Kelly A. Garner is Joy Tree Yoga Center’s founder and director. When she opened the space in 2006 it was her goal to not only share the goodness of Yoga, but to share her passion for protecting the environment as well.

In the past three years Joy Tree Yoga Center has given away over 100 pine trees to it’s students on various occasions including the yearly Free Yoga on Earth Day Event.

JTYC also strives to save energy and protect the environment by using compact florescent light bulbs, distributing brochures printed on recycled paper, and by using cloth hand towels in the bathroom instead of just paper towels. The center also uses yoga blankets that are made of 100 percent recycled fabric and bamboo and cork yoga blocks. JTYC also avoids the use of artificial air fresheners by utilizing all natural essential oil sprays in the bathroom and classroom.

Kelly, the center’s founder is also a fan of shopping locally. For the past two years she has worked with the Big Rapids Downtown Business Association and Big Rapids Downtown Farmer’s Market to create a cloth reusable shopping bag that advertises the farmer’s market and lists the names of downtown businesses. The artwork on the bag is created by children at local schools. The bags are sold for $5 a piece at the market, library and local businesses. The Downtown Farmer’s Market is open Tuesdays from 2-6:30pm and Fridays from 8-2pm.

Kelly also writes for the local Big Rapids paper The Pioneer offering stories on practical ways to be eco-friendly. Look for her stories in the women’s special edition called Fusion.

It is Kelly’s hope that community members and business people will be inspired to not only be eco-friendly but to act as educators and activists regarding their own passions as well.