Our Studio was built to sustain a safe, healthy and environmentally conscious setting. Guided by our own beliefs, we have strived to create as green a space as possible.
We chose cork imported from Portugal for many reasons. Many chiropractors and other health practitioners know cork as a flooring alternative for those with low back pain (think Birkenstock-floor!). It is comfortable and healthy to stand on. Also, because it is harvested from the exterior of a living tree, cork contains natural anti-microbes that prevent bacteria from entering the floor. From an environmental perspective, cork is a sustainable product as cork trees continue living and producing after the product is harvested. Their protection is highly legislated in Portugal, allowing some trees to live well past a century.
Unlike most hardwood floors, bamboo is not produced from a tree but an extremely fast growing grass. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth. In fact, bamboo grows one third faster than the fastest growing tree. Some species can grow up to 1 meter per day and up to 60 feet in height within 90 days. What really makes this unique flooring material truly an environmental miracle is the fact that the plant is truly a renewable resource. Once harvested, the bamboo root system merely sprouts a new shoot the following rainy season. In addition, unlike traditional hardwoods, which are harvested every 40 to 60 years, bamboo can be harvested every 3 to 5 years.
Interestingly enough, bamboo has found to be an important component to erosion control in Asia. Bamboo's erosion protection capabilities lie in bamboo's extensive root system. Unlike forestry practices here in North America, bamboo has become a critical instrument for protecting hillsides, riverbanks and roads; moreover, bamboo is becoming a key effort in reforestation and protection in areas, which are prone to earthquakes.
Our studio features a reclaimed barn wood desk, bathroom benches, counter tops and lobby area tree sitting circle. Our wood came from an old barn in Louisville, Kentucky and was trucked over by our local carpenter by hobby “Tim” from Toebben. Made from scratch & caring sweat, installed and refinished with dedication. The resulting hard work from the country to our space is environmentally friendly, warm and seasoned and adds a special nature feel and energy to our studio.
Our washer is an LG front loader built to consume 30-50% less energy and up to 50% less water than other front loading washers with the same capacity. Our dryer is a gas powered high efficiency LG front loader-very energy efficient.
We use Nature Clean and Benefect products to clean the entire studio. The products are hypo-allergenic (contain no perfumes, dyes, formaldehyde preservatives, ammonia or other common allergens). They are plant based and thus can biodegrade very efficiently.
Our washer is a front loader built for low water consumption. It uses less than one third the water of a regular washer its size. Our dryer is also highly energy efficient.
Between regular washings, we keep our rental mats clean with Benefect, a disinfectant made of Thyme extract. What's that smell? Not only is our natural mat disinfectant purifying it also helps to give our studio its signature scent. Sensible Life Products is the family owned company that makes this great product. It has been approved by both Health Canada and Environment Canada as the first and only 100% natural disinfectant. Commercial disinfectants contain poisons, which damage our immune systems. We are proud to use this amazing and friendly anti-fungal product.
Most paints contain VOC's (volatile organic compounds), which once in the atmosphere, react with other chemicals to form ozone, a major component of pollution. Even paints that start out VOC free take on some VOCs when colorant is added. 'Lifemaster 2000' the paint used in the studio is completely VOC free, including all colorants. Since much of a Moksha class is focused on breathing, this choice is also optimal from a health perspective.
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