BLOG UPDATE: 2026 - The links, codes and offers in this blog post have been removed, as they have expired. However I hope you still enjoy reading the post.

For years, we have all known the damaging effects that the production and disposal of certain products have on our beautiful planet, but, I think it was David Attenborough’s amazing documentaries “Blue Planet I and II that really woke everyone up and made them take note. Now there are so many great charities, like Plastic Oceans, that are doing wonderful work to combat these issues and save our planet and finally it seems the government are taking note, with the recent news that they are trying to pass a new law to ban all plastic straws and cotton buds, amongst other things. This got me thinking of ways that I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible…

I am also thrilled to announce that I have just been awarded by Be Plastic Clever in Salcombe who do fantastic work teaching people how to reduce their waste!

So, let’s start from the floor up. What’s essential to every Yoga class? A yoga mat that is durable, comfortable and doesn’t make you feel like you are going to fall over every two seconds! The mat’s that I use are “Yoga Matters Sticky Mats” which are high grade PVC (AZO, DOP, phthalate and latex free) which means their impact on the environment is minimal (plus they come in an amazing range of bright colours which I LOVE!)

Speaking of colours, if you know me at all you will know that I live for bright and fun yogi wear. I recently collaborated with two yoga clothing companies; Yummy Yoga Girl and Free Spirit. Yummy Yoga Girl supply gorgeous colourful gear which keep our planet healthy and bring joy into our lives. They are like a second skin, are breathable and are so comfortable to wear – they not only look great, but also leaves you feeling so comfy and fully supported. Free Spirit use Organic Cotton and Bamboo which are 100% sustainable and give back to both the environment and community. They support the HOPE foundation and donate 5% of sales towards helping children living in poverty in India go to school.

To shop, and get 10% off use the links below:

Yummy Yoga Girl  – Quote SIMPLYSOULFUL10 at checkout for 10% discount

Free Spirit – Quote SIMPLYSOULFUL at checkout for 10% discount

Other discounts I have available are for the following companies;

Toe Toe Socks

Running Funky

I always encourage people to bring water to class as it’s so important to keep hydrated when working up a sweat! What I don’t encourage however is the dreaded disposable water bottle. Which is why I am starting a new incentive. If you bring a reusable water bottle to ten classes, you will receive a free yoga class of your choice! Please note free water refills are available at my Merrifield House classes. All you need to do is either send me a picture each time or post a picture of you and your bottle at class on social media and tag @simplysoulfulUK and #SSlovesreusable.

If you would like to purchase a reusable water bottle, local company Less Plastic  have a wonderful selection! They are a Devon based company who also offer inspiration, educational resources and in-person talks to enable individuals, businesses, schools and organisations of all sizes to use less plastic.

I have collaborated with a wide range of companies to help my customers on their ‘living with less plastic’ journey.  Visit my website for a list of companies and discount codes to help support your purse whilst you help support the environment. Products range from drinking bottles, coffee cups, straws, shopping bags, cotton buds, tooth brushes, shampoo, deodorant and dental floss.

Through my endeavours, I am delighted to have been awarded the Be Plastic Clever Business certificate, which means I have pledged to live and work within the ‘plastic clever’ awareness guidelines… visit them to find out more.

As most of you will know, I am constantly out and about, enjoying the beautiful surroundings that we live in. This beautiful planet adds so much to my seasonal yoga classes and I have so much to be grateful for, so there is no way I couldn’t give something back! In my SUP Yoga classes I use Starboard Whopper Zen Inflatable SUP Paddle boards which come with zero single-use plastic packaging. These were purchased by the wonderful team at WaterbornSUP who are always organising eco-conscious events to do their bit to protect our planet. Visit their website for details of litter picks, etc. At the end of my Beach Yoga sessions there is now an optional 10-minute beach clean for anyone that would like to be involved!

I also work with the Venus Café Group, based at beautiful Blackpool Sands, offering Woman’s Only SUP Taster sessions. These guys, who’s philosophy is best summed up by their strapline ‘Loving the Beach’, and business ethos ensures that their customer’s needs are balanced carefully with environmental and social considerations, have won several awards and were in fact the first to stop using plastic cups, and stopped using plastic straws 15 years ago! Read their sustainability policy for more details.

You can also make a huge difference to the environment just by being conscious of what you eat. Whether at home or on one of my yoga retreats, I try to eat organic, sustainable food as much as possible. On retreat, emphasis is placed, on wholesome, nutrient dense food, and effort is made to keep food, as organic, and local as possible, with the least amount of packaging.

If you have any other ideas on what I could do to ensure I am being as eco-conscious as possible then I am always so happy to hear them, and if this blog has inspired you, I would love to see how! Maybe you walk to a yoga class rather than drive, or maybe you know another local company who are doing great work towards this cause? Tag me in your pictures @SimplySoulfulUK as I would really love to see!

I look forward to seeing you on the mat, water, beach or farm very soon…. Namaste xx