buy paper towel, and we don't ever miss it.

4. My Lioli produce bags are my favourite part of shopping. I no longer ever use plastic bags for produce, grains, seeds or rice. These easy to wash, easy to store and fabulous to use little mesh and solid bags not only keep my produce longer (cloth allows breathing while plastic sweats and increases decomp), they also decrease our plastic consumption significantly. It's come to the point that if I forget them, I can't bare to use plastic, so I just wash the produce really well when I get home.

5. Vinegar as a cleaning tool. Weirdly I haven't written about this (that I can find). Guess I didn't think it was EXCITING. I should write about why I heart vinegar now, and how I'd never go back to chemical cleaning. (mental note- made).

6. Going off the birth control pill. Best decision I ever made.

A couple of Eco-Failures since this journey began:

1. Salt deodorant: I am STILL paying for this epic failure. I really really wanted this to work, but unfortunately underarm reactions have had some pretty annoying results that continue to be a challenge.

2. DIY Yogurt: oh yeah, we did this three times and every time I vomited in a little bit in my mouth during the entire process. The texture was just so GROSS. I couldn't handle it. So for a while I just stopped buying yogurt. Then I tried some locally made stuff, but that texture was also really weird and gross. So... I'm currently on a no-yogurt eating kick. Sad really.

3. Soap end bits body wash: ummm- sadly about a week after making this the soap solidified. Awkward.

4. Urban Gardening: Sadly all our attempts have failed, including this year's little rooftop garden. It was impossible to get up there and garden, water and watch over our plants- mostly because we had a short window each day and we'd be walking right next to our neighbour's windows (on the fire escapes). We haven't been up there in weeks and I have no idea what that little box looks like right now.

5. TPE Yoga mats. Not eco-friendly. Need convincing? Post 1, post 2.

Well there you have it!

Upcoming posts this week: soap, vinegar, menstruation and yoga.

Blessings!

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Putting your yoga money where your heart is

While suffering through a ridiculously tense and anger inducing yin practice (who knew those two things could go together?), I realized that part of my disappointment and frustration was focused on the utter failure of the current yoga studio I was investing my money into supporting.

I have watched this studio grow from tiny roots to a knew studio, ownership and expansion of a new studio space. I had hopes... some of my favourite yoga classes happen there. But. The studio is just so catastrophically environmentally BAD. And well... you know moi, I just kinda care about our Planet a little bit. It's sorta important to me.

So why would I put my (limited) money supply into a studio that simply doesn't appear to give a crap about how yoga can impact our planet? Seriously, in our consumer-driven society, one way we can send a clear message for change is to back it up with loonies and twonies (for you non-Canadians, that's one and two dollar coins lingo lol).

What is this studio doing that has irked my Eco-yoga-ness?

• Heated rooms using floor heat fans. Ridiculously wasteful and energy intensive. At least have an energy plan to offset the carbon used, or acquire the energy through Bullfrog... there are many options...
• Renos... using no environmentally available options. High VOC paints, fake laminate flooring (icky toxic glue and all) expanding and installing TWO extra bathrooms and showers (um energy?). Sigh, opportunity missed.
• Chemical laden cleaning supplies, including triclosan plastic enclosed hand wash and ridiculous "no sweat" mat cleaner (no ingredient list... sketchy. Email to company has been sent).
• Paper paper paper! Sign up sheets clutter the desk for every single class imaginable. Paper posters line the walls that will be replaced and taken down in a few weeks, ridiculously small mini schedules for taking, cards... There are a dozen more sustainable ways to sign up clients and display information.
• No reasonable recycling sorting or ANY composting... in a municipality where not composting and recycling is *Illegal*.... so lame.
• Not even a smidgeon of hint of plan to consider our planet in any business practice they have done or will do.

Hanging out in the torturous dragonfly yin posture I realized... complain complain complain- but why am I paying for this studio whose practices I strongly disagree with? With other business practices I have absolutely no qualms with complaining to management, voicing my concern with their business practices and taking my money elsewhere. Just because I was in a yoga studio didn't make this situation different. I shouldn't be more careful just because it's a yoga studio, as if they are more "sensitive, enlightened, inherently better and above reproach in some way".

There are many studios in HRM that are doing a much better job at protecting our planet through yoga.

(the way yoga should be... outside :) can't wait for Yoga in the Park again this year!)

