Sustainable Consumption
Malibu, California
Hi everyone,
Welcome back to the GLO sustainability blog! For this issue, I wanted to talk about something that shows up in our everyday lives, both inside and outside of the studio: sustainable consumption.
Sustainability can show up in the everyday choices we make, especially in the products we use regularly. In the fitness and wellness space, this often includes yoga clothes, mats, and other gear that become part of our routine.
One easy way to make an impact is by choosing high-quality products that are made to last. While it can be tempting to buy less expensive items more frequently, investing in durable, well-made pieces can actually reduce waste over time. A high-quality yoga mat and a few staple workout sets that hold up through repeated use can make a big difference compared to constantly replacing lower-quality items.
This is especially important when we consider the amount of waste generated by the clothing industry. Globally, it’s estimated that over 90 million tons of textile waste are produced each year, and much of it ends up in landfills. In the United States alone, the average person throws away around 80 pounds of clothing annually. These numbers illustrate how quickly consumption can turn into waste, often without us even realizing it. In addition to waste, clothing production also contributes to pollution through water use, chemical processing, and emissions. Many workout clothes are made from synthetic materials, which can contribute to microplastic pollution over time.
One way to reduce this impact is by supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production. Brands like Vuori, Girlfriend Collective, Patagonia, and prAna are all working toward more responsible practices by using recycled materials, organic fabrics, and more transparent supply chains. Some companies create activewear from recycled plastic bottles, while others prioritize fair labor and low-impact production methods. I’ll be highlighting the work of some of these brands in future blog posts. GLO Yoga Studios also offers its own line of yoga mats, called the Fusion Mat, made from durable, sustainably sourced materials designed for longevity.
Sustainable consumption doesn’t mean we have to stop buying things altogether. Instead, it’s about being more intentional. This can look like choosing quality over quantity, supporting brands that align with your values, and taking care of the items you already own so they last longer.
In a yoga practice, we often focus on mindfulness and intention. Bringing that same mindset into how we consume can be a simple but powerful way to reduce our environmental impact.
I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and making more conscious choices alongside all of you.
With gratitude,
Ava