Sustainable AND Fabulous: Inner Fire

Over the past several years I've slowly replaced my Lulu yoga wardrobe with more sustainable and locally made products. The only Lululemon apparel that has survived my decade of yoga practice are the first pieces I ever bought, back when Lulu was actually MADE in Canada. The rest have stretched and worn away to being unwearable. 

In Halifax, the BEST place to get high quality and sustainably North American made yoga gear is Bhavana Yoga Boutique (above Heartwood). That said- you don't HAVE to practice in fancy schmancy yoga apparel- all yogis know this. But in the spirit of encouraging those who may feel the fashion urge to Lulu, I offer some gorgeous alternatives that will allow you to look fabulous without feeling embarrassed (which I do when I wear Lulu). 

Recently I discovered a fabulous Canadian company and purchased a pair of gorgeous yoga leggings that passed the "I am extremely bloated and uncomfortable from having ovaries the size of oranges and a line of bruises from nightly triple injections marching across my belly" IVF yoga practice. 

Inner Fire.

They are a Vancouver based company that makes the most vibrant yoga leggings (and tops) I have seen in a while. When I put on these leggings it was an instant KA-POW to my eyes. Which is, of course, the whole point. Loud colours with beautiful designs for me to gaze at during downward dog? Yes please!

These leggings are not only sweat-shop free and Canadian made, BUT they are made from recycled plastic bottles and are BPA free. Over 80% of my leggings are recycled material! #BAM

When I first tried them on at Bhavana, despite their visual smorsgabord, I was a little unsure due to their texture (a more nylon, galaxy leggings type feel- which makes sense from their recycled plastic origins), would be comfortable for a yoga practice. 

That said, Krista (Bhavana Queen), assured me they were ridiculously comfy and I did very much enjoy their large belly band (I am not a fan of the thin leggings belly band- I mean who really is?? Right?). So, purchased they were. For sizing- I am a size six and fit well into a medium. :)

I wore them for two yoga practices and as kickass leggings with an outfit for an entire day. 

Verdict: Love!

Although they are not the typical yoga fabric, these leggings move just as well during asana. Not bunching, pinching nor sliding. The wide belly band really is comfortable and as I got sweatier during my practice they only fit better. This is especially impressive since my belly at that time was so sensitive and enlarged from the IVF injections- even touching it hurt. 

A final bonus: unlike the typical fabric yoga pants I'm accustomed to, these leggings won't ever pill and the wear factor is significantly decreased. In other words, they will last longer... EcoBonus.

So, in the spirit of the holiday season, if you are looking for gift ideas for a fellow yogi (or yourself ;) ) Inner Fire will make the planet AND the yogi happy :)

The Pow-Wow Dress and My Discomfort with the 'First Nations Yoga Fashion' Trend

There has been quite a bit of discussion in the yoga blogosphere concerning accessibility, inclusion and diversity (or lack thereof) in yoga.

There have been some fabulous posts recently, and I strongly encourage you to check them out.

What I've been wanting to comment on for the past six months is the uncomfortable feeling I get whenever I step into a 'non-lulu' yoga clothing space.

Full disclosure: I am an invisible minority from a place of privilege. As an Acadian woman, I have shared history with the Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia and live with the feeling of 'otherness' while benefiting from being able to 'fit in' to mainstream white society. I am not an expert on cultural appropriation, nor do I pretend that my culture's history of being oppressed even closely compares to that of the First Nations Peoples.

Instead of writing an 'expert' post, this is a personal sharing of my discomfort with the increasing 'First Nation' fashion trend creep into the yoga world.

Firstly, I need to admit that I do find all things First Nations beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. I have always been drawn to dream catchers, feathers, stone and natural jewellery and I will admit, all things that are stereotypically portrayed as 'First Nation'. This is very hard for me to write, but I've always felt that it's so important to recognize that I am influenced by our North American, white, culture. In order to be honest, I need to recognize that I am biased.

I don't believe people of privilege who claim to be completely unbiased. I work every day to honestly acknowledge how my small village and (loving) family and education have shaped my thoughts and perspectives while working to move to something real, respectful and empathetic.

