Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Oil Spill of National Significance

This morning, as I scanned the local papers, I was stunned to find that only the New York Times’ front cover mentioned the story of ‘National Significance’: The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which began last Tuesday (April 20, 2010) as a result of an explosion of a 50 mile off-shore drilling rig owned by BP and is still spilling current to this post’s composition, is indeed of great importance.

Janet Napolitano’s Declaration

Head of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano declared that this spill is of ‘National Significance’. To offer reference: Exxon Valdez in 1989 spilled about 11 million gallons in Prince William Sound; this current spill, in the Gulf of Mexico, is estimated to reach 4.2 million gallons. Unfortunately, I bet it is likely to be considerably more than 4.2 million gallons.

Environmental & Aquacultural Tragedy

This national, environmental tragedy is likely to affect countless sensitive aquatic species of plants and animals alike. Further, many fishermen and shrimpers (and many more) are likely to be adversely affected by this spill. Prince William Sound, after 20 years, has still not fully recovered from the Exxon Valdez spill. The spill is expected to make land tomorrow, Friday (April 30, 2010), and possibly affect up to 3 – 5 of the gulf states by the time the spill is sealed.

Oil Giant is Out of its Depth

BP cannot even manage what’s taken place, and now the government has to step in. (Even the Louisana Governor, who, in scorn, audaciously declined federal aid when President Obama signed the Economic Stimulus Bill, is crying for federal help.) Statements assert that it may take a few months (!) to seal the leak which is spewing an estimated 5,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

It’s going to take a while before affordable clean energy is readily available: but the consequences of this spill will take a long time to assess, let alone, to remedy.

What Can You Do?

Though sometimes difficult, the good news is we always have a choice! So, what can you do? For starters:

• Avoid getting down or becoming apathetic,
• But, do get motivated and become informed.
• Do not support off-shore drilling,
• Or, believe the lies stating that new methods make off-shore drilling safe.
• Use your voting & purchasing powers to support renewable fuel sources.

–Vivekan

Source cited: Msnbc.com news service

Think you’re doing the green thing by recycling your bottled water waste? Think again. According to the Center of Biological Diversity,

Eighty percent of water bottles end up in landfills or incinerators, and many of those that don’t are actually shipped to India, where they’re largely “downcycled” or trashed anyway.

If that’s not bad enough,

…It takes more than three liters of water to produce one liter of bottled water, and bottled-water production (not counting transportation) consumes some 17 million barrels of oil a year — enough to fuel a million cars…And did you know that while bottled water costs consumers 2,000 times as much as tap water, one-third of bottled water comes from the tap anyway?

Bodhisattva Yoga Encourages Eco-Friendlier Hydration

Good thing NYC has some of the safest, clean tap water in the world! This is precisely why BY doesn’t carry or sell bottled water anymore. Next time your rehydrate in yoga class, plan ahead and bring your reusable water bottle. We encourage tap water refills at our studio’s sink. Or grab one of our coconut waters. They’re packaged in a more sustainable and easy-to-recycle Tetrapak.

xo Jess

Dear Yogins,

In this issue:

**EARTH MONTH – DONATION-BASED CLASS & ECO-RETAIL NOOK SAVINGS!
**EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: SUMMER YOGA RETREAT – FOODIES REJOICE!
**QUEEN OF THE ASANAS: SHOULDERSTAND WORKSHOP

Spring has sprung and with two eco-expert yogins in the house (yours truly, Jess and Vivekan), we couldn’t let April pass without celebrating Earth Day, April 24.

Everyday is Earth Day over here at Bodhisattva Yoga, and by coming out to share your practice, you’re supporting a sustainably operated business. Did you know, we:

• Support wind power projects
• Discontinued our sale of plastic water bottles
• Clean the studio with biodegradable, non-toxic products
• Are obsessive compulsive about recycling
• Lead low-impact, socially conscious retreats
• Are home to a green yoga retail nook offering non-toxic mats, mat cleaners, and more!

This month we’re taking it beyond our normal eco-savviness. Stay tuned for earth-inspired quotes, green tips and tricks on our blog and Facebook page, and an Earth Day-themed class where proceeds go towards a non-profit helping protect the Amazon rainforest, Amazon Watch.

Come on out to show spaceship Earth some love thru yoga this year—and rejoice in Spring’s bounty!

Xo
Jess

*****************

EARTH DAY OPEN FLOW—Tuesday, 4/20 @ 7PM

Move through a fun, earth-themed class with Jess to help support a non-profit making a difference: Amazon Watch.

2nd ANNUAL SUMMER YOGA RETREAT

Last year’s weekend in the nearby Catskills was such a hit; we decided to do it again! Don’t miss out this time in the goodness of local, seasonal meals and yoga that hits the spot. More info here. Register by April 30 for 15% off!! Registration available online or via phone: 718-499-9642 (YOGA).

GET YOUR SHOULDERSTAND ON

This asana screams health. In fact, it rivals the headstand in the amount of benefits it provides. Springtime bonus: It helps relieve allergy symptoms. Spend an afternoon with Vivekan as he safely guides you in and out of the related shoulderstand cycles. Registration available online or via phone: 718-499-9642 (YOGA).

ECO-RETAIL NOOK – 10% Discount During Earth Month!

Vote with your dollars. Purchase anything in our eco-retail nook and receive 10% off during the month of April. Excludes: beverages and snacks.

Do your best to practice at least once a week!

You deserve health. It is your birthright. Give it to yourself.

It is very difficult to explain or educate the masses about the environment when their most pressing concern is survival.

–H.H., the Dalai Lama