Tranquil Space embodies the same mindfulness we teach and practice on the mat in our business practices off the mat. As we continue to grow, tranquil space strives to reduce its impact on the environment. We work hard to promote sustainability and environmental awareness by example.

Green space

Moving to our new Dupont Circle location in 2008 presented challenges and opportunities to shape our eco-friendly studio. Our contractor told us that the recycled content used in our Dupont Circle location is higher than any other building on which he has worked.

• We reused the old floor joists from what was the 2nd floor to create the boutique shelving
• When we did have to use new lumber we exclusively used certified sustainable timber products
• Our countertops are made of concrete rather than a less sustainable material
• All the studio flooring is reused (from an old Virginia barn) or from a renewable source (bamboo and cork)
• We painted our walls with low VOC paint
• We chose locally sourced products whenever possible to reduce the carbon footprint involved in transporting the materials
• Our convenient studio location continues to encourage leaving the car at home - we’re close to Metro and we encourage bicycling (we have one of the few bike racks on 17th street!)
• We use efficient lighting and skylights to encourage energy conservation
• We are substantially reducing our heating and cooling power consumption by heavily insulating the studio space
• Our bolsters and meditation cushions were home sewn in Oklahoma using organic cotton
• Our tea bar pillows are stuffed with kapok - an all-natural fiber pulled from the seed pods of the kapok tree. it’s a sustainable, completely natural and pesticide-free product sourced from South Pacific growers

Green operations

In our daily operations we continue to use recycled products, offer plastic recycling and use sustainable products as much as possible. Small shifts – like in yoga – can make a difference over time. To that end, we’re making some changes:

• We phased out bottled water sales in favor of filtered water - this uses less plastic, and eliminates the carbon footprint of trucking thousands of water bottles to studio every year
• We are doing laundry on site with a highly rated Energy Star unit rather than taking the linens and towels offsite
• All linens in the spa are made of bamboo rather than less renewable materials
• We are partnering with Clean Currents to power the studio using renewable energy
• We plant a tree for every class pass purchased!

Green products

One of the most effective ways to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle is to vote with your pocketbook. In the past some people have had to sacrifice quality for a greener option, but in our boutique we choose products that are both eco-friendly and highly functional.

• We sell Agoy and Jade mats - both environmentally friendly and made of non-PVC material
• Our clothing includes TranquiliT, designed by Tranquil Space’s Kimberly Wilson and made in the USA  exclusively with rayon made from organic bamboo
• We offer reusable water bottles for sale to encourage yogis to bring their own water or fill up at our filtered fountain rather than buy bottled water
• We are constantly on the look-out for new eco-friendly products as we expand the boutique

Green affiliations

Tranquil Space is a member of Green Yoga Association and continues to support a range of conservation and animal welfare organizations including Greenpeace, Washington Humane Society, Live Green, Clean Currents and the Arbor Day Foundation. It is important for us use to give to groups working to make a difference.

Clean Currents and Live Green members receive 15% off Tranquil Space yoga classes.

 

Tranquil Space is also a proud member of One Percent for the Planet, an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet. Tranquil Space contributes 1% of its sales to environmental organizations that share our goal. 

 

Evergreen efforts

Tranquil Space looks at our current work to protect the environment as part of an ongoing process. As we go forward, Tranquil Space will carry more environmentally friendly products, continue to reduce our carbon footprint, and explore more ways to conserve energy.

Guerrilla gardening

Tranquil Space is digging into the guerrilla gardening movement by helping to beautify neighboring communities. As part of various celebrations at our studios, wildflower seeds are distributed for yogis to sprinkle on a patch of soil in need of compassion. The guerrilla gardening movement began in the 1970s and is beautifying cities all over the world. A common definition is the activity of growing plants or vegetables on any piece of land that you do not own, especially land that is in bad condition due to neglect. Today there are documented guerrilla gardening communities in thirty countries and we're delighted to be in on the action. Join us in the movement and start sprinkling seeds of flowers (and tranquility) wherever you feel inspired!