About a year ago, I walked into a local yoga wear store (that I love) and stumbled across these 'Be Love' shirts sporting feathers, dream catchers and 'Peace warriors' with obvious First Nation references. They made me uncomfortable. I took some time to think on that, wondering if I were being extra sensitive.

Months later I was back in this store and noticed the 'Pow-wow dress'. Yes. That is the name of the dress. Admittedly, I own several dresses by this company and I heart them very much. However, while holding up the dress I couldn't help timidly voicing my discomfort that this was a bit too much like 'cultural appropriation- don't you think?' to the owner. She was surprised, and kindly said she assumed the company, as with 'Be Love' had most likely consulted with local First Nations community... 'The company is based in Vancouver after all'.

A tweet not long after on this topic resulted in a response from a (then) local blogger Mi'kmaq Mama that solidified all my remaining doubts: "Since when is being Indian cool? I wish someone had told me that". I had the lovely opportunity to meet up over coffee and chat further. It was eye opening. Just listening to how these images of First Nations religious and traditional dress and culture were being portrayed and 'sold' as a trendy, superficial fashion trend made her feel was enough for me to rediscover how the media and images shape our society's view on people and culture. And how that can be hurtful and disrespectful.

(From Native Appropriations post in November 2012 re: Victoria Secret's use of Headdresses in their runway show)

I think âpihtawikosisân says it beautifully in her post "the do's, don't's, maybes and I-don't-knows of cultural appropriation" with her analogy of the importance of symbols and their meaning (please read the entire article, it is critical and insightful as well as logical).

"...eagle feathers are restricted symbols in the many indigenous cultures found throughout Canada and the US.  They represent various achievements made by the person who is presented with the feather.  Being presented with a feather is a great honour.  Many indigenous people will receive only one in their life-time, or perhaps never have that opportunity.Because of the significance of the eagle feather, very few native people would display feathers they haven’t earned.  It would be like wearing that Victoria Cross I keep mentioning.  Someone outside the culture might not realise what the symbol means and perhaps would not call that person out in disgust for wearing it…but those from within the culture probably would.  It would be shameful.
It also cheapens the symbols earned by others..." (emphasis added by EcoYogini)

It's important, I feel, to recognize that in our current society, we are inescapably influenced by media, fashion (as it pertains to media) and the images we are confronted with every day. The advertising industry wouldn't be a billion dollar industry if it didn't work. As such, we can't simply discount the relevance of how fashion trends and our support of such trends, impact and affect those people who continue to be oppressed in our society. I will argue that what we choose to outwardly present to others does have a direct impact in how we shape perceptions of others and our own acceptance of these stereotypes.

I am not writing this because I feel that we should tread on tiptoes for every single piece of First Nations inkling in a shirt, jewellery or dress you'd like to wear. I'm writing it because after some thought, further reading and earnest discussion, I've come to realize that simply the fact that I feel uncomfortable should be enough.

I also feel that this topic isn't discussed enough beyond the 'you're exaggerating' 'lighten up' defensive reactions we get from most online and in person community. Especially in the yoga world where it is simply ASSUMED if you are a yoga company that you will magically have all the empathetic and almost righteous tools to 'with authenticity' create and share your product. It's completely taboo to call out a company that is sharing 'from a place of love'. Unfortunately, this blind acceptance of the yoga label discounts the opportunity for critical growth, acceptance and honest discussion.

Some fantastic reading: "But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress?" (by Native Appropriations)
"A critical fashion lovers (basic) guide to cultural appropriation" (by À l'allure garçonnière)
"A Much-Needed Primer on Cultural Appropriation" (at Jezebel)
"Dear Defender of the new Atlanta Braves cap" (by Native Appropriations)
"Playing Indian" (by Lindsay Raining Bird at the Coast)

Polyester Leggings Are SO Not Yoga: Consumerism With Heart

While out for a walk this weekend Andrew looked at me and said: "It looks like not wearing pants is now the style"...

Leggings are SO in right now and seeing women who've apparently forgotten to put on their pants is pretty common place. It's a little extra off-putting when it's -17 C with the windchill.

