Choosing Environmentally Friendly Yoga Mats

Yoga mats, like the clothes one wears to yoga classes, are generally of personal preference. Some like traditional yoga mats that are on the thin side, others like thicker ones. The material with which these yoga mats are made varies, but the trend these days is leaning towards environmentally friendly yoga mats, particularly those that are PVC free. It has been found that PVC causes some itching on people, and many are allergic to them. This is one of the reasons why PVC free yoga mats have made a killing since the word got out.

The environmental cause several yoga companies support is complementary to the ideals of harmony and peace that yoga teaches. Being one with the environment and seeing that is being taken cared of matches with the teachings of yoga.

There are many environmentally friendly yoga mats currently taking over the market. Some of the best we have seen around are below:

• Manduka eKO Mat – these yoga mats come up in every list of best environmentally friendly yoga mats that we have consulted. Users love the durability of these yoga mats, and the fact that it is made with no foaming agents and plasticizers. People also love that it is easily cleaned as well as its sturdiness when used in class. Plus points also go to the range of colors you can choose from.
• Supernatural Yoga Mat by Lululemon – sturdy and substantial, this yoga mat is made from natural rubber tapped from rubber trees. It is also heavy and grounded enough to support a range of movements that one makes in yoga class.
• Jade Professional Yoga Mat – this mat is not only PVC free, it is also latex-free, and is 100% biodegradable. You can’t get any more environmentally friendly than that. There are also many colors to choose from and the price is less than that most yoga mats go for, environmentally friendly or not.
• Manduka Black Mat – this mat appeals to the other side of the environmentally friendly equation. The term “environmentally friendly yoga mats” usually apply to PVC free yoga mats that are made from natural materials and contain no other chemicals. The Manduka Black Mat may technically not be an environmentally friendly mat, but its superior durability, cushioning, and slip resistance make it one of the best in the market. Its durability is legendary. It is not unheard of for many people to still use the same Black Mat even after 5 years or so.