Do you want a mat that does not slide, slip, shift, fold or roll up while you are transitioning from one asana to another but, at the same time, is eco-friendly? Are you an environmentally-conscious individual who is about to start your yoga journey and in need of a mat, but you would never think of buying a mat whose production harmed nature? Then we have just what you need!
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
We have carefully researched eco-friendly yoga mats that will make your regular yoga sessions even more soothing, provide you with the stability for complex asanas, and help you be at your best mentally, spiritually, and physically.
How to use an eco-friendly yoga mat
Using a yoga mat is intuitive for the most part, but one common problem you may face is figuring out which side is the correct one to place facing upwards. One way you can tell is by finding out which side is more fibrous. This side will give you more grip and should therefore face upwards as you want to perform your yoga poses on this surface. Also, make sure not to forget to roll the mat back up right after your session to maintain its proper condition.
Here are some alternative yoga mat choices we have shortlisted for you:
1. Healthy yoga Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
The Healthyyoga company takes feedback and comments from refined yoga instructors and yogis who help them curate a brand that provides you with the best yoga experience. This mat comes with one-of-a-kind body alignment lines so you can focus on the physical and mental peace that yoga brings rather than the position of your hands and feet.
Features:
- Material: Thermoplastic elastomers. The mats do not contain any latex, PVC, or heavy metals. They are made from SGS-certified TPE material, which is non-slip, odor-free, and has excellent cushioning.
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72 x 26 x 0.25 inches
- Should only be washed by hand
- Available in eight different colors: turquoise, blue, charcoal, grass green, midline-purple, midline-turquoise, pink, and purple
Pros:
- Has a body alignment system that helps you adjust to the accurate position
- Has a double-layer structure that provides a satisfactory grip
- Longer and wider than usual yoga mats
- Comes with a Velcro strap and carry strap
Cons:
- More expensive than usual mats
- Heavier than usual mats, hence difficult to carry
- Not as non-slippery as the company claims
2. Gruper Yoga Mat
The TPE yoga mat by Gruper is a favorite among yoga lovers worldwide because of its non-toxic, harmless TPE material and its ability to remain odorless. The most fascinating feature of this highly durable yoga mat is that it has a tilt angle of 65 degrees with the ground; if you keep a mobile phone on the mat, it will stay put as long as it is elevated within the threshold angle of 65 degrees.
Features:
- Material: Thermoplastic elastomers
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72.05 x 24.02 x 0.24 inches
- Should only be washed using a damp cloth or a mild detergent
- Available in fourteen aesthetically attractive colors
- You can perform high-level activities without having to worry about the mat deforming or developing cracks
Pros:
- Has a higher density than typical yoga mats, so elasticity will not decrease over time
- Can also be used for muscle exercises, pilates, and stretching
- Comes with a special storage bag and is dustproof
- Available in three different sizes
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- Gets easily marked by footwear
- Surface lacks grip
3. Umineux Yoga Mat
Umineux is a reliable company that makes mats specifically for home workouts. Their mats come with alignment marks and are made up of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a material that can be reused and recycled. It does not harm the environment when it is discarded. It also does not give off a strong odor. What separates it from the other mats is that it is manufactured using hot binding technology. It is also more durable than a single-layer mat.
Features:
- Material: Thermoplastic elastomers
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72 x 24 x 0.24 inches
- Should only be washed by hand
- Available in six different combinations of colors, all of which are pleasing to the eye
- Both sides of the mat are textured, which increases the friction between the mat and the floor, hence increasing the grip
Pros:
- Provides cushioning so there is considerably less pressure on the joints
- Odorless and very gentle on the skin
- Does not slide even when one is sweating and is lightweight
- Comes with a carrying bag and a strap
Cons:
- Can only be used for barefoot exercises as shoes will tear the mat
- Can only be hand-washed
- Has an ‘OM’ printed on it, which is a holy symbol associated with Hinduism. Its presence on the mat could be off-putting for some.
4. Cambivo Yoga Mat
The Cambivo yoga mat has been designed with all the needs of a yogi in mind. With its extra-large size, you will not have to worry about not having enough space while performing asanas. It will also give you the proper support and is extremely lightweight and therefore convenient to carry outside. One special feature about this mat is that it has a closed-cell surface, which makes cleaning hassle-free.
Features:
- Material: Thermoplastic elastomers
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72.05 x 31.89 x 0.24 inches
- Can be cleaned with a damp cloth and should be stored in a cool, dry place
- Available in ten different colors: yellow, ocean blue, ink black, dark green, dark black, blue, purple rose, gray, mint green, and pink
- A waterproof surface prevents sweat from absorbing into the mat, so it does not get dirty easily
Pros:
- Does not have any unpleasant smell
- Has a 6mm width, so people attest that they do not feel much pressure on their joints when using the mat
- Is the perfect option for beginners as it provides a solid and cushioned base
- Has an underside that is wavy, so there is no chance for the mat to slide
- Can be used for a plethora of activities such as yoga, pilates, meditation, stretching, exercise, fitness, dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, and workout
Cons:
- Not as thick as people would have liked
- Does not lay completely flat when unrolled after some time
5. Ajna Organic Yoga Mat
Ajna Wellbeing is a company founded by two Australian sisters who strive to provide goods to their customers that are made of natural products. They claim their products are one-of-a-kind because they allow our bodies to be their best versions through natural remedies. The most notable characteristic of this yoga mat is that it is made up of premium organic natural fibers. This makes the mat feel superior to chemically made yoga mats which give off a foul smell. These mats are sustainable products known to outlast the majority of basic yoga mats in the market. The jute in its manufacturing provides not only the desirable thickness but also the density needed so that no painful pressure is applied to the body.