I say this, but I also own a whole bunch of leggings... I just wear them under dresses...

Since leggings are all the rage, they've also become louder and pretty darn popular in the yoga world. I can see the change on YogaGlo even, Kathryn Budig particularly has some pretty colourful leggings. I won't lie, I'm a little jealous.

I even caved and bought some pretty rad rainbow Galaxy Leggings.

Let's be clear though; they are pretty much crap for the environment.

Recently there's been a rash of printed leggings as "the" yoga wear... and boy are they expensive. And for the most part made of polyester. 300$ (not one sale) for a pair of leggings made of POLYESTER. Wtf?? I'm honestly insulted that a company will think I'm stupid enough to want something made with cheap, synthetic, polluting material, made in sweat shops and shipped by a carbon spewing container ship for a ridiculous price *just* for a brand.

I am not that gullible. And neither should you be.

I know it's hard living your eco-yoga. We talk the good talk about the yamas and niyamas and taking your yoga off your mat... but in our consumer driven culture the obvious link between yoga and taking care of our planet is easily left aside. "But these leggings are COOL"

Recognizing the interdependance between the life on our planet and the consequences to our actions is even COOLER.

Invest your hard earned moneys in something that matches your yoga- like the mocha sea and stars long leggings at VKeen cuz they're organic cotton. 

Or these funky colourful pants by Shining Shakti- also made with organic cotton. 

Take a step outside yoga machine and shop intelligently with heart this holiday season. Cuz we're all in this planet together.

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

Sticking to Your Guns; Skyler's Fall from Sustainable

Believing in yourself. Every year that goes by I truly think I have established my Self, my Beliefs and my confidence in who I am... and then I realize that it never really ends. In my teens my mom told me once that you couldn't pay her enough to be in her teens, twenties or early thirties again. I never quite understood until recently- although my early twenties were fun and I *thought* I had a handle on myself, I realize now I took crap then I never would now.

Standing for what you believe in and making decisions based on your beliefs and values is a difficult thing... especially when it comes to business. Many of us make compromises in our work. This is a story about how one yoga store owner stood up for her beliefs.

I've mentioned Skyler Clothing before: an exciting yoga clothing company based in Vancouver that makes all their clothing in Canada and even provides work programs for stay at home mom's who can't afford childcare to work from home. I was extremely pleased to discover them at Bhavana Yoga Boutique here in Halifax and was very pleased to find something other than the "Consciously formulated in Vancouver, made in China" bull found in Lululemon. Krista, the owner of Bhavana was also wonderful at fully supporting Skyler's line, their sweat-shop free guarantee fitting in very nicely with Bhavana's "Eco Lifestyle" mission.

A few months ago I randomly happened to see my first episode of "Dragon's Den" (a Canadian tv show with big business gurus that audition people's business ideas for potential investments). Standing there was the owner of Skyler Clothing. The "Dragons" as they call them, ripped her business apart. Ridiculing her for having boutiques and sustainable practices, they told her she needed to go online, make a profit or get out.

It had been months since I'd checked out Skyler's website and a quick look revealed that a lot had changed. Their look was completely different, a new logo and new format. Instead of a community feel, the website now had a decidedly "buy online" look and the owner's blog post confirmed that the Dragon's Den show had actually been filmed over a year prior- and she proudly stated they had listened to the DD's advice. The "about" section no longer mentioned anything to do with sustainability being a priority... so I decided to put a hold on purchasing anything until I found out more.

This weekend I was visiting Bhavana and spoke with Krista who had unfortunate news. Skyler had phoned her and was very excited about their new line... and the fact that they were closing down all their boutique's and factories in Vancouver and moving all production to China. Skyler has now joined the "Consciously formulated in Vancouver, Made in China" club.

Krista was shocked. After some conversation, Krista requested that all future Bhavana orders be canceled. Apparently, Bhavana has been the only boutique to respond this way.

