January 16, 2023

The yoga mat is a fairly new invention compared to the practice itself. And over time, there have been many new shapes and sizes of yoga mats designed for yogis of all ages. A yoga mat helps support your body during yoga, cushions your body, and provides more traction for certain poses. But yoga mats aren’t used only for yoga. In fact, they are commonly used in classrooms for sitting or laying down, for gardening or outdoor activities, and as a mat for camping. 

A great yoga mat is one that is durable, easy to clean, and provides the appropriate level of support. Unfortunately, most mats are made from PVC, which is an environmentally destructive type of plastic material. The byproducts of manufacturing PVC are known to enter waterways and groundwater, the food chain, and can even be present in the air.  

The good news is that an increasing number of manufacturers are replacing PVC in yoga mats with more environmentally-friendly and sustainable ingredients. Many yoga mats now are made from cork, natural rubber, jute, recycled plastics, bamboo, and other sustainable materials. 

9 Eco-friendly Yoga Mats for Your Next Workout

Yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness and exercise. It is suitable for all ages and skill sets, and is fun for most everyone. Why not bring a new form of mindfulness into your life and yoga practice by using an eco-friendly yoga mat?

At TuTu’s Green World, we love our eco-friendly yoga mats. Take a look below for our list of top 9 yoga mats that are perfect for adults and kids. 

1. Bean Products Yoga Mats

Bean Products Yoga Mats are great for adults and kids with a selection of sizes suitable for all ages. Bean Products uses a product called CleanPVC – a natural rubber product blended with synthetic materials. CleanPVC is free from toxic chemicals and heavy metals. All Bean Products mats are manufactured in the United States using sustainably and ethically sourced materials. 

Adults love the larger Bean Products mats due to their thick cushion and generous sizing which is suitable for all poses and stretching exercises. Kids love Bean Products mats due to their sticky material, fun colors, and relatable character art. 

2. Cambivo Extra Thick Yoga Mat

The Cambivo Extra Thick Yoga Mat is a great option for individuals who spend a lot of time on their yoga mat. The thick yet soft material absorbs shock and provides comfort and cushioning to reduce joint pressure. Both sides of these yoga mats are non-slip, which is great for most floor surfaces. For more experienced yogis, these mats come in three thicknesses, depending on your needs. 

Cambivo uses a durable TPE material that contains no PVC or latex. There are no harmful chemicals to worry about, and no harsh smell like many plastic products have. Their yoga mats are commonly used as play mats for home or school, yoga mats, and gym mats. The color choices are refreshing, and the easy portability makes these mats a great choice for on-the-go. 

3. B Yoga Mat

B Yoga is a brand that many professional yogis love. Their B Mat is thick, soft, and durable enough to withstand even the toughest yoga session. The ¼-inch thick foam is perfect for all types of exercise, while the durable materials are safe and easy to clean. B Yoga uses eco-friendly and biodegradable materials to manufacture their yoga mats. The open-cell manufacturing technology offers moisture-wicking and anti-odor benefits. The vibrant colors are fun for yogis of all ages. B Yoga mats are a bit more expensive than other brands, but are well worth the investment, as they are extremely long-lasting. 

4. Mat Block Torin Yoga Mat

Mat Block is an emerging brand in the yoga industry, with a dedication to quality, affordable yoga products. One of their most popular items is the Mat Block Torin yoga mat. These mats are suitable for all types of yoga and other exercises. The textured foam provides cushioning and support, while providing adequate traction for yoga poses. Mat Block yoga mats are made from SGS certified TPE material, which is eco-friendly, recyclable, and highly durable. 

5. Nolava Yoga Mat Set

If you are looking for a yoga gift set, the Nolava 7 Piece Yoga Mat Set is a great option for yourself or as a gift. The 7-piece set includes a yoga mat with strap, two yoga blocks, a carry bag, a lavender eye pillow, yoga cards, and access to the Nolava meditation app. Nolava’s yoga mats are made from eco-friendly TPE material, or rubber. The mats are soft, durable, and easy to clean. We love the extra-strong grip that really stays in place. 

6. Good Banana Yoga Mat

If you are looking for a yoga mat, sleeping mat, playmat, or general use mat for your littlest yogis, the Good Banana Yoga Mat is a great choice! We love the playful designs and kid-friendly size of these mats. All Good Banana mats are PVC and latex free, and made from eco-friendly TPE. These yoga mats are durable and fairly easy to clean. We know how important that is for parents, teachers, or kids’ yoga instructors. 

7. CHABAEBAE Kids Yoga Mat

Teaching children the basics of yoga? Check out the Chabaebae Kids Yoga Mat, which comes with basic poses on the mat! These mats are perfect for toddlers and kids just starting out with yoga, but they can certainly be used for general playtime or other exercises. CHABAEBAE designed these mats with kids in mind, so they are lightweight, durable, waterproof, and super easy to clean. What’s even better is that they are PVC and ink-free! 

8. Garybank Kids Yoga Set

Getting kids involved in yoga is a fun way to get their bodies moving and help them develop mindfulness skills at an early age. Kids love yoga because they can move and bend, shape and be silly. Why not let kids explore their creativity with a yoga mat and flashcards that feature some fun beginner yoga poses they can try on their own? The Garybank Kids Yoga Mat Set is the perfect way to share your love of health and fitness with kids of all ages. The fun yoga mats feature pandas and unicorns doing yoga poses, which kids will love and engage with. 

Garybank mats are made from non-toxic materials that are free of latex, phthalates, and PVC. The anti-grip mat is safe and fun for kids, and is durable and easy to clean.

9. Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat

Gaiam is a well known brand in the health and fitness community. Now, they have expanded their offerings to include fun and durable yoga mats made just for kids! Gaiam Kids Yoga Mats are lightweight and safe for kids. They are made from non-toxic materials and are free from phthalates and harmful chemicals. That means you are investing in more than a yoga mat – you are investing in an opportunity to teach kids about environmental awareness. When you purchase a Gaiam kids mat, you also get a free downloadable yoga class made just for kids. 

The Final Decision is Yours

As you can see, there are some great options for eco-friendly yoga mats no matter what your age or skill level may be. Yoga mats are a popular choice for parents, teachers, and yoga instructors because they are durable, versatile, and easy to clean and reuse. With these eco-friendly options, your yoga practice can be more mindful of the environment and help your kids, students, and community reduce their individual carbon footprint.  

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