Sustainable Living
A healthy lifestyle and environment go hand-in-hand. Sustainable living is intrinsic to the yogic tradition. At Anahata we practise energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management. We use solar power, composting toilets and unique eco-friendly earth and straw buildings. We are also caretakers of the ecologically significant flora and fauna of Golden Bay with an active interest in conservation in the region.
Organic Garden
Our organic garden is an ongoing project. It is being developed along Permaculture Design principles and is largely bio-dynamic. The garden produces a range of herbs and vegetables that are used daily in our delicious vegetarian meals. All scraps from meals are used to make compost or fed to our worm farms, where the worms happily transform bits of fruit and veggies into worm castings, which are then used, along with the compost, to mulch trees and the garden.
Alternative Power
Anahata is off the electrical grid and relies on solar power, minimizing impact on the environment. Other alternative power options to complement our solar power is a future project.
Eco Buildings
At present, we have two different types of straw bale structures and an earth yurt. These buildings have excellent insulation, staying warm in the winter and keeping cool in the summer. They were also built using primarily natural materials.
Composting Toilets
Anahata uses primarily composting toilets, helping to minimize water usage. The compost from these toilets is used to mulch trees around the property.
Green Cleaning
We use biodegradable, environmentally friendly cleaners. We ask that guests also use biodegradable soaps, shampoos and laundry detergent when visiting.
White Zone
At Anahata Yoga Retreat we strive to maintain the natural beauty of the landscape and provide a place where our guests can retreat from the stress and stimulation of work, modern technology and the impact of city life. Anahata aims to minimize electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) by limiting cell phone use, consolidating computer use to specific areas and choosing low EMF options wherever possible.
Caretakers of Native Bush
Anahata is committed to caring for the land and preserving old growth indigenous forest that covers most of the property, taking into account the environmental impact of any new buildings or developments.
Native Bird Life
The bush at Anahata is alive with many native birds, including:
- Bellbird / Korimako
- Fantail / Piwakawaka
- Morepork / Ruru
- NZ Falcon / Karearea
- Parrot / Kea
- Riflemen / Titipounamu
- South Island Robin / Toutouwai
- Tomtit / Miromiro
- Tui
- Waxeye / Tauhou
- Weka
- Wood Pigeon / Kereru