I was so impressed with Krista's sincerity and conviction. Bhavana truly is a reflection of what she believes yoga is about and it shows. She investigates where products come from, calling Matt&Nat (twice actually) inquiring about how their vegan samsara line is produced (ethically in China, as the bulk of all recycled plastic is shipped their for processing), calling the Libre tea mug company to assure they are responsibly produced and bringing in clothing that is only made Sweat Shop Free in North America.

Despite that decision being an obviously difficult one for Krista, it really was inspiring to be reminded of how staying true to who you are is essential. Thank you Krista!


article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

The invisible barriers stopping men from practicing yoga

Often I drag Andrew to yoga classes, yoga clothing/accessory shopping, Coffee and Yoga meets and just assume that he will experience these events with the same comfort and ease that I do. Although both Andrew and I are firm feminists and the first to point out inequity in other situations (for example, buying tires for my car and having the dude *only* look and talk to Andrew...), I just don't recognize how there are barriers for men in yoga.

Yes, it's true that more men then ever are practicing yoga in western society, but barriers still exist and are very present in many ways we don't even consider. This post was actually inspired by a friend, K, who emailed me this week with an experience of his own.

He's recently discovered Moksha yoga and has become ecstatic with this style. K is a great advocate for yoga with his hockey team, with co-workers... with anyone really. While out at the gym, he decided it was time to check out some more official 'yoga' clothing that would wick away sweat and stretch well during a heated yoga class. Being a fantastic 'EcoYogi', he stepped into 'One Tooth', a yoga clothing company where their clothing is made in Canada. Unfortunately, the 'men' section for clothing is this tiny rack at the back of the store. I've seen it, looks like someone's discards. Plus, as he confirmed, the selection was a complete joke. Ugly pants, sweaters and a few shorts. He was completely discouraged and annoyed.

Barrier: lack of male yoga clothing selection, especially if you're looking for local and sustainably made.

Yoga clothing isn't just limited to lack of selection, but there are other subtleties that I had never thought of until Andrew pointed them out. Walking into a yoga store already has a ton of stigma if you're a man, top that off with almost no selection, foofy decorations and feminine staff... and you've got a few social barriers that pop up as a heterosexual male. Andrew: "Not only that, but it is much less acceptable for a man to pay over 60$ for a pair of yoga pants in our society".

Sure you could order online with more selection, but that's an unfair choice. If I'm going to pay that much money, I like to try on clothing to make sure it fits. Just because Andrew is a man doesn't mean he wouldn't prefer to try on his investments.

Since K was really referring to his attempts at purchasing responsibly made clothing, we are leaving Lululemon completely out of this (as we all know what "consciously formulated in Vancouver, Made in China" means).

Barrier: Stigma of a man attending a yoga class. 

Ok, this one really is one of the most often mentioned. Yoga in the western world really has been marketed to women and is associated as a more "female" activity. Even though this is changing- how many classes have you attended with 50-50 ratio? I'm impressed if there are more than 3 in a 30 person class. Both Andrew and K have mentioned how intimidating it is to enter a class filled with women with the potential of having no effing clue what they were doing.

Barrier: Yoga postures are taught to the women in the room, not the men.

Imagine having an instructor describe the asana while making reference to tighter hamstrings or hips... or assuming a specific shoulder width and upper body strength, or adjustments for delicate lower body parts.... Seriously though. How often do I hear a sequence or asana taught making the assumption that most women have a certain level of flexibility in their hips or lack of crushables during upward bow. Andrew: "It's pretty obvious that yoga was practiced by young men who's testicles haven't dropped... or women".  I'm not saying that classes should switch to being male-centric, avoid upward bow or locust... but do we really need to hear things like "lets all embrace our inner Goddess" or "Goddess pose- feel strong and beautiful everyone!"....

Andrew: "You know what I think would pull in more men? Yoga is really fucking hard. It's not easy. But you don't hear about it as being hard, you hear it as being liberating. People use flowers and foofy things to describe it, but really it just kicks you ass. Lots of guys who have done yoga that I know, have enjoyed it, but had no idea. You box, do karate and it's supposed to be hard, because the end result is you kicking someone's ass. But yoga's end result is to get in touch with yourself...."

