How To Choose A Good Sustainable Yoga Mat

Choosing the best yoga mat for your practice can be a big task. With so many choices on the market, where do you even begin to choose a good yoga mat? Many people are in search of a sustainable mat, which narrows it down some, but there are still a number of choices on the market. Finding a good organic yoga mat for your practice doesn’t have to be such a daunting choice.

Choosing an organic yoga mat that is environmentally friendly and good quality for your yoga practice is a big task. There are so many things to think about and so many options to choose from. That being said, buying a good organic yoga mat shouldn’t be too difficult of a task. Your yoga mat should reflect you and be based on your needs and wants.

Narrowing your search down should be your first step when looking for the perfect organic yoga mat. Continue reading for a breakdown on how to choose a great sustainable yoga mat for your practice.

1. Consider the type of material. So many companies globally are moving towards going green. Luckily for yogis, there are a number of sustainable, organic materials being used for mats today. Some of these materials include:
   1. Natural Rubber: This material is produced from the sap of rubber trees and is, therefore, renewable. The material itself provides great grip and the mat, itself, is rather durable. This material is also typically cheaper than some other natural, organic yoga mat materials. Natural rubber, also known as latex, can however, produce skin allergies on certain people. If you are looking into buying a natural rubber mat, please do your research first and ensure that you are not allergic to the material.
   2. Natural Cotton: This option is good for being versatile and is great for supporting different postures. Cotton is obviously eco-friendly and it is also machine washable which makes for an easy clean-up. However, the grip isn’t great on certain surfaces. These mats are great for outdoor practice. However, they can be a bit tough for indoor practice, especially on slippery surfaces.
   3. Jute: This material is fully recyclable and very eco-friendly. It is lightweight and durable, but it is often mixed with other materials such as PVC or PER which are not recyclable. Jute can also be a bit coarse on skin, which can get a bit uncomfortable in certain poses.
   4. Cork: This sustainable, carbon-positive material is a great option for yoga mats as it is lightweight, durable, and waterproof. Not to mention, it is antimicrobial making cleaning it a breeze. Cork is a great choice for an organic yoga mat and is environmentally friendly. The only downside to a cork yoga mat can be the price. However, there are many different options to choose from when looking for a cheaper option. Cork yoga mats have become quite popular over the past couple of years, and with good reason. These mats are changing the way yogis practice with their extreme grip and comfortable feel.

Each of these materials are organic and sustainable. They are environmentally friendly and high-quality, creating a great mat for your practice.

2. Think about the thickness you want to have. Some people don’t want a big, bulky mat to carry around. However, others need some extra support and choose to purchase a thick yoga mat that offers more cushion while practicing. The thickness of your mat can make a big difference in your practice. Consider your physical needs, as well as travel needs when looking for the best organic yoga mat for you.
3. Remember that size matters. When you are choosing a yoga mat, you need to look at the size. How wide do you want it to be? What about the length? As a general rule of thumb, your mat should be around 6 inches longer than your height. You want your yoga mat to be comfortable and you want to be able to lie on it during savasana without hanging off. Choosing a good organic yoga mat includes considering the size of the mat.Cork yoga mats come in a variety of sizes for every yogi.
4. Consider your price range. While there are plenty of cheaper priced sustainable yoga mats out there, you want to make sure that you aren’t sacrificing quality for price. Shop around and do some research, but make sure that you don’t buy a mat simply because it is cheaper than the others. You want to ensure that it has all of the qualities that you need.
5. Be sure that your yoga mat is 100% natural and sustainable. There are plenty of yoga mats on the market that are only partly organic and sustainable. They are made of mixed materials and 9 times out of 10, the other material is going to be non-organic. This is not always the case, but be sure to research thoroughly and know for a fact that your mat is biodegradable and sustainable before buying it. This makes a big difference to the environment.

Choosing a sustainable yoga mat can be difficult, but knowing where to start and what to consider can surely help. The good news is that there are plenty of yoga mat companies that are going eco-friendly and producing mats for everyone. You just have to figure out what type you want. Do you and the environment a favor and choose a good, organic yoga mat to practice on. You won’t regret it, and the Earth will thank you.

The Japanese philosophy SATORI means “Connect with your true self” is a concept that applies to yoga in all forms. Connecting the mind with the body is one of the best ways to connect with your truest self and become your best self. When we also choose to connect to the environment, we are using the practice of SATORI, as well. By choosing a sustainable, organic yoga mat, you are doing the environment a favor, therefore connecting with your higher self.

Sources:https://corkspace.co.uk/blogs/yoga/guide-to-eco-friendly-yoga-mats

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