A yoga mat is almost indispensable in any practitioner’s routine, whether they are a novice or have been studying yoga for many years. The mat helps to define personal space in the studio, but most valuably, it helps prevent slipping. This keeps the practioner safe from injury. Additionally, a dependable yoga mat can provide a necessary layer of cushioning on an otherwise hard floor.

Plenty of different yoga mats are available on the marketplace, but more people are beginning to recognize the advantages of practicing yoga on a mat that is environmentally friendly. A yoga mat that is eco conscious is produced using sustainable methods and is constructed from sustainable resources like natural cotton, natural rubber or clean PVC. These green yoga mats represent a significant and welcome departure from the many synthetic rubber yoga mats that have dominated the market for the last few decades. These yoga mats are made using toxic chemicals and heavy metals – definitely not the kind of production practices and materials that promote a safe and healthy environment.

Fortunately ecologically friendly alternatives offer a host of advantages when compared to their imitation counterparts. A good quality yoga mat that is produced with protecting the environment in mind is always biodegradable. That means that at the end of its useful life the eco friendly yoga mat can be readily recycled. Although no widely accepted definition of “biodegradable” exists, it can be concluded that most eco friendly yoga mats will break down into harmless components like water, organic matter and perhaps some carbon dioxide within about six months. The entire process of breaking down occurs without any threat to the environment. That beats several decades or more in a landfill, which would be required for the harmful imitation rubber mats that typically cannot be recycled.

Many yoga practitioners who have used imitation rubber PVC yoga mats have noticed a number of problems with them in addition to their non-sustainable manufacturing process. Yoga mats made of synthetic materials have a tendency to wrinkle or move during use. Additionally they have been known to roll up, causing a serious trip hazard.

Yoga mats made from environmentally conscious materials are different. In general they are slightly heavier, making it more difficult for them to slip or shift even during complex exercises. Combine that with the fact that they are produced using sustainable practices and materials and these natural yoga mats start to look like a tough act to follow.

A natural cotton yoga mat is an environmentally conscious choice that benefits the practice of yoga. Used for thousands of years beginning in India, cotton yoga mats help practitioners connect to yoga’s deepest roots. A natural cotton mat helps maintain the practitioner’s connection with the Earth and helps promote a balanced approach to both life and the study of yoga. Many practitioners consider the use of a natural cotton mat to be most in tune with the original tenets of yoga’s philosophies.

Anyone who has practiced yoga on a synthetic rubber mat and then switched to a natural cotton mat will immediately notice the difference. Where an imitation rubber mat becomes slick with sweat, the natural cotton mat handily absorbs the moisture, making for a safer and more effective workout. The practitioner making use of a natural cotton mat will notice that their mind is free to focus on their exercises without being distracted by their mat. The really wonderful part of an all natural cotton yoga mat is that it is easily washable. Feel free to wash it after each usage so that every session brings a fresh, clean yoga mat.

A natural rubber yoga mat offers great cushioning and grip in addition to being an environmentally conscious choice. Most good quality natural rubber yoga mats provide the practitioner with a slip-free surface. Some people may object to an initial rubber smell, but this typically fades within a few weeks of purchase. Natural rubber yoga mats are a good choice even for people who tend to sweat heavily during yoga sessions. These mats are even appropriate for Bikram yoga as they will continue to be slip free even when the heat is on and bodies are sweating. Most natural rubber mats can be easily wiped clean with some mild soap and warm water. Rinse it thoroughly after washing and hang it to dry where it cannot be contacted by direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can actually cause the natural rubber to break down more quickly and limit the lifetime of the yoga mat.

Some yoga mat manufacturers are now making a clean PVC version for the environmentally concerned consumer. These mats are made without the use of heavy metals and phthalates, toxic substances that harm both people and the environment. These clean PVC yoga mats provide good cushioning and are often manufactured with a textured surface for superior gripping ability. Most versions of the clean PVC yoga mat are easily washed by hand and provide excellent durability while still being mindful of the health of the environment.

When new students begin to practice yoga they are introduced to the concept of Ahimsa. “Do no harm” is the basic mantra of many a yoga practitioner. In fact, it is also a basic way of life. People who purchase and use eco-friendly yoga mats make a statement about the importance of the health of the environment, their personal health and their commitment to living a sustainable life. Choose to be natural and reaffirm a solid connection with the Earth by only using yoga mats that naturally derived and sustainable. The Earth will repay in kind

I love practicing yoga and I have owned a million (slight exaggeration) yoga mats over the years. I am expert and can guide you to choose the correct mat for your practice. But, one thing to remember….even if you don’t have the perfect mat, it is important to get out there and do it. You know you’ll feel better!