I do believe yoga is changing and becoming more acceptable for men to practice. But I'm also extremely aware that there are invisible social barriers on how yoga as it is continues to deter more men from even trying. Sometimes these things are unconsciously done by the teachers, other students or companies. Acknowledging this is an important part of Change.

What do you think?

Blessings!

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com

To finish: a fantastic video by "Radio Radio", an Acadian Hip Hop group, now based in Montreal (but from Nova Scotia) My current fav song- "Cargué dans ma chaise". 

This song below, though, is perfect, since it's truly all about how stereotypes of "metrosexual", judging someone or pigeonholing them because of what they like/dress/do is ridiculous. You could say Yoga is a part of that list. :) 

Roots; a Canadian Eco-Option

*update on the Great Canadian Yoga Stretch, Yoga every day challenge for CNIB. Thank you very much to those who have reached out and sponsored me! I'm so proud of the funds I've been able to raise so far for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind! Day 10 of Yoga every day and I've been trying new Yoga things- such as an intro to Anusara on Yogaglo and this week I'm going to my first Mysore practice!! If you'd like, please check out my donation page, I would love to raise more! :)

Although I don't *need* any more yoga clothing, I'm always on the lookout for viable alternatives to Lulu. I do enjoy 'Karma' and 'Tonic' as they are Canadian made and have some sustainable fabrics, currently in Halifax they are hard to come by and a bit pricey. (Bhavana Yoga Lifestyle carries them- in the city? you should totally check out the fab space!).

The other day, while at the mall (ack!) trying to add to Andrew's impoverished t-shirt collection (um, 5 is not enough), I caved and entered Roots. Like most other stereotypical 'Canadian eh' lines, I kinda shudder at what Roots has represented over the years. 

While at the Canadian Pavilian at Disney World, I was a bit taken aback that all merchandise was Roots (including weird raccoon tail hats... Davey Crocket style- wasn't he American?).  There may be some stereotypical 'Canadian' aspects to our culture (ahem, I got a lot of comments on my polite 'pardon?' while bartending, and our accent is definitely softer), but raccoon hats?? I got asked once by a Floridian if we had cable TV in Canada... in my igloo. No joke.

In any case, I had heard that they had fantastic eco-yoga gear. I was ready to 'poo-poo' the whole thing but.... well wouldn't ya know they actually rock!

Although not everything Roots is sustainable, and not everything is made in Canada (sadly, not very much is made in Canada anymore at Roots), they do offer some pretty darn great eco-options. Including these comfy, soft organic cotton shorts that are perfect for yoga!

Upon further perusal of their website we find some open and honest explanations regarding their outsourcing to the East along claims that their work ethics and environment are monitored by a magical 'third party' (ok, sorry for the cynicism... I'm being picky I know).

According to their site, most recently renovated Roots stores are 'greenified' using sustainable flooring, low VOC paints, energy efficient lighting, non-toxic water based glues and minimizing garbage waste.

They also partake in greener shipping, using zerofootprint to offset their shipping carbon emissions (decreasing use of carbon shipping vehicles would be better....but this is a fabulous start).

They also use vegetable leather tanning (if you're not a vegan!), which is pretty neat. However, leather purses like that kinda creep me out...

Recently Roots has announced that they have raised over 200,000$ for the Stop Global Warming Fund, from selling custom bracelets made from scrap leather. They also support a ridiculous long list of environmental and social causes and are very involved with community building (Roots and Shoots with Jane Goodall Institute).

The only downside, is that their shopping website really doesn't specify a lot of 'eco' or sustainable options, when I know for a fact that their actual stores (in Canada) have many shorts, shirts and even dresses in organic cotton and bamboo. For example- my shorts are made from Organic cotton, but couldn't that specification on their website. Weird.

So how do their shorts pan out after a yoga test? Fabulously. They look flattering (which says a lot for shorts and my insecurity about my legs), move well during my practice and are super comfy (please disregard the weird face and bent in knee lol). I don't need a new top... but I wish I had checked out Roots prior to shopping at Lulu a couple of years ago...

Blessings!

