This post is part of our Living the Pillars series, allowing an opportunity to explore the core of our Modo practice. We’re digging in deeper to learn what each pillar is all about and how we can live each one within our own Modo Thunder Bay community.

What does Be Green mean to you? It’s a concept that holds different truths for everyone and something I believe is often pushed aside as something that someone else will take care of. We’re more aware than ever of the impact that our actions have on the planet and our environment, yet the changes required can often feel daunting or too complex to tackle. This is why it is important to consider what Be Green can mean for you beyond the narrative of the end goal that we must do something about climate change. It’s tough to know where to begin. This pillar of our yoga community extends to all aspects of our lives given that it applies the very environment in which we live in, breathe in, and do yoga in.

This video illustrates how Be Green is more than recycling and reducing your use of single use plastic. I have pulled a few key points from the video that you can apply to your life in Thunder Bay.

Walking or Biking More

Put on your shoes or hop on your bike and get out there! I’m willing to bet that you live close to a trail or walking path. We don’t exactly live in a concrete jungle, meaning it’s easy to just get out there and move. There are over 56km of Bike lanes and multi-use trails in the city itself. This is in addition to the countless paths and trails throughout the region. Take advantage of this and get out to explore.

Buying Local

We’re also lucky to have a thriving local food scene and plenty of options to purchase locally. This also allows for less packaging and knowing exactly where your food comes from. You don’t have to go 100% local, but start incorporating a few products if that’s available to you. One of my favourites is Slate River Dairy. Once you start pouring that cream in your coffee, it’s truly hard to go back. It’s fresh and zero waste because of their glass bottle deposits and returns. Want to scope out the scene? Head to the Thunder Bay Country Market Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Enjoy Nature Every day

This one is easy and something we shouldn’t take for granted. We are close to SO much nature, we’re pretty much immersed in it as it is. The best part is that you don’t really need anything to take in nature, you just need to show up. Looking for some inspiration? Check out the local app, Wayfinder, for places you may have yet discover.

While less is more, you’ve got to do what works best for you. Maybe it means adding a walk to your daily routine or getting out to those hikes a little more often. The more you start truly living in and appreciating your environment, the more you treat it with the respect it deserves and start shifting your habits, limiting single use-plastic and all. Sounds like a win-win to me.