Why We Choose to Be an Eco-Friendly Yoga Retreat & Teacher Training

At Kootenay Yoga School, we believe that yoga extends far beyond what happens on the mat.

Yoga teaches us to move through the world with awareness, compassion, and respect—for ourselves, for one another, and for the planet we call home.

For that reason, sustainability isn't simply a marketing buzzword for us. It is woven into the way we operate our retreats and yoga teacher trainings every single day.

We know that hosting international retreats comes with an environmental footprint, and while no business is perfect, we are committed to making thoughtful choices that reduce unnecessary consumption and encourage a simpler, more mindful way of living.

Living With Less

One of the greatest lessons yoga offers is that happiness rarely comes from accumulating more.

Instead, it invites us to simplify.

When students join us, they often arrive carrying busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and lives filled with constant consumption. Through the experience of retreat and immersion, many discover the beauty of slowing down and needing less.

Our goal is not luxury through excess, but abundance through simplicity.

Sometimes that means watching the sunrise instead of scrolling your phone, sharing meals made from scratch, or spending an evening under the stars instead of in front of a television.

Our Approach to Air Conditioning

One of the questions we occasionally receive is why our accommodations are not heavily air-conditioned.

The answer is simple: energy conservation matters.

At our Isla Mujeres location, we intentionally operate without air conditioning, embracing the natural Caribbean breeze, shaded spaces, and open-air living that has long been part of island life.

At our Joshua Tree location, air conditioning is available during the evenings and outside of class hours, allowing students to cool their rooms while also reducing unnecessary energy consumption during the day when much of our time is spent practicing, learning, and connecting together.

It is a small adjustment that significantly reduces our environmental impact while encouraging a closer relationship with the natural rhythms of each place we call home.

Supporting Local Farmers and Small Businesses

Whenever possible, we source our ingredients from local farmers, markets, and small producers.

Choosing local food reduces transportation emissions while supporting the communities that welcome us.

We also prioritize organic ingredients whenever they are available, believing that nourishing our bodies and caring for the earth go hand in hand.

Every meal becomes an opportunity to celebrate seasonal produce, regional flavors, and the people who grow our food.

Homemade Food, Made With Care

One of the simple joys of our trainings is the food.

Rather than relying on heavily processed products or individually packaged convenience foods, our kitchen team prepares many items fresh each day—including breads, buns, baked goods, sauces, and nourishing meals made from whole ingredients.

Homemade food not only tastes better, but often creates less waste and allows us to control the quality of what we serve.

For us, preparing food is an extension of the same care and mindfulness that we bring to our yoga practice.

Reducing Plastic Waste

Single-use plastics have become one of the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet.

Throughout our retreats, we actively work to reduce unnecessary plastic consumption by reusing containers, choosing refillable products whenever possible, and avoiding disposable items whenever practical.

Small choices repeated consistently can create meaningful change.

We encourage our students to bring reusable water bottles, coffee cups, shopping bags, and travel containers whenever possible, helping all of us reduce waste together.

Sustainability Is a Practice

Just like yoga itself, sustainability isn't about perfection.

It is about awareness.

It is about making better choices where we can, remaining open to learning, and recognizing that every small action contributes to something larger than ourselves.

We know there is always more work to do, and we continue to seek ways to make our programs even more environmentally responsible.

A Different Kind of Luxury

In many parts of the world, luxury is defined by excess.

More amenities.More consumption.More convenience.

We see luxury differently.

Luxury is waking up with the sunrise.

Luxury is eating fresh bread that was baked that morning.

Luxury is hearing birds instead of traffic.

Luxury is practicing yoga with the windows open and the breeze moving through the room.

Luxury is meaningful conversation shared over a locally grown meal.

Luxury is remembering that we already have enough.

Traveling More Mindfully

We hope that every student leaves our programs with more than a yoga certification or a memorable vacation.

We hope they leave inspired to live a little more intentionally.

To consume less.

To appreciate more.

To shop locally when possible.

To reduce waste.

To spend more time outdoors.

To slow down.

Because yoga isn't just about how we move our bodies.

It's about how we move through the world.

And we believe caring for the Earth is one of the most beautiful practices of all.