Yoga can be described as the most widely practiced physical culture, mental and sprit offerings in the world. As more companies began to manufacture and sell yoga-related items, the practice of yoga has included some items which appear to be harmful to the environment, yoga mats in particular. One of the layers placed in the bottom of the mats is made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a synthetic material that can not be broken down naturally and emits toxic fumes when manufactured. Such issues have compelled several green yogis to look out for greener solutions. Eco yoga Mats are a sustainable way for wellness lovers who do not wish to compromise with their healthy way of living and at the same time do not wish to add towards global warming.
In this blog, we will look at the reasons why eco-friendly yoga mats are necessary, what are these made from, what design features their production has and why will they be beneficial not only for the environment but also for your yoga practice.
The Issue With Common Yoga Mats
While preparing for a class, you may use a standard plastic yoga mat, which is invariably made of synthetic materials, usually PVC, TPE and EVA and which has its own downsides to the environment:
- Not biodegradable: The materials that most of the yoga mats are made of PVC being the major one has not been biodegradable. Once used and cleaned up, such yoga mats can take up to 100 years to decay thereby increasing the amount of waste in landfills and pollution in the environment.
- Toxic Chemicals: The manufacture of PVC contains toxic substances such as dioxins which are a hazard to environmental and health safety. Such infused toxins may leach into earth and water bodies creating environmental effects for eons.
- uninstitutional Emissions: Most of the regular yoga mats emit VOCs that are also found in many products from industries and these gases can cause a variety respiratory problems. Practicing yoga on a chemically infused mat can negate the sole purpose of practicing yoga for a healthy lifestyle.
— Why Are Some Yoga Mats Environment Friendly? Eco friendly yoga mats are those that have been made with this factor in composition. They do not contain any harmful chemicals and are manufactured from naturally occurring, compostable resources. This is what makes them special. 1. Natural Materials: Most of the green mats are made of sustainable materials such as natural rubber, cork, organic cotton, jute, etc. These products are naturally occurring and are free of synthetic toxins as well as being recyclable.
- Biodegradability: The non-toxic materials comprising the eco mats promote faster degradation as compared to the PVC mats ending in landfills as waste. For instance a mat made of natural rubber would take less time to decompose as opposed to PVC mat which normally takes long time to biodegrade.
- Non-Toxic Production: Eco-friendly mats most of the time do not carry any toxins during their production or do not produce any emissions. This ensures that both the process of creating the product and the product itself are safer to health and environment.
- Recyclability: The mats are also eco-friendly, in that they can either be recycled or reused in other ways thereby reducing waste.
Materials Commonly Used in Eco-friendly Yoga Mats
The fundamental aspect of an eco-friendly yoga mat is its material. Following are some sustainable materials which are used most commonly i.e. for a yoga mat.
1. Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is regarded as a very popular choice for eco-friendly yoga mats. It comes from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) and is hence both renewable and biodegradable. There is a great adherence and cushioning provided by rubber making it a favorable material to practitioners of yoga. The manufacturing processes of natural rubber mats also takes place using fewer toxic substances than the synthetic rubber mats.
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Eco-friendly
- Strong and supportive
Cons:
- More cumbersome than synthetic ones
- New ones can smell a little (that goes away)
- Cannot be used by persons allergic to latex
2. Cork
In recent times, cork yoga mats are becoming more and more common thanks to their eco-friendliness, and the feel. Because cork is harvested from the outer layer of the cork oak tree and doesn’t damage the soil, it can be produced almost indefinitely. Cork mats are also fantastic for hot yoga practitioners as the grip gets better even more when wet.
Pros:
- Anti-fungal
- Great hold on hands/feet, especially when moisture is introduced
- Pretty easy to handle
Cons:
- Provides less support than the rubber foam
- If treated wrongly, can get chipped and become hard
3. Jute
Jute is an aesthetic renewable plant fiber which is strong resilient as well as biodegradable and belongs to the smart materials category. More often than not, jute yoga mats have a coarse and natural feel, that limits slippage. Such mats are also sometimes combined with natural rubber or other technological raw materials to improve the feels of the surfaces while preserving the green aspect of the materials.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Resilient
- Excellent grip
Cons:
- Not as cushioned as rubber yoga mats
- Can be abrasive on delicate skin
4. Organic Cotton
Once again, there are cotton yoga mats, mainly rather organic cotton yoga mats, which can be considered sustainable alternatives. Organic cotton does not use any toxic cleaning agents or chemicals, making it better for the environment and its users. In most cases, the cotton mats are used in restorative yoga where cushion and padding is more desirable than grip.