We can all do this, yogi(ni)s. It's time to stop thinking of yoga studios as above criticism or beyond responsibility. Promoting and providing a spiritual practice does not excuse trashing our Planet.

Tomorrow will be my last class at this studio (Coffee and Yoga has already promised to flash mob a yin-yang class :) ), after this EcoYogini will be putting her yoga money where her heart is.

Blessings!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Smooth Yoga Legs and Shaving Cream

One of the things I'm self conscious about during a yoga class is having hairy legs. Or prickly legs. I get that it's totally a western, cultural thing- which is annoying but I just really don't like hairy legs. And I can't stand the thought of the teacher coming along unaware that they'll be adjusting my furry legs whilst in shoulderstand. ICK.

Anyhoo, that being said I was never "that girl" who shaved her legs every single day. I just didn't have the patience or commitment. I still don't. (I know there are women out there who shave their legs every day, I had friends who did.... which still amazes me). But I did really like the fancy schmancy shaving cream stuff. The thought of shaving my legs without some perfumed mess of chemical goop was mind boggling. I mean, my legs would erupt in bumpy, cut up monstrosities if I did that right?

I had a moment in BC when I realized just how ridiculous the whole process was. Shaving cream has a whole crap load of weird chemicals, stuff to make it smell good (perfume which can have formaldehyde), stuff to make it foam, stuff to make it seep into your skin and blood stream (moisturizers) allowing the other foaming, perfuming agents to just march right in. That and the packaging, no way to ever recycle.

So, still believing I needed something specific for shaving my legs, I bought "method" shaving cream. Still has chemicals, still packaged in a non recyclable container. I then moved to this special "shaving" bar of soap made by Birch Bark soap (which I adored).

Then I ran out. And being a little lazy, I was forced to use whatever I had in the shower. Body wash, regular body soap, conditioner, shampoo. And you know what? They all worked just fine.

We've all been duped into thinking that in order to shave our legs we need some special shaving lotion/cream. An marketing creation, making us think we need a product so we'll buy it. It's a complete, weird, cultural crock.

Never again will I buy a cream/soap/lotion specific for shaving my legs. A moisturizing locally made bar of soap will do just find. No packaging, no scary ingredients. Perfect for the lazy eco-yogi(ni)!

Now off we go to watch our wonderful Yoga Instructor Helen Fong give a talk on Meditation! :)

Blessings!

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Moon Balm, Tubular Lip Balm & Five Seed Rad-ness

I LOVE getting mail. Seriously. For a while there, even bills made me happy (first few years of living away from home).

Recently, my friend Jen and I put in a quite substantial order with a fantabulous company.... Five Seed. (Weeee!!!!!) We had been actually talking about it for weeks and finally sat down with a list of things. Alright, Jen told me the three things she wanted and I kinda just went to town on my order.

Just this week we received an exciting repurposed box filled with fun goodies!

First of all, why do I love Five Seed?

Not only are the products made with the most ecological stringency, but they are hand made by Yancy herself. I have no idea how she does it, but they are amazing. Five Seed has amazing natural and healthy beauty and business philosophies and her blog not only celebrates her products but supports our non-beauty industry selves.

My favourite thing about Five Seed though? How transparent she is with her journey in ingredient and packaging choices. I love how she isn't afraid to talk about her challenges in packaging and addresses concerns openly and with integrity.

And ya know, her products really are frickin' amazing. (check out her etsy store!)

This order I was so excited to receive the following:

• Calendula Rose Clay Masque (oh this is going to be so much FUN!)
• Lavender Vanilla Moon Balm (smells divine and will be such a blessing once a month)
• lip balms 'Vanilla Woods' and 'Chocolate Mint' (I've tried both and am in love)
• scents Gillian and Sally (Gillian is my fav, smells amazing, going up there with my other fav 'Amelie')
• Witch's Mini- with love massage oil (ouu), prosperity hand balm and protection lip balm (no longer available, I am so glad I bought this when I did!)
• Sweet Rosemary in the new tubular form
• Jen got Icy Mint lip balm and Patch and Mend balm

Check out the inside of the neat little 'Witch's Mini' tin! The Love Massage Oil smells delicious... I also adore the convenience of a little glass dropper!

