Integral Yoga Natural Foods

-By Lisa

One of the many challenging things about trying to live this life that we call “simple” is trying to figure out how to balance two of the main tenants of this thing; being frugal, and supporting local and organic businesses. Those clash. Don’t they?

Well, sure, sometimes they can. Organic does tend to be more expensive and local foods tend to be from smaller farms with fewer products so it can be pricier. For me, the decision tends to be a case-by-case basis, with no formulaic answer. Some things I’m willing to pay more for and some things I need to compromise on, because it just doesn’t fit with the budget.

Recently, I needed a new yoga mat and I was hit with this quandary. Do I go to Target or some other big box store to get a good deal on a mat? Or do I pay three times as much as the small local shop?

My answer. IY.

Yep, Integral Yoga Natural Foods in the Preston Plaza Shopping Center had my mat. For $20.

I always forget about IY. It is sort of tucked in the back of the shopping center. Or maybe it’s because getting me past Mona Lisa Pasta and Bread Works takes a super-human act of strength. But when I can plow through my joyful carb-induced coma, IY is an absolutely lovely experience.

Along with yoga mats, books and a nice personal care section, IY is a Mecca of great healthy food options. But, there is one place I simply stare in awe, blocking cart traffic and having my mind blown.

The bulk wall.

It just looks cool. I like being able to buy just a little bit of millet and see if I can actually figure out what to do with it. I can revel in the lack of packaging waste and I like being able to actually see what I am getting, rather than trying to peer through pastic and cardboard. I like writing on the little tags. When I get home I can pour it into my beloved mason jars and look at the loveliness.

Yep, I clearly have a passion for bulk. And did I mention that this is also a much more frugal way to buy everything from rice to grains to nuts to granola? It is.

Amongst my bulk bliss, I recently realized that Integral Yoga has an online flier with sale items and coupons.  The Valpack that come in the mail now has great IY coupons such as $10 off any purchase of $50 or more. Digital coupons for local shops can be found right on your smart phone, via the Cardagin ap.

Maybe the dilemma is no longer a dilemma. There might be much more flexibility in this supposed polarity of local vs. frugal. We might be able to have our vegan, gluten-free cake and eat it, too.

For more from Lisa, check out www.justherejustnow.com

Comments

[Sam]

I am a regular at IY. I go there first, then go elsewhere to get whatever IY doesn't carry. Yes, a lot of it is more expensive than at the supermarket, never mind the megastore that shall not be named that I absolutely refuse to enter. I think "organic" and "local" are related but somewhat separate issues. (Also, "bulk" - I am reaching the end of my patience with over-packaging, too). Very briefly:

Local: Just because it is possible to buy apples from New Zealand in Charlottesville doesn't mean it is sane to do so. We pay for our outsize carbon footprints and artificially low gas prices by supporting despots, or going to war, all over the oil-producing world. When oil prices double or triple (could be this year, will definitely be pretty soon), food production and transport costs will no longer be hidden, and local produce may wind up being cheaper. Meanwhile, I'm supporting local farmers as much as possible.

Organic: Conventional crops are grown with enormous quantities of chemicals, many of which wind up in the food, and the rest in the ground water or runoff. Growing GMOs is even worse, by design. So, one part of buying organic is about land use and carbon footprint, the other is about what we are really eating. The environmental costs of conventional agriculture are largely hidden (unless you're a farmer or live downwind or downstream from one), but they are mounting nonetheless. In terms of toxins in our diet, it turns out that pesticide residues are not distributed equally, so you can come up with some informed money-saving trade-offs about what you really, really, REALLY want to buy organic and what conventional produce can be (relatively) safely consumed. To a first approximation - if you eat the skin, you want organic. If you peel it, it's less of an issue. See:

http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

Bottom line for me: We can only vote with our feet, or in this case, wallets. If the demand for local and/or organic increases, more farmers will get involved and the supply will rise, eventually bringing the price differential down. I'm not religious about this, there are plenty of times I just go to Giant, look for organic products there, and try not to think too much. But I can't pretend that my buying habits are purely personal choices without any larger repercussions. So, I spend a lot of time and money at IY, and keep my eyes open for whatever is on sale that I know I'll use eventually. (stepping down from soapbox)

[Simplifying the Simple Life]

You are welcome to soapbox anytime here, Sam. Great, important info!