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W hen it comes to sus- tainability in certain categories, the small things can sometimes be overlooked. We've burrowed into the nooks and crevasses of the outdoor and athletic industries to find what eco-advances are being made in gear and accessories today. Bennd Yoga: Ayurvedic Yoga Block Heather Parkin, yogi and founder of the biodynamic firm, Bennd Yoga, was like many of us who fret about using sweat- laden, foam yoga blocks in the studio. "I thought, what if we could make a block that felt great under your hands, so enough to sit on, and looks beautiful!" she said. e brand's Sappan Wood Ayurvedic Yoga Block is made of 100 percent ethically sourced raw cotton that is medicinally dyed and hand loomed. Cotton threads are dyed in Indigo and infused with 22 different Ayurvedic herbs and medicines (known to reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation). Each is filled with organic buckwheat hulls offering support (along with organic lavender for a calming effect). All pillows and blocks are refillable. "If you choose to empty or refill your block, you can use the buckwheat hull as mulch for your plants or garden to suppress weeds and keep soil moist," Parkin noted. e exec added that the blocks can deepen your practice, with increased core awareness. "You can't dump your weight into it like you can with a foam block, which can hide flaws in your technique, making you more prone to injury." Bennd upcycles water and dyes to fertilize their herb gardens, repurposes leover textiles and avoids virgin packaging. GEAR GETS GREEN Accessories Take Center Stage with Innovative Sustainable Materials. By Suzanne Blecher DESIGN / SUSTAINABILITY 42 • November/December 2022 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com Bennd Sappan Wood Ayurvedic Yoga Block

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