My thoughts on the eco-packaging of the tubular lip balm:
I can see why she was wanting to use tubes, no need for messy fingers or cross contamination. I actually don't mind how they look, it's small and convenient. I'm not sure how the pushing up motion will fair out, but so far so good (and the sweet rosemary smells delicious!). It's really neat to know that Yancy really put a lot of thought and consideration into these tubes, and specified that they can actually be composted in municipal composting systems- unlike bio-plastic (yay!).
So although I know she's still looking into alternatives, her lip balms truly are amazing and this new tubular form truly is... rad. I like it!

Also part of the delivery came a few surprises including two packets of actual seeds (basil and radish, rooftop garden here I come!) and cards for randumosity and Bittersweet. Bittersweet is Aimee Fahey's drool worthy looking hand rolled truffles... yep- TRUFFLES. I may take the risk and actually make an order cuz have you seen her truffles???? Go see. Right now. YUM.


I don't usually go on so much about beauty products, but honestly eco-yogi(ni)s this stuff is just the bees knees. :)

 My stash of what Five Seed products I could find... it's growing!

Blessings!


article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

A Letter to a Reader

I love hearing from my readers, especially when it's asking to research questions or concerns (I'll be posting soon asking for topic suggestions :) ). Surprisingly I've never had a challenging email from a reader... until a few days ago. D, a reader from the States sent me an email which was respectful but appeared a bit "I want to discuss, but really I want to argue and not listen". My response, although also respectful was brief. To which he responded with a nice and clarifying email that I felt was perhaps not in the spirit I had originally assumed. I've decided to post my answer (not his original questions, as I don't have permission and I really don't want people to think I'll publish whatever they email me here), as I felt I had to address some interesting topics. Thank you, D.

Hi D,



Thanks for the clarifying, I apologize if I came across a bit blunt. Honestly, I've encountered quite a bit of "lets have a discussion, but really I just want to prove my point without listening to what you have to say" type of stuff from people. In any case, I do believe that we all will make our own decisions and that although I may have some influence, I really just am one small town Canadian girl trying to live a more balanced life.

You ask a lot of big questions, and you seem to have concerns that cross the gamut with regards to the environment right up to existential questions about life and the purpose of. In a sense, it's a nice place to be- it means you're changing and growing in your perspectives as a human and as a person. This can lead to great personal and life changes... sometimes we just get stuck in keeping with questions that are comfortable and familiar. At the same time, being in a state of constant critical analysis isn't really ideal either. There comes a point where a decision on morals and beliefs must be made with the information we have. Not to say the decision can't change.

I would clarify here, as well, my own bias in that I'm not really one for philosophy or philosphical debates. Not that I don't see the value in having these types of discussions, but I was always much more of a practical, pragmatic person (with a big hit of spirituality). From my perspective, it's best to have a balance of both- discussing those "bigger" questions as well as having equal, realistic discussions with regards to action.

Ok, so with regards to nature and climate and where we live. I would disagree that living in a northern climate means being at odds with nature. I would also say that there is a lot of research that is indicating that climate change means more storms (colder winter storms), more hurricanes and tornadoes etc. These storms and "forces of nature" are agreed upon by the climate scientists to be human caused due to our industrial revolution and it's affect on our planet's climate (not necessarily "global warming"- that was a simplistic view of what's happening in order to best reach the vast public. Think of it more along the lines of "climate"). So- increase in storms and stuff are human caused.

About cold weather and living in balance with our planet. I think at this point asking the questions about whether we should live a nomadic lifestyle etc is a bit moot. In that, humans have been sedentary for over 10,000 years.... not exactly a long time in the snap shot of earth's history, but not exactly yesterday either. From a practical perspective, going back to pre-industry, nomadic lifestyle just isn't realistic. At the same time, yes expecting to be at 26 degrees above (celcius, not really sure about F conversion) in our houses all winter long isn't really practical either. It's wasteful. Humans can adjust to lowering our thermostat and functioning in cooler homes. We can also obtain our energy from earth-friendly means, such as geothermal heating, solar panels, smart building... or putting on a sweater! :)

Your other questions about what is an "eco-yogini"- I guess I never thought of my blog as speaking to a group of people, or a cohort that in order to be labeled "eco-yogi(ni)" you must do x,y,z... I guess I just like to refer to my readers with the assumption that if you're here reading my blog, you must have an interest in the environment and this should be celebrated. I really am not a fan of the green centrism that you're either "with us, or against us" or having these weird strict rules about how to be a good "eco-yogini". At the same time, I will admit that I'm becoming a bit frustrated with how the movement has stagnanted and slowed down. Like anything that we feel passionately about, it's difficult not to shake people sometimes. I try really hard every day not to be judgemental of other people's choices.

