Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or just a beginner, a good yoga mat is essential for your practice. And, in the midst of Hong Kong’s fifth wave, staying active at home is more important than ever.
Did you know? Many yoga mats on the market today are made using PVC, an incredibly toxic type of plastic that is harmful to both you and the environment. If you’re looking for a yoga mat that’s kinder to you and the planet, check out our list of eight sustainable and eco-friendly yoga mats below:
1. Manduka – EKO® Lite Yoga Mat 4mm
Developed by yoga teachers, this yoga mat from Manduka claims to be the most durable natural rubber yoga mat out there. It contains no PVC, harmful plasticisers or toxic dyes, and is made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber with non-toxic foaming agents! Check out their site for cork and recycled foam yoga blocks, too.
Available at Manduka
2. SugaMat – Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat
It takes around one wetsuit for SugaMat to make one recycled yoga mat that offers great spongey cushion support. You can even donate your own wetsuit for a 10% discount! The best part is, the mats themselves are also recyclable, meaning you can send in your worn-out SugaMat to the company to get a new one at no cost.
Available at SugaMat
3. Merrithew – Eco Yoga Mat (Maroon & Charcoal)
Coming in a fiery-and-cool maroon and charcoal colourway, this yoga mat is non-toxic, free of PVC, latex, synthetic rubbers and glues. It weighs only 2.2 lbs (1 kg), making it lightweight for your back as well as the planet. Aside from being water- and bacteria-resistant, we also love that it’s machine washable, which is quite a rare trait for yoga mats these days!
Available at Merrithew
4. Jade – Harmony Professional Yoga Mat
Constructed from open-cell natural rubber – a renewable resource from rubber trees – this non-slip mat contains no PVC or ozone-depleting substances. We also love that the company has partnered with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every Jade mat sold. They come in a variety of fabulous plain colours, for those of us that prefer something simple.
Available at REI
See also: Why We Need to Protect the World’s Forests
5. AbhinehKrafts – Organic Cotton Handwoven Mat
This India-based brand from Etsy is a special one – everything is handcrafted using natural fibres by women artisans in India, with local and responsibly sourced natural or recycled materials. We absolutely adore the beautiful and traditional handwoven designs that stand out among the rest. You can also choose from varying degrees of thickness depending on your own preference!
Available at Etsy
6. Sugarmat – Dream Catcher Blue LUX PU Yoga Mat
Looking for something more unique? This dreamy mat features the abstract art of contemporary artist Julia Contacessi and will light up any space with its swirls and gold details. Sugarmat manufactures their latex and PVC-free mats with suede and 100% natural rubber, making them biodegradable, sustainable, and recyclable. The brand also makes them in a variety of other quirky patterns!
Available at Sugarmat
7. Urbivore – “Earth is Home” Natural Cork Yoga Mat
The natural look of this yoga mat is way more than just for show. Made from oak bark cork, which is naturally antimicrobial, non-slip, and self-cleaning, Urbivore’s sustainable yoga mats are made with the help of fair-paying, local labour. These mats are as non-toxic as can be. And for every purchase, the brand plants a tree around the world!
Available at The Urbivore
8. Yoga Konga – 3kwan So Travel Yoga Mat
A BIPOC women-owned, sweat-shop-free yoga brand, Yoga Konga produces small batches of eco-friendly yoga accessories in India and Indonesia, including handwoven and handpainted organic cotton yoga mats. We are especially drawn to the Adinkra symbols on this mat, which are substitutions for the seven main chakras.
Available at Yoga Konga
See also: Lululemon Announces Mushroom-based Accessories
Sign up for the 8Shades weekly newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox!
