Do you practice yoga and care about the environment? Used yoga mats can pile up over time and contribute to landfill waste. Many main-stream yoga mats are made out of vinyl, do not biodegrade, and may contain phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA, which has possible health effects). The good news is that there are a lot of options for swapping your traditional mat for an eco-friendly one. Not only are these mats better for the planet, but they can also improve your practice. This guide will dive into the world of eco-friendly yoga mats, exploring the benefits of mats made from organic cotton, cork, and natural rubber. We’ll also provide tips on how to care for your mat and make it last longer. So, roll out your current mat, and get ready to learn how to save the planet and your practice with eco-friendly yoga mats.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
How to know if you need a new mat?
A rule of thumb is that the yoga mat will last about a year, but it depends on a variety of factors like how much you use it, what material it is made of, etc. With that being said, I’ve had the same mat for a few years that I have regularly used. While it has seen better days, it also still works for me. It may be time to consider another mat if your mat loses its grip or starts to smell even after you wipe it down.
Of course, whenever the environment is a consideration for your purchases you should remember that it’s best to try to reduce consumption. See if you can extend the life of your existing mat. For example, you can try turning it over to and using the other side. You can also check for a new yoga mat in a used store. Unfortunately, it’s likely those mats will be made from cheap and plastic-based materials. If you are looking for ways to extend the life of your old mat, check out the end of this post where I’ve listed ideas for how to reuse or recycle your used yoga mats.
What are eco-friendly materials for yoga mats?
We will take a look at 3 eco-friendly yoga mat materials: organic cotton, cork, and natural rubber and discuss the pros and cons of each. We will also recommend some great brands for your consideration.
1. Organic Cotton Mats: Soft and Sustainable
Organic cotton is one option for eco-friendly yoga mats. These mats are not only sustainable but also incredibly soft, making them perfect for those who prefer a gentle surface. Organic cotton is grown without the use of any harmful chemicals or pesticides, making it a safer choice for the environment and for your health. To ensure organic cotton is used, you should look for mats that are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, organic cotton mats also offer a non-slip surface that provides grip and traction during yoga poses. This can help improve your balance and stability, allowing you to focus more on your practice and less on slipping and sliding around on your mat. They also fold up nicely, so they are easy to take on the go. A potential con of cotton mats is that they can scrunch more than mats made of other materials.
Mats to consider:
- JadeYoga sells an organic cotton yoga rug that is handwoven by artists in India. It is lightweight and easy to travel with.
- Brentwood Home sells organic cotton yoga mats that are backed by 100% natural latex to make them non-slip.
2. Cork Mats: Natural Grip and Comfort
Mats made from cork are known for their natural grip and comfort, making them a great choice for yogis of all levels. Cork is a renewable and sustainable material that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It’s a renewable resource because the trees self-regenerate their bark. One thing to note is that cork mats have a non-cork backing to them. Usually the backing is made of natural rubber or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, which is a type of plastic).
But what makes cork mats so popular among yoga enthusiasts? The answer lies in their unique characteristics. Cork has a natural grip that provides excellent traction, even during sweaty yoga sessions. This grip increases with moisture, making cork mats ideal for hot yoga classes. Additionally, cork is a soft and comfortable material, which provides cushioning and support for your joints while you practice.
However, if you do a lot of yoga practices outside of your home, cork mats may not be the best option for you. These mats can be heavier and hard to roll up.
Mats to consider:
- CorkYogis sells cork mats created from the bark of the cork tree that are thermo-bonded (not glued) to a flexible recycled-rubber bottom. Also want an eco-friendly yoga mat bag? CorkYogis also sell colorful yoga bags made from recycled saris.
3. Natural Rubber Mats: Durable and Renewable
If you’re looking for a durable mat that is also eco-friendly, natural rubber mats may be the perfect option for you. These mats offer superior grip and support for your practice.
Natural rubber mats are not only sustainable but are also incredibly durable, making them a great investment for your yoga practice. They can withstand regular use and can last for years, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. On the other hand, rubber mats can have an expensive upfront cost. Plus, they are typically not well suited for outdoor yoga sessions and they can trigger latex allergies.
Mats to consider:
- If you are looking for an eco-friendly travel yoga mat, JadeYoga sells lightweight travel ones (Upcoming travel? Check out our post on eco-friendly travel tips). Their mats are toxin-free materials with no PVC, phthalates, heavy metals, or other harsh chemicals, and they plant a tree for each mat sold.
- Barefoot Yoga’s eco-mats are made of all natural rubber and jute fiber and do not contain chemical additives. As a bonus, these mats are biodegradable!
Caring for Your Eco-Friendly Mat
Caring for your new eco-friendly yoga mat is just as important as selecting the right one. It not only ensures the longevity of the mat, but it also plays a significant role in maintaining its performance.
When it comes to caring for mats made of organic cotton, cork, or natural rubber, it is important to avoid harsh soaps and chemicals as these can damage the material. Instead, opt for a gentle cleaner. Or simply use a damp cloth to wipe it down after each use to clean off any sweat or dirt that may accumulate. You should also avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat, as these can cause the mat to deteriorate over time. By properly caring for your mat, you can enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Reuse and Recycle: Making Your Mat Last Longer
Once you can no longer use your mat for yoga, that doesn’t mean it needs to be the end of your mat’s life. There are many uses for old mats, and reducing or recycling a mat helps to reduce waste.
Reuse ideas
- Cut the mat into smaller pieces and use them as non-slip pads under furniture
- Add them as liners for your shelves and drawers.
- Use pieces as cushioning for kneeling or gardening.
- Put the mat under a high chair for easy clean up from baby food spills
- Use it as a mat for kids to do their messy art work on
- Keep it in the car for impromptu picnics
- Use the mat to lay on at the beach so that your towel doesn’t get wet and sandy
- Set it in the trunk of your car as a cover to keep it clean
- Donate it to animal shelters or rescue centers. Animal shelters are always in need of materials to create comfortable beds for their furry inhabitants.
Recycle
You can also consider recycling your mat. Try calling around to local yoga studios to see if they have recycling programs for old yoga mats. These programs turn old mats into new ones or use the materials to create other eco-friendly products.
Conclusion
In summary, eco-friendly yoga mats are a sustainable and healthy choice for both your practice and the planet. You can choose mats made from organic cotton, cork, or natural rubber to reduce your environmental impact. By caring for your mat properly and coming up with creative ways to reuse or recycle your old mats, you can extend your mat’s lifespan and avoid contributing to the waste crisis.