I think to the question about what parts do we change and what do we accept? It's funny, we are moving away from a realistic natural world, i'm thinking with regards to things like bugs and worms and dirt.... we want a beautiful pristine world without those things. No bugs on my lettuce please! use spray if you must! so we are in a society that is increasingly disconnected from nature. The average Canadian child spends 6 hours with computer-electronic devices per day. It's incredible. I'm really not that old (late 20's) but we *played* outside, i've caught frogs and sloshed through the mud. I can't function in a city of concrete for months at a time. I need nature. Research shows that the more disconnected from nature you become, the harder it is to save something completely alien to you (especially since most of the North American and European population lives in cities now).

So we kill that insects and such because we don't like them, but don't get the connection between them and our sustainability. I do believe that as we move to a more sustainable lifestyle, we will fumble and (hopefully) discover a balance between living and accepting our planet. But this is a huge process and I wouldn't expect it to happen over night. Social change never happens overnight. My thought- we really need to step away from a disposable, convenient lifestyle. Only then can we start to truly connect and change with our environment.

In any case, I hope this answer was more what you were looking for D. I do appreciate your questions and thoughts. I also don't expect you to agree with me, I also am still on my journey of Life and discovery. :)

Much Light,

Lisa

Yoga Noobs; 27 Things to Know About Yoga Blog Tour + Book Giveaway!

Although yoga has been a part of my life for about 5-6 years now, I still feel like a yoga-noob all the time. I very much feel like my practice is growing and still so young and wide-eyed.

Which is why I was quite interested in the recent email I received from Victoria Klein regarding her book- "27 Things to Know About Yoga". Kinda like a primer for yoga, her book is a great starter giving the essentials without the fluff or hippie intimidation (yep, I think hippies can be intimidating... lol).


I was especially interested in her focus on environmental living. As a writer, photographer and eco-consultant she's interested in knitting, sewing, reading and of course, practicing yoga. I'm very pleased that she was willing to answer a few questions, not all of which are yoga-centric. 


Even better, Victoria sent me a reading copy of her book "27 Things to Know About Yoga", which I enjoyed. As I think this book would give a nice lift for those other yoga-noobs out there I'd really like to share the book-love... which means Book Giveaway!! After the fabulous interview, please read instructions on how to win a copy of "27 Things to Know About Yoga" by Victoria Klein!!

 Atreyu inspecting the book. No worries, it's safe from kitten mayhem :)

1. Writing a book about yoga is a pretty big deal. How did you and yoga "meet"? Was it love at first sight, or was there a progression with some bumps along the way?
I met yoga nearly 10 years ago & loved it after my first class. Since then, my practice has had some bumps, including finding the right teachers, relocating to new cities, and simply maintaining my commitment to practice regularly at home. No matter where my life has taken me, I always end up coming back to yoga. Yoga is what you make of it – it does not judge or grade you – it just is what it is. As humans, we assign meaning to things & yoga means the world to me.

  2. With the recent drama regarding Yoga's image in advertising what are your thoughts on the "business" and image of yoga? As a fashion model and photographer does this shift your perspective?

The whole “drama” was a long time coming. Yoga is at a very transformative point in its awareness in Western culture. Yoga is still very much a physical & spiritual practice, but it also has a business side to it. You can’t have an effective yoga studio if you don’t manage the business correctly; the same goes for brands that focus on selling to yoga practitioners.

As someone who is personally & professionally interested in visual arts, especially photography (both in front of & behind the camera), I think I do have a different perspective on yoga’s business and image. Should we use sex or sexy-ness to sell yoga or yoga products? No. Should we use sex to sell anything? No – but we do anyway, because it works. Advertising is another business altogether & I don’t claim to know it well.

I’m not against using sexy concepts to get folks interested in yoga. I personally believe that once folks actually try yoga, whether their reasons are sex-related or not, they will grow to love yoga for other reasons – the practice has an unwavering ability to constantly surprise people. In actuality, yoga has little to do with sex at all, and that needs to be reinforced in classes, but advertisers are advertisers & removing the “sex sells” mantra will be a long uphill battle.