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

Surprise! Tonic Canadian Yoga Wear!

I know that yoga isn't about what you wear and I have personally practiced in my pajamas as well as jeans (although that was a bit tricky!) at home. However, when I first started practicing, I wasn't ready to invest in crazy, expensive yoga clothing and tried the "thai" pants instead. It was the most awkward yoga practices I have ever experience. From the initial holding up of the pants and thinking "how the eff am I supposed to work this?" right up to actually practicing and getting caught in the "flaps" of the open legs, the ties coming undone (ack!) and bunching. (camel... Andrew took FOREVER to take this one... my face is turning red!!)

Nope, my first pair of lulu pants and top (which I still have in perfect condition five years later) was like night and day. Something about wearing "yoga" clothing helps me transition to that internal space. Weird? Sure. It's like a costume where I become "Lisa- Super Yogini"... lol- kidding!

In all seriousness, due to other body-type issues, I am also not one for being able to wear a regular t-shirt with a sports bra. These same "boobed challenges" (sorry guys!) have resulted in certain tops being...shall we say... not very appropriate. Which unfortunately is only discovered during a class, whereas a couple of postures in the store really didn't prepare me for the true performance. Awkward. (my downdog, heals SO CLOSE!! 5 years in the making!)

Needless to say, Lululemon may be great for pants, but not so great for other area-challenged. Also, the whole "consciously formulated in Vancouver, made in China" crap really really irks me. Further, they have a very small collected of organic materials (I have a pair of organic cotton pants... not so great). Not made in Canada and not sustainable equals... well not ideal.

Enter Bhavana Yoga Boutique and my recent discovery of such Canadian yoga companies as Tonic and Skyler Clothing (Lululemon is now majority American owned). A few months ago I bought a gorgeous black wrap made from bamboo and I adore it. I've worn it to practice outside and wear it as an everyday top all the time. Seriously so soft and comfy, I heart that wrap. While at Bhavana I was telling Krista how I find the current Tonic tops she had there weren't ideal for my body type.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and Krista sends me a message via blog comment asking me to come stop by the shop- Tonic had sent a little surprise! SURPRISE?? I LOVE surprises!! Expecting a cute head band or something I was super pumped to find a ridiculously perfect yoga top. Made JUST for yoginis like moi! In a small, biodegradable bag I found a note from Aleksa of Tonic wishing me a happy belated birthday! And it fit like a dream... YES! (upward dog... guess my shoulders are pretty darn tight! lol)

I officially tested it out with yogaglo on Sunday (see pictures!). Verdict? Absolutely no awkward moments, opening, slipping or pulling. It's long and just snug enough to stay down during inversions and at no point needed adjustments. Tonic makes all their clothing in Canada (woot!) and it was very cool that it came in a biodegradable bag. Unfortunately, as we know that Halifax doesn't accept bio-plastic, I won't be able to compost it, but upon emailing (to say THANK YOU!) Aleksa suggested using it as a doggy-poo bag... which I think I'll use it to wrap our chicken-ends in...

I did have a few questions for Aleksa, one of which included the packaging. She responded saying that they are working on phasing out the plastic packaging completely. I also asked about more sustainable fabrics (beyond bamboo) and she indicated that they are testing modal, lyocell and soy/organic cotton blends now and should have new options available for Spring 2011. Supplex, however (the fabric of this top) is extremely durable and made to LAST through frequent washing and wear. Not as awesome as non-petrochemical fabrics (plastic is forever) but at least it will mean no more top shopping!

What I did notice was there were a whole bunch of tags...which although neat to read about Libra (name of the tank) seemed a bit excessive. There were two exact same tags.... I'll be recycling them, but really would have been ok with one or none even.

I am now good to go for yoga clothing for quite some time (perhaps another five years?) which is great for my wallet and for the Earth. I have a feeling that should I perhaps "outgrow" or as we age "change" my yoga clothing will still be in fantastic condition for another yogi at a local woman's shelter or transition house to enjoy. (ps- yogaglo update- fantastic!! Actually feels like you're in a class! Definitely has helped boost my home practice three-fold!)

Blessings!


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