We tried yoga a while back, but the experience left us, well, not relaxed. Needless to say, that hardly-used yoga mat went straight to Goodwill. But now we're ready to give it another chance, after hearing nothing but praise for the health benefits, so we're on a quest for the very best eco-friendly yoga mat. Here are a few options...
The Quest for the Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
A couple of years ago, there may have only been a few options on the market; but now, it seems that an eco-friendly yoga mat can be found around every corner.
Being novices, we turned to Google to search for a yogi with an opinion on eco mats, and found one at Om Shanti: A Yoga Blog. Here are a few of their recommendations:
Manduka's eKO Mat, $70
Manduka's Black Mat Pro, $90. It's not officially an "eco" mat, but it does come with a lifetime guarantee, a pre-paid yoga mat recycling kit, and is made certified emissions-free.
Barefoot Yoga Co., The Original Eco Yoga Mat, $72. Rated number one by the NYT as well, this natural rubber mat has jute on the top for traction.
For more from Om Shanti, click here. For the full NYT list, click here (but be advised it was put together in 2007 and obviously, prices have gone up since then).
But we want to hear from you: what do you recommend?
Related Posts:
• 50 Ways To Reuse Your Yoga Mat
• Create Your Own Green At Home Yoga Studio
• Hugger Mugger Earth-Friendly Yoga Blocks
• How To: Retire Your Yoga Mat
• Green Yoga Mat Roundup
(Image: Flickr member KitAy licensed under Creative Commons)
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My yoga instructor recommended the Jade yoga mat for beginners or people who are hyperflexible. The thinner mat lends additional stability in poses and I adore the unique texture (diamonds instead of squares).
I have enjoyed using it regularly in my home practice.
One caveat, although it is crafted from natural rubber, people with latex allergies may be sensitive. It has not posed a problem for me though I do get contact dermatitis from latex prolonged exposure.
view emain's profile
Prana sells an eco-friendly (ish) mat, I see it sold in studios quite frequently. Gaiam is also a good resource for earth-friendly clothing, yoga & props, etc. They have an all-inclusive home/lifestyle goods site.
Hugger Mugger is a large supplier of yoga products, and I think they have some more eco-friendly options.
I would suggest if you are planning to practice fairly regularly to pick up a thicker mat than the 'standard' ones you see at the big box stores. I am a regular practitioner and use 2 mats at the studio, at home I have one thick mat. It saves your wrists!!
There are lots of choices for props (blocks/belts/blankets) that are eco-friendly. I have a hemp strap, and cork and bamboo blocks are available, too. Bamboo blocks tend to be heavier, the cork is heavier than the foam blocks you'd normally use at a studio. Keep this in mind if you are using them between your knees, and also if you are sitting on them--bamboo blocks are sort of like sitting on wood, gets uncomfy after awhile!
view learnbydesign's profile
the yoga mat you already have is the eco-friendliest. :)
view vazius13's profile
We reviewed the kid's sized yoga mat from Lotuspad on our blog a couple of years ago and have since purchased 2 adult sized mats from Lotuspad for our own use. They are made of TPE and are so thick and comfortable. We highly recommend them!
view zmom's profile