3. Although 27 Things to Know About Yoga is obviously about yoga, you have many other passions in your life including a pretty intense focus on environmentally friendly living. How do you see Yoga meshing with eco-friendly living? 
Yoga meshes seamlessly with living a sustainable life. As I highlight in 27 Things to Know About Yoga, the spiritual side of yoga includes commandment-esque values like non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-possessiveness. All of these values can be related to our treatment of ourselves, each other, animals, natural resources, and our overall environment.

I often use practicing yoga & food as an example. As you practice yoga, your diet naturally changes – you want to keep your body healthy and strong, so you start to gravitate towards fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed and packaged foods. The same can be said for practicing yoga & living sustainably.
There is both a wonderful organization & book (not related) on the subject. California-based Green Yoga Association helps yoga studios run their operations more sustainably, get their students interested in green living, and be an active part of their community. Canada’s Georg & Brenda Feuerstein wrote Green Yoga, a frank connection between environmental preservation and the ethical concepts of yoga.

4. I've read that you're married (and had an "eco-wedding blog" but I can't find it anymore... :(- I'm getting married in October and it would have been a fun read). Does your husband share your eco and yoga views? Do you practice together and if so, did you introduce him to yoga? If not, has it been difficult to mesh eco-living with someone of a different perspective?

Yes and no. He is an eco-yogi, but not nearly as committed as I am. I was the one who introduced him to yoga & we have taken a few classes together, but he doesn’t maintain a regular practice. Whenever he is sore from a workout or military event, the first thing I do is recommend a few yoga poses. Though he has only taken a few classes, he vividly remembers how great they made him feel, so he usually takes my advice. When it comes to living sustainably, we do see eye-to-eye on just about everything, though sometimes I do have to remind him of our environmental impacts. 

5. Why did you write the book, 27 Things to Know About Yoga? 

To dispel the ever-present myths about yoga. From coffee shops and airports to restaurants and local streets, I meet folks that think yoga is nothing but funny-looking poses for flexible people. It’s these myths that are keeping millions of people from experiencing the fantastic possibilities of a yoga practice. I wanted to write a book that could explain yoga to anyone.

6. If you only had one "Thing" you could tell someone about Yoga, what would it be?

You can do yoga – yes, you, behind that computer, smart phone or iPad. No ifs, ands, or buts.

******

Wow! Thank you very much Victoria for answering so thoughtfully.

Now for the extra fun bit- Win the book!

How: In the comment section tell me how you are a "yoga-noob". I'll need some way to identify you, so a name at least would be ideal. :) You have until this Sunday, September 12th to enter. I'll put all the names in a hat and announce the winner!

Good luck!

The hidden carbon emissions of a yoga class

We've chatted about ways to greenify our yoga practice from the best eco-mat (rubber!) to sustainable gear. But we never really talked about how we GET to yoga class. Doesn't it feel a little hypocritical, with our local eco-yoga stuff, to drive down to class in our gas guzzling cars?

Unfortunately, walking to yoga in Halifax is a bit tricky- most studios are at least a 40 minute walk (closest) and although a small city, there is a lot of sketchy stuff that happens after dark here. Public transit is also catastrophically terrible, with evening buses that only run on the half hour... unreliably.

So maybe a quick drive isn't that big of a deal?

According to this site, a small car emits 0.59 lbs of carbon per passenger, per mile. Say I go to Breathing Space Halifax studio, 2.17 miles from my apartment, pretty close. Also, that I go to yoga class twice a week for three months... that's 61 lbs of carbon. Add Andrew and we double that number ***NB: I'm not sure WHY they state this...***

Also according to this source, a medium sized car emits approximately 1.1 lbs of carbon per passenger, per mile. For the same studio, same times that means 114lbs of carbon in three months only.

Think about what that means for a regular class of yoga and how much carbon just getting there that would represent. Per class. 

A solution?? A bicycle! My wonderful friends Kevin and Heather found me an amazing vintage bicycle that is PURPLE and in perfect condition. I love her (she's already named Veronica btw). All she needs is a basket and a lock, and say goodbye to driving to yoga class. 

Don't get me wrong, the thought of driving in this non-bicycle friendly city scares the poo out of me. I have decided, though, that at the many scary intersections we will simply get off our bikes and walk through on the cross walks.

