It’s easy to overlook how many everyday items can be harmful to us or the environment. Then, you might see a TV special or a social media post about ocean pollution or plastic’s link to cancer, prompting you to commit to an all-natural lifestyle. You start using bamboo straws, switch from plastic bags to glass containers, and even try beeswax food wraps (which are actually quite neat).
But after a month, you might find yourself horrified to realize you’re holding a disposable Starbucks cup! Or you receive a new purchase in a cheerful brown box, only to discover it’s wrapped in plastic. Does anyone else struggle with an Amazon Prime habit? Plastics and disposables are deeply embedded in our lives, and I’m sure you share my frustration in trying to live a greener, affordable lifestyle.
But does that mean we should give up on keeping ourselves and our planet healthy? Absolutely not! While there may not be a perfect solution, I’ve learned that being mindful consumers and considering our purchases is the best approach.
A great starting point is your yoga mat, especially if you practice regularly or plan to. While it’s clear that some yoga mats are recyclable, many may also contain toxic materials, which isn’t as obvious.
WARNING: You might have some dangerous substances hiding in your yoga mat! More on that shortly.
After researching, I’ve narrowed down my top four eco-friendly yoga mats that are safe for you and won’t end up in a landfill for over a thousand years. This way, you can feel good about your practice and its environmental impact.
Different people have different needs for their yoga mats, such as cushioning and grip, so I’ll guide you on what to look for while shopping. But first, let’s discuss the one thing you should avoid at all costs when selecting a yoga mat.
For decades, the classic “sticky mat” has been the most popular choice. It’s cushy, provides enough grip for your routine, is easy to clean, and is lightweight. The downside? It’s made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a highly toxic plastic containing ingredients like BPA, dioxins, and phthalates, which are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
These harmful substances can enter your body through your skin when you touch the mat and through your lungs when you breathe around it, especially in heated environments like hot yoga. Plus, these mats aren’t easily recyclable and don’t biodegrade; they leach toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water as they break down, polluting the environment for generations.
This harmful material is toxic throughout its entire lifecycle—from production to use to disposal. So, no matter how much you love your old yoga mat, it’s time to replace it with a healthier, eco-friendly option!
Man-made materials can be tricky to navigate when shopping. It’s not always clear what they contain—similar to the difference between the produce aisle and the snack food aisle at the grocery store. Unfortunately, there’s no handy ingredient list to help you understand what you’re buying.
Fortunately, some companies are promoting a “safer” alternative to PVC, known as “eco-PVC” or PER (polymer environmental resin). It’s less toxic to produce and recycle than PVC. While PER is still a type of plastic, it’s free from phthalates, BPA, and dioxins. It’s gaining popularity for yoga mats because it offers the durability, cushioning, and flexibility you need while being biodegradable.
If you’re interested in a PER yoga mat, Natural Fitness Warrior offers a great option made from a blend of PER and natural rubber. It’s affordable, durable, and the PER prevents that typical rubber smell.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) has emerged as a popular PVC alternative for yoga mats, but what exactly is it? Generally, it’s a mix of plastic and rubber, but that’s about all we know. Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the exact composition of TPE, so while it’s free from BPA and phthalates, it may still contain other toxins.
The good news is that TPE mats are recyclable and can be remolded, requiring less energy to produce than other materials. If you’re looking for something similar to your old PVC mat, TPE mats are likely the closest match, as they are lightweight, flexible, durable, and come in a variety of colors. Gruper offers some fun options with customizable colors, sizes, and thicknesses, even featuring zodiac signs!
I can’t think of anything better to sit on while seeking inner peace than a completely natural mat that doesn’t harm the environment at any stage of its lifecycle.
There are many “natural” yoga mats available, including those made from jute, cork, cotton, and rubber. If the idea of practicing on a burlap sack makes you cringe, don’t worry—we’ve found some comfortable and stylish options!
After exploring various natural materials, here are our top two picks! The best part about cork is that it’s harvested by stripping the thick bark from cork trees without cutting them down. This process doesn’t harm the tree, provides fair-trade jobs in rural areas, and cork forests serve as habitats for endangered species.
Since cork is a natural material, it biodegrades easily. But does it make a good yoga mat? Yes, but not on its own. Cork is waterproof and naturally antimicrobial, so you won’t have to worry about unpleasant odors or bacteria. It’s durable, springy, and lightweight. However, cork mats typically have a rubber or synthetic bottom layer, so you won’t find a 100% cork yoga mat. Still, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a sustainable industry while enjoying a fantastic yoga mat.
We love Yoloha’s cork mats, as they offer various options based on your needs and use eco-friendly backing materials. Plus, Yoloha is committed to avoiding plastic in their products, and your cork mat will be shipped in recycled cardboard and paper.
While rubber yoga mats can have a strong smell and are heavier than others, they provide excellent grip, cushioning, and durability. Natural rubber is harvested by tapping rubber trees and collecting the liquid latex, similar to how maple syrup is gathered. This process doesn’t harm the tree and provides fair-trade jobs in rural areas.
The latex is then heated and mixed with additives to enhance strength and elasticity. It’s essential to ensure your rubber mat doesn’t contain harmful bisphenols (with BPA being the worst) or petroleum-based additives. Most natural rubber yoga mats are designed to be non-toxic and free from harmful ingredients, but you should avoid them altogether if you have a latex allergy.
When you’re done with your mat, rubber is easily recyclable, often repurposed into playground flooring, surgical gloves, and welcome mats. If you’re interested in a rubber mat, Jade Yoga offers several options to suit your needs. Plus, they manufacture their mats in the USA and plant a tree for every mat sold!
In summary, there are many eco-friendly yoga mat options available, and any choice you make will be healthier than a PVC mat. So, have fun and choose a mat that excites you to practice yoga every day!
Now that you have a beautiful, healthy new yoga mat, you might be looking for the right yoga routine. If you want to lose weight, gain flexibility and strength, and relieve aches and pains with a gentle practice, our Yoga Fat Loss Bible is perfect for you.
We provide detailed instructions and beginner modifications for your practice, along with a 6-Week Workout Plan suitable for any beginner! It also includes a free meditation guide to help you release worries and reduce stress and anxiety.
Remember, the hardest part of starting any new workout routine is simply showing up. Make sure to show up today and give your best to your yoga practice. You deserve it!
If you enjoyed this article on eco-friendly yoga mats or have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!