Pros:
- Comfortable materials
- Hassle-free cleaning
- Easy to decompose
Cons:
- Less grip compared to rubber or cork-insulated mats
- Not suitable for vigorous sweaty sessions
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
There are numerous benefits for you, your practice, and even the planet, when switching to the eco-friendly yoga mat.
1. Beneficial to the Environment
Selecting a mat that is made of sustainable sources means you are aiding in the fight against plastic pollution and conserving materials. Eco-friendly mats reduces the need and use of poison synthetic materials and harmful emissions on manufacture. A lot of brands also perform fair trade and ethical sourcing so that how much is paid out is unexpected.
2. Healthier for You
Regular mats can discharge hazardous substances, such as phthalates and VOCs, which can be breathed in during a session. These toxins found in traditional mats are absent in these mats making it safe to use and exercise on the surface. The use of materials such as cork and jute can also be of help as they have antimicrobial properties reducing the chances of bacterial growth and odor.
3. Durability and Performance
Eco yoga mats made from the natural material are usually preferred as they are even more durable than the synthetic type. For instance, natural rubber is very elastic and will last after many applications. Additionally, cork and jute mats are very grippy during sweaty hours. Hence, you not only purchase a durable item but also one that improves your practice.
4. Supporting Ethical Brands
Most producers of eco mats are focused stand-alone firms which do not bow to mass production pressure and adopt ethical production. Therefore, when making a purchase, you are supporting brands that pay fair salaries, source sustainably and practice environmentally friendly business.
Factors to Consider while Buying an Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
Looking for a yoga mat that is eco-friendly? Here are some helpful factors to look for so that the mat you find is right for your practice and values:
1. Material
Consider what type of material would work best for you. For customers looking for a rubber mat with everything that matters such as the grip and cushioning, a natural rubber mat may be the best option available. For individuals practicing hot yoga, cork can be quite effective and safe since it has a good grip even when it is wet. For an even finer and mobile option that has those properties, jute would be something to consider.
2. Thickness and Cushioning
Although it can be argued that all mats are for environmentally conscious consumers, there are ‘green mats’ and those are which help one’s health and are made of eco-friendly materials. Eco-friendly mats are approximately available in thickness ranges between 1/16 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch and sometimes even more. If you feel that you need softer surface or suffer from sensitive joints, use a thick mat. However, you can also choose a thinner mat if you need better grounding and stability for stability.
3. Durability
Always seek for a mat that can go through the everyday practice over and over again without tears. Mats built using natural rubber or cork tend have better durability when compared to those made from cotton or jute, which tend to wear out more.
4. Price
Sustainable and organic yoga mats cost more than traditional mats because of the resources available for their making and the methods employed in the making it. Nevertheless, regard this as a positive change in enhancing both your practice and the planet.
Top Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Brands
Several brands have made a name for themselves by offering high-quality, eco-friendly yoga mats. Here are a few to consider:
1. Manduka eKO
Manduka’s eKO series is made from sustainably harvested natural tree rubber and is known for its excellent grip and cushioning. The mats are manufactured without harmful chemicals and offer superior durability.
2. Jade Yoga
Jade Yoga mats are made from natural rubber and are designed for optimal performance and sustainability. For every mat sold, the company plants a tree, contributing to reforestation efforts worldwide.
3. Yoloha
Yoloha produces cork yoga mats that are both eco-friendly and high-performing. Their mats are lightweight, biodegradable, and naturally antimicrobial.
4. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
Gaiam offers a budget-friendly cork yoga mat that combines natural rubber and cork for enhanced grip and comfort. This mat is ideal for beginners who want to try an eco-friendly option without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Eco-friendly yoga mats are more than just a trend—they represent a commitment to mindful living. By choosing a sustainable mat, you not only reduce your impact on the environment but also support a holistic approach to wellness that benefits both body and planet. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, making the switch to an eco-friendly yoga mat is a simple yet powerful way to align your practice with your values.