Features:
- Material: Jute
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 2.83 x 0.94 x 0.2 inches
- Available in five different soothing colors: moss, aura, cold blue, earth brown, and sand
- Free from chemicals, latex, BPA 6p phthalate, and heavy metals
- The company claims to plant a tree whenever a unit of their product is sold
- Can be used for pilates, exercise, stretching, and meditation as well.
Pros:
- Both sides of the mat can be used to provide a strong base for the yogi
- Offers comfortable padding to the elbows and knees
- Does not give off a rancid smell after coming into contact with sweat
- The texture provides friction, so it also has a non-slip quality
Cons:
- Not 100% jute, the top layer is mixed with rubber
- The frontal layer degrades with use in a short period of time
6. Primasole Yoga Mat
This mat is made up of a material known as PER (polymer environmental resin), which is safe for you and the environment throughout its lifespan, from its production to its natural degradation. This material is not only environmentally friendly, but it also makes the mat look very attractive and chic. This mat is suitable for people with weak joints, especially for older people who want to keep their health in check. It has a unique horizontal embedded design that gives you the perfect grip.
Features:
- Material: Resin
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 68 x 24 x 0.5 inches
- Should only be washed by hand
- Available in four attractive combinations of colors: jango green & black, azalea pink & gray, coral red & gray and earth brown & blue
- Very stable material that provides yogis with all the balance they need, even for more complex positions
Pros:
- Very light in nature and has a desirable size
- Comes with a case and a strap, hence is easy to carry
- Stays put during the whole yoga session
- Thicker than usual yoga mats, cushioning the joints
Cons:
- Not as non-slip as the company claims
- Too soft and does not provide ample cushioning
7. CorkTec Yoga Mat
The CorkTec yoga mat is exceptional because it is made from a material that rarely any mats use: cork. Made from an amalgamation of natural rubber and a hundred percent natural cork, this mat aims to provide its users with the steadiest grip while simultaneously being highly aesthetically pleasing. This mat also provides options for the thickness of the mat; if you want a standard mat, you can go for the 4mm thickness, but if you want a relatively thicker mat, you can also opt for the 5mm thickness.
Features:
- Material: Cork and natural rubber
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72 inches x 26 inches x 4 mm
- Can be cleaned with water
- Has a non-slip feature, which prevents the mat from slipping under you when you are exercising or transitioning from asana to another
Pros:
- Can be used for both workouts and yoga
- Both sides of the mat can be used
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Has a durable rubber backing which is suitable for all types of yoga
Cons:
- Has a very strong smell of rubber that does not go away easily
- Heavier than usual mats
- More expensive than usual mats
8. Jade Yoga Mat
The priority of the Jade Yoga Mat company is to curate a brand that only uses sustainable materials in the production of their mats; they do not use any synthetic materials. Additionally, it has been designed specifically for women and has everything that you could possibly want in a yoga mat: stylish colors, superior grip, and great comfort.
Features:
- Material: Natural rubber tapped from rubber trees
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 68 x 24 x 0.19 inches
- Available in a variety of cool colors: slate blue, black, jade green, midnight blue, olive green, purple, raspberry, orange, pink, and saffron
- Has an open-cell surface that provides incredible grip and durability
Pros:
- It will provide you with balance even when you are covered in sweat
- Comfortable cushioning for every pose
- Desirable size for every yogi
- The finest option for hot yoga
Cons:
- Comes with a hefty price tag
- Slippery when new but becomes stable when lightly worn
- Not as thick as people would prefer
9. IUGA Yoga Mat
The IUGA Company claim that they have built a brand for the yogis by the yogis; they have received consultation and advice from some of the best yogis worldwide. This mat’s most fascinating feature is that both sides are textured, meaning it will not slip from beneath your joints or feet when you are exercising, and you will not slip off while sweating as you can grip the mat. It also has an anti-tearing quality, which gives it a long life.
Features:
- Material: Thermoplastic elastomers
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72 x 24 x 0.25 inches
- Available in a variety of colors: gray, midline gray, ocean, orange, purple, purple, pink, and red
- Should only be washed by hand
- Comes with a free carry strap
Pros:
- Does not have the long-staying odor of rubber
- Is lightweight, hence easy to carry
- Has a ¼” high-density padding which makes it a brilliant choice for people who experience joint pain
Cons:
- Not as non-slip as claimed; becomes slippery with sweat
- Foamy and light for some
- Flimsy material
10. Eweedos Yoga Mat
Eweedos is an eco-friendly yoga mat with alignment lines that perfectly balances comfort and durability. It is the perfect choice for either people who are about to start their yoga journey or at a more intermediate level. This yoga mat enables you to correctly stretch your body and achieve the level of zen that every yoga enthusiast dreams of.
Features:
- Material: Thermoplastic elastomers
- Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 72 x 24 x 0.25 inches
- Comes with a body alignment system
- Has a closed-cell surface which helps prevent odor buildup
- Is very easy to clean
Pros:
- Flexible material that is highly durable
- Comes with a free strap
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Does not stay unrolled on the floor
- Very slippery, does not grip any surface properly
FAQ’s
Q1. What are some of the best materials from which eco-friendly yoga mats are made?
Ans: Some of the best materials for eco-friendly yoga mats are as follows: resin, jute, natural rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers.
Q2. What is the most effective way to clean my yoga mat?
Ans: The most effective way of cleaning a yoga mat is to wash it by hand with vinegar and gentle detergents.
Q3. No matter what mat I use, my sweat makes it slippery while performing asanas, what should I do?
Ans: You can place a microfiber towel on top of your yoga mat. This will absorb all the sweat and will prevent the mat from slipping.
We hope that the information we have provided for you in this article proves helpful in your journey to find the perfect environmentally conscious yoga mat.
Hope you find your zen with yoga!