The authors of "Mindfulness and Money", who are Buddhist teachers who have been successful in the business arena offer various suggestions. Their angle is that you can become more aware of what you do as an individual in money matters. The new corporate-speak for that is "corporate social responsibility". It essentially means that you, as a provider of services, can act as a good citizen and in a mindful manner.

The authors share a number of actions that individuals can take when spending to limit damage, mostly from an environmental standpoint. Here are, with a few adaptations for a business setting, some insights:

1. Your Location

Choose a place that reduces the need to drive. See if you can locate in an area that can easily be accessed by foot, bikes and public transportation. Choose a low-energy building.

2. Utilities

Make sure your building has or gets with adequate insulation, energy-efficient lighting, heating and other appliances. If the choice is available, choose an electricity supplier that offers energy from renewable sources. If you offer heated classes, figure out ways to conserve energy.

3. Consumption

Did you know the percentage of trash that is getting recycle has actually been decreasing in the United States over the past few years? Reduce your consumption, reuse and recycle. Try to reduce the amount you travel. Make improvements to limit waste. Prefer materials that are renewable, recyclable and whose production and disposal do not damage the environment. For instance, if you offer water bottles or paper cups, make sure your studens dispose of them in appropriate recycling bins.

4. Your Providers

Seek fair-trade vendors where possible, and prefer products that are organic have not been tested on animals, for instance if you offer herbal teas or massage creams. Prefer local providers.

The authors ask:

• in what way could you implement those steps?
• What makes it difficult to do some of those things?
• What other changes could you make to how you operate?

Review the list again and see how you can make a difference.

This article was submitted by Bernard Slede, President of NAMASTA. NAMASTA is the membership organization for yoga professionals and studio owners. NAMASTA is a member of Business for Social Responsibility and encourages the yoga community to adopt and promote business responsibility. For a nominal membership fee, NAMASTA offers yoga teachers access to liability insurance, health benefits and discounts on yoga products. To learn more about NAMASTA, visit www.namasta.com or call toll-free 1.877.626.2782 (1 877 NAMASTA).