The Eco-Yoga Mats That Make Your Yoga Practice More Planet-Friendly
If there’s a thing that pretty much everyone agrees with, it’s that we’re all happy to do our part to protect the environment. Most of us know that cycling or taking public transport reduces our carbon footprint and to avoid using unnecessary plastics are easy places to start. But did you know that your choice of yoga mat can have a big impact on the earth?
Since the 1960s the popularity of yoga has skyrocketed and, as a consequence, the demand for yoga mats has increased rapidly with it. You don’t have to look far to find an inexpensive yoga mat for when you’re just starting your yoga journey or if you’re strapped for cash. These days, nearly every sports or big box store sells them, and often for just a few quid.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides you might not have considered when purchasing your first yoga mat, or even your second or third. Many conventional and inexpensive yoga mats are made from non-biodegradable materials or contain potentially harmful chemicals that leech in their environment when they do begin to degrade. Not every yoga mat is recyclable, either. So, what’s a yogi to do?
Now more than ever, yoga mats are available in eco-friendly, body-friendly, and sustainable materials. Eco-yoga mats are often made of safe and fully-recyclable plastics such as TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers) or PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) and plant-based materials like natural rubber or cork or some combination of the two.
I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t environmentally friendly options usually more expensive? Not necessarily. There are definitely premium options available, but you certainly don’t have to throw down a ton of cash for an eco-yoga mat. And before you ask, eco-friendly and sustainably made mats can be just as good, if not better quality than conventional yoga mats, offering anti-bacterial benefits, a variety of thicknesses, and non-slip grip for those of us who need the extra stick.
Looking to replace your old yoga mat? Trying to find a gift for the yoga-lover who has everything? We’ve rounded up our favourite non-toxic and chemical-free eco-yoga mats that fit into every budget.
Under £25
Eko Sticky Yoga Mat in Blue Moon by Ekotex Yoga
£19.99
A great basic mat for a beginner yogi or someone who’s always on the go, this PER mat is a great alternative to traditional PVC mats and is Oeko-Tex Standard II certification, which means no nasty chemicals. Bonus: it’s also packaged in recyclable paper and comes in six gorgeous colours!
Yoga Mat "Mudra" Studio in Anthracite by Lotuscrafts
£19.95-£22.95
Made of eco-friendly PVC, free of Latex, Phthalates, AZOs and heavy metals, these women’s and men’s yoga mats offer something for everyone. These come in a large range of bright and jewel-toned colours and offer an extra-long version for the vertically gifted among us.
£25-50
£42.00
The Phantai Royale was made for the wild and creative souls. Featuring anti-slip and absorbent velvet finish on top of an eco-friendly natural rubber base. Perfect for on the go and any yoga style (especially a sweaty one). When you enter into a sacred relationship with nature, you discover and connect with your genuine self. The Phantai Royale will keep you connected to your roots.
£49.00
Specially designed for the yogi on-the-go. Featuring non-slip technology, central line for better alignment and a beautiful mandala design. All the same qualities of the iconic Mandala Yoga Mat on a portable and lighter version so you can take your practice wherever life takes you!
£50-£75
£72.00
The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is built to go everywhere and do everything, just like the people who use it. Like its big brother, the Maduka PRO, the PROlite is all about performance. It is a favourite among Hot Yoga and Vinyasa Flow enthusiasts. It will enhance your practice and protect our planet, and best of all, it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.
Cork Yoga Mat in Spring Zephyr Green by Yatay
£59.99
100% recyclable and sustainably made, this surprisingly light cork mat is perfect for anyone who loves the feel of their studio’s hardwood floors, without the hard element. Combining a layer of soft, organic cork over TPE, this yoga mat provides all the cushion you need and actually gets grippier as you get your, ahem, “glow” on.
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Lucy Edge
is a yoga advocate and writer with three yoga books to her name, including the beloved travel memoir Yoga School Dropout. She writes regularly for the national press, has authored over 150 guides to types of yoga and yoga poses, discovered nearly 250 proven health benefits of yoga through her painstaking classification of 300 clinical studies, and collected more than 500 personal testimonials to the real life benefits of yoga. She is also the creator of our yoga shop – YogaClicks.Store – handpicking yoga brands that are beautifully made by yogis committed to environmental and social sustainability.
