What is a sustainable yoga mat and what isn't?

When it comes to maintaining a sustainable lifestyle, the smallest choices can have a significant impact. From beginner to experienced yoga enthusiasts and yoga teachers alike, selecting the right yoga mat is no exception. There are a lot of cleverly marketed 'eco-friendly yoga mats' on the market these days and it has become difficult for consumers to decipher what is actually sustainable and eco-friendly and what isn't.

Many of these eco-friendly yoga mats are actually made from synthetic materials that contain toxic chemicals without an eco-friendly material in sight!

Some yoga mats promote being made from recycled materials like recycled plastic bottles, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), vegan suede (microfibre) or PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) but when we research deeper into these materials the facts remain that they contain harsh chemicals that are not biodegradable and made from oil derived plastic. We'll get to more about this later.

With an array of sustainable yoga mat brands on the market, creating a non-toxic yoga mat that aligns with both performance and environmental sustainability is important to us. Through careful research we have found that the best materials that satisfy our requirements for performance and sustainability are natural cork and natural rubber. Let's explore why we think these materials are the best for your practice and the planet.

Why Cork?

Cork is often hailed as one of nature's true gifts, and for good reason. Sourced from the bark of cork oak trees, cork bark is harvested sustainably, ensuring that the trees remain unharmed during the extraction process. The cork tree continues to absorb carbon dioxide and thrives in dry conditions due to its very deep root structure that can tap into deep underground water reserves. When the outer bark is removed, the tree continues to thrive and regenerate, making cork an infinitely renewable resource and probably the most sustainable yoga mat material.

Durability and Antimicrobial Properties

Cork is not just about sustainability; its durability is remarkable as well. The structure of cork contributes to its longevity, allowing it to withstand the wear and tear associated with regular use while still maintaining its performance. Additionally, cork offers natural antimicrobial qualities. This means it resists mould and fungal growth, preventing odours from embedding into the mat—even during those sweaty, intensive sessions. In fact, due to a natural substance called suberin, the more you sweat, the grippier a cork yoga mat becomes, making it an excellent choice for those practicing in hot or humid environments or a hot yoga practice.

Comfort and Texture

Beyond performance, practicing yoga on a cork mat is a nice experience. The soft, warm texture of cork feels beautiful under your hands and feet, providing a level of comfort and natural cushioning that synthetic mats can't replicate. Cork strikes the perfect balance between cushioning and support, reducing the risk of discomfort during poses that require extra sensitivity in your hands and knees.

Why Natural Rubber?

Just like cork, natural rubber is another natural material that holds its ground in terms of sustainability and performance. Sourced from rubber trees, natural rubber is both renewable and biodegradable, allowing yoga practitioners to enjoy their practice while minimising their environmental footprint.

Superior Grip and Stability

One of the primary attributes that sets natural rubber apart is its exceptional grip. Even during the most vigorous yoga class, you can count on a natural rubber mat to stay in place, preventing any unwanted slipping.

Long-Lasting Performance

Durability is a hallmark of natural rubber yoga mats. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, which can perish quickly, a well-made natural rubber mat can last for years, offering good value for your investment. Its inherent sturdiness provides a solid foundation, giving you the confidence and security needed to explore new poses and deepen your practice.

When two renewable materials collide.

When it comes to sustainable yoga mat options, we feel that natural tree rubber and natural cork are the perfect combination of sustainable materials. During the production process, the two layers of cork and rubber are heat laminated together to provide a dual sided yoga mat that is free from glues and other toxic materials. The rubber side has excellent grip and a great option for when you need a sticky yoga mat during inversions like wheel pose, whilst the cork side has a smooth natural grip that allows your feet to slide through on poses like forward and side splits. With these two natural materials combined, you have a biodegradable yoga mat that offers a mix of grip and an optimal balance between comfort and performance.

What about other natural yoga mats?

Other options do exist but we feel they lack in support and grip. For example, jute yoga mats can often feel rough and lack the cushioning. Organic cotton yoga mats may feel soft and are machine washable, however they still lack the cushioning and grip required for a more intense yoga session. They are more suitable for meditation or a restorative yoga practice.

Why Skip the Rest? 🚫

Despite their prevalence, recycled plastic or plastic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), synthetic suede and synthetic rubber are not the wisest choices for your daily practice.

The Case Against PVC

A PVC yoga mat is one of the worst yoga mats you could invest in. PVC is notorious for its adverse environmental impact, as it is non-biodegradable and releases harmful chemicals throughout its lifecycle—from production to disposal. This not only poses risks to the environment but can also affect your health through exposure to toxic substances.

The Synthetic Trap

While TPU is often marketed as a more eco-friendly plastic, it remains a synthetic option, failing to break down easily in natural environments. Similarly, synthetic suede mats may offer a welcoming softness, but their harmful chemical treatments and synthetic blends compromise their sustainability. Relying on these materials can inadvertently contribute to pollution and environmental degradation.

The Energy Connection ⚡️

Beyond the tangible benefits of cork and natural rubber lies an energy connection that resonates deeply with yoga practitioners. Natural materials like cork and rubber carry an innate connection to the earth, promoting a holistic approach to yoga. Many yogis believe that practicing on natural surfaces allows for a more genuine and authentic experience, fostering a deeper connection between mind, body, and the environment.

Utilising sustainable materials encourages mindfulness—not just in your yoga practice but also in your daily choices. It inspires awareness of how our actions affect the world around us, encouraging a lifestyle that prioritises sustainability and ecological balance.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Sustainable Yoga Mat

As you continue on your yoga journey and find yourself needing a new yoga mat, let cork and natural rubber guide your decision-making. With their sustainable properties and unrivalled performance, these biodegradable materials offer an excellent alternative to less eco-friendly synthetic yoga mat options. Not only will you be investing in a mat that supports your practice, but you'll also be making a conscious choice to prioritise your wellbeing and our planet.

Need an eco-friendly mat for your next yoga class? Or sustainable yoga mat and yoga props for your yoga studio? Get in touch with ZONE by Lydia for wholesale pricing info@zonebylydia.com