Wouldn't it be amazing if yoga studios offered incentives for those students who chose alternate, greener, means of transportation to enjoy the yoga they offer? Here are some clever options to assure that the services enjoyed at your studio aren't helping the destruction of our already beleaguered air supply:

1. Have bicycle racks in front of your studio! Such a simple solution and I'm sure there would be cheap or used options available from the city. You never know, HRM may have some old or used options that they would sell for cheap.

2. Allow students to bring their bicycles inside the studio if you don't have a bike rack. Make this policy extremely public- send emails and have easily visible posters. I'm not going to ride my bike all the way to the studio and *hope* it will be alright.

3. Offer discounts for those yogis who arrive via green transportation. You could even have a sliding scale- a certain percentage for public transit and higher for bicycle or walking. Since we're all tight for money, the discount could be to encourage yogis to go above and beyond carpooling. It's time we did more.

4. Another option, give out punch cards (or keep track on your computer system) for green transportation- after so many the student gets a free class or a discount.

5. Be PROACTIVE with spreading the word. Have posters, talk to your students about this, many students may not necessarily peruse your website or read your newsletter.

6. Yoga for cyclists and yoga for walkers-runners classes... with the prerequisite that students arrive to class via that mode of transportation.

Although there are challenges, our Yoga practice can help us connect with our planet and our community. (don't I look dorky with my biking helmet?? hehe)

 

Blessings and Happy Weekend!

article and photographs copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

EcoYogini the Frozen Sailor

I thought after my lofty "I am green because I walk to work" post the other week I should give you an update on how that said walking to work is going (and as it's Friday it's nice to have a shorter post!). 


I will be honest, the first three weeks I only walked to work on average about 3 of the 5 days. I felt like it was 'no big deal', I felt connected to my city and smug. Why wasn't everyone ELSE doing this?


This week was my first- walk to and from work every single day. My tune sure did change!


Although I'm no longer winded or getting side stitches (sad that they occurred in the first place, I know!), I am exhausted when I get home. Wouldn't you know that it has been COLD COLD COLD this week?? Of course the opportunity to walk to my work coincides with a cold Canadian winter and not the beautiful weather of summer. I thought I was prepared for the cold, with tights, knee high insulated boots, knee length winter jacket, scarf, mittens and a hat. HAH. 

snow at my parent's cottage (see the deer tracks?)

Then on Tuesday it was -30 Celcius (-22 Fahrenheit) with the windchill. If you have never experienced that kind of cold, it ISN'T something you want to expose your skin to for a forty minute walk. Thankfully the collar on my jacket was high, so I could hold it up until only my eyes were showing. I had to switch hands as the wind was whipping into my mittens and freezing them. At each stop light I would turn my back to the wind and scrunch down with my eyes closed.


I morphed into scary, angry Yogini this week, as wouldn't you know it was that cold Tuesday, Wednesday evening, Thursday evening and today. YAY. Even though I had some fun new Québécois podcasts (Christiane Charette!) to supplement my French-fix, my inner dialogue looked a bit like this:


"Oh My Goddess, it is EFFING COLD.
Being an environmentalist sucks a**.
Why do I DO this to myself?? 
I wonder if someone I know will recognize me while they're driving and bring me home? Maybe if I look sad enough a kind, non-rapist stranger will take pity on my poor self and bring me home....
Holy Eff, the squigee guy IS NOT WEARING A HAT. Isn't he cold?? Is he CRAZY? Quick, walk past and don't make eye contact.
Can eyeballs get frostbite? Cuz they effing hurt a LOT. 
Maybe I should just sit down and rest for a bit... WAIT- that is BAD.
Since I can't feel my legs, it's weird that I'm still walking....
I hate walking to work. This sucks. I am NEVER doing this again."


Repeat each day.


Annnnd, as you can see, when I become angry or irritated (or cold) I drop a lot of f-bombs.... Actually, keeping my swearing under check is something I work on for the benefit of my work and friends who may find it offensive. But the Andrew is sadly exposed to a lot of 'Lisa the Sailor' at home...


Now that I have achieved day numéro CINQ in my walking adventure this week, even though my face feels like a map of prickly needles, I am proud of my accomplishment. In one week I have saved myself 75$ in parking and 2.5 hours of carbon that would have been spewed out in the atmosphere.

ALSO, speaking of accomplishments... last night I FINALLY got my head off the floor in Wheel! Only 5 years in the making! WOOT WOOT! Now to actually work on alignment... :)


Happy Weekend!




article and photos copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com