Synergy Hot Yoga in Fair Haven is connecting with the community through the recent launch of their Synergy Cares initiative. Jen Portman, owner and founder of the studio, serves as a Wellness Ambassador for the WEforum Group, using her skills, knowledge and expertise in a shared vision to promote health and wellness. Jen and her studio have been collaborating with WEforum since its inception, and over the past five years, been partnering in their annual Fit Crawl. Their community involvement and advocacy for environmental change is a testament to the warm, inclusive, ethical environment Synergy has created for their clients. Here, Jen explains Synergy Cares…
‘Think globally, act locally’ is a movement that urges people to consider the health of the entire planet and to take action in their own communities. Sometimes the problems in the world can feel overwhelming, but I am continually inspired by what so many of you are doing. Our little community is filled with passionate, caring, extraordinary people. And together we are ‘greater than the sum of our parts.’ We can accomplish great things.
That is why we are launching Synergy Cares, a three-part initiative described below. By working together we can make a difference.
1. Synergy Scholarships, Share the Love
One of our core philosophies is to make yoga accessible to all (which is why we haven’t raised our prices in over ten years). Now we are taking it one step further. Every year Synergy will provide two Full Scholarship Annual Memberships to deserving individuals who could benefit from a consistent yoga practice, but would not be able to without this award. If more people practiced yoga we know the world would be a better place. It will start in January 2020. This fall, nominate someone you know – we will contact them. Or, email us for the application (deadline Dec 10).
2. 1% For The Planet, Share the Wealth
In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement. Bonding over their shared love for the outdoors, they realized their responsibility to protect our planet and decided to give 1% of their sales back to the environment. And, they challenge all socially responsible companies to do the same. Synergy is thrilled to now be a part of that movement. One percent of our sales every year will go to an organization working to end plastic pollution.
3. Ditch the Plastic, Spare the Ocean
More than 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, yet more than 90% is not recycled. At least eight million tons are dumped into the ocean each year. Plastic lasts forever. It kills marine life. It contaminates our food. We can all work to reduce our use of plastic. At the studio, we sell reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, metal straws and recycled yoga wear/accessories. Our website will have links to products you can substitute for single use plastics, and organizations that are working in these areas. As a start, we ask that you try to not bring plastic water bottles to the studio!
