Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats

It is important to consider the materials one consumes, particularly when considering how to live in a more sustainable way on our planet of limited resources. Yoga, while a great form of exercise, also is useful in developing respect for one’s body and the space one occupies, leading to an increased awareness of the need for sustainability and responsibility with one’s resources.

Ironically, most commercially-produced yoga mats are made from PVC, hardly a sustainable or organic material. There are, however, a wide variety of organic and eco-friendly yoga mats available. The cost of these mats is well worth it, given the lesser impact they have on our planet’s health.

Natural yoga mats are those made primarily from plant or animal sources, but are not necessarily produced according to organic standards of no pesticides or chemicals. Organic yoga mats are entirely produced without any chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or dyes. Sustainable yoga mats, or eco-friendly yoga mats, can be produced from a variety of materials, but must be either made from renewable resources or be completely biodegradable.

Often, eco-friendly yoga mats are made from natural rubber, or from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a biodegradable type of plastic. Natural and organic yoga mats are usually made of jute fiber, hemp, or cotton. Sometimes, those wishing to use a sustainable yoga mat use an organic cotton towel instead of a mat, or layer a natural yoga mat on top of a standard one for extra padding and traction. Consider whether you are going to practice yoga on a carpeted surface or a smooth floor, as some natural mats can be slipperier than others. Eco friendly yoga mats made of natural rubber or TPE will provide better traction than those made of cotton.

An important consideration in choosing an organic yoga mat or an eco friendly yoga mat is the environment in which you will be practicing yoga, as well as the type of yoga you wish to practice. Sometimes natural yoga mats can be slipperier than their PVC counterparts, despite the many benefits of pvc free yoga mats. Organic cotton yoga mats are often filled with cotton or wool batting to provide extra cushioning and support. Jute or hemp yoga mats have a much different feel than a standard yoga mat, but their weave is better for more rigorous yoga, as it will prevent slipping even if one is sweating.

Professional natural rubber yoga mats and TPE yoga mats are much more similar to standard yoga mats, in their feel and design. They are almost always latex free, since many have allergies to latex, and TPE is a fantastic alternative for those who may have an allergy to natural rubber. These mats are produced without any toxic materials, and without releasing any toxins as by-products during production. They are sustainable, renewable, recyclable, and a great choice for practicing premium eco yoga.

Sunshine Yoga carries a selection of eco conscious yoga mats, including some made of natural rubber and TPE. These eco friendly yoga mats are a wise choice for the environment, and provide the same or better traction, padding, and support as a standard yoga mat. They come in standard sizes (72″ x 24″) and are available in a variety of thicknesses, providing the comfort and support you need for your yoga practice, without the toxins, allergens, and impact of a standard yoga mats. Eco friendly yoga mats, whether organic, natural, sustainable, or all three, will help incorporate your values into your yoga practice, for a more holistic and respectful experience.