A dependable yoga mat is an essential accessory for any new and experienced yogi. From downward-facing dog to child’s pose, a yoga mat helps you stay connected and grounded throughout your practice.
There is no doubt a yoga mat can offer blissful solitude amidst the ebbs and flows of busy modern life. But what if the soft cushiony support under your feet is bad news for your health and the environment?
The answer: investing in an eco-friendly yoga mat is a great sustainable alternative to the standard synthetic yoga mat which is infused with toxic and non-recyclable materials.
So discerning yogis, are you ready?
Whether you prefer an active vinyasa flow, or a gentle, restorative practice, this guide to some of the best eco-friendly yoga mat brands has got you covered!
What Is An Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat?
But, what exactly is an eco-friendly yoga mat, we hear you ask?
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, the term “eco-friendly” means “not harmful to the environment.” So, for a yoga mat to be eco-friendly, it must be produced in a way that avoids environmental harm as much as possible. This means an eco-friendly yoga mat is often made from natural or recyclable materials and is manufactured in an environmentally responsible way.
Why Are Some Yoga Mats Harmful To The Environment?
Often yoga mats are made from toxic and plastic-based materials which can be damaging to your health and the environment.
One example is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which according to environmental justice charity Greenpeace is “the most environmentally damaging plastic.” From production right through the disposal, PVC releases toxic, chlorine-based chemicals which infiltrate our air, water, and food chain. Shockingly everyone – to some degree – has these toxins floating around in their bodies!
Although PVC is inexpensive and ubiquitous in many of our products, it has been inextricably linked to a wide range of health problems including cancer, immune system damage, and hormone disruption.
Not only are PVC mats bad for your health, but the material also can’t biodegrade and is difficult to recycle so the fate of this nasty plastic is invariably landfill. A 2022 OECD report found the global production of plastic waste has doubled over the last two decades, with 91% either incinerated, chucked into landfills, or escaping into the natural environment.
What To Consider When Choosing Your Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat: A Sustainable Checklist
Let’s face it. There can be challenges when it comes to choosing the right eco-friendly yoga mat for you. Not only do you need to decide on the right type, length, and thickness, but you also have to find the brands which are following the most sustainable and ethical practices.
To give you a helping hand, here are some important characteristics you should keep in mind when choosing your eco-friendly yoga mat:
- Eco-friendly materials: An eco-friendly yoga mat is often made using natural or recycled materials such as organic cotton, cork, and rubber. Think PVC-free and latex-free!
- Sustainable manufacturing: From renewable energy usage to effective waste management, choose brands that follow closed-loop production across the entire supply chain.
- Fair labor: Choosing an eco-friendly yoga mat isn’t just about environmental impact! Prioritize brands that follow ethical working conditions and pay employees a fair wage.
- Sustainable certifications: One way you can avoid greenwashing and guarantee your eco-friendly yoga mat is sustainable and ethical is through sustainable certifications. Certifications can cover anything from sourcing materials to the treatment of workers.
- Charitable initiatives: Many eco-friendly yoga mat brands give back to the community or environment in some way. Can you spot a dedicated “giving back” page?
- 15 Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
10 Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
1) Manduka Eko Yoga Mat
From $49
Our favorite: Eko® Lite Yoga Mat Melon Marbled (4mm)
Sustainability rating: 4
Do namaste the natural way with Manduka Eko Series made from 100% biodegradable non-Amazon tree rubber (a renewable resource!) for great grip and durability. Celebrated by yoga teachers from around the world, every eco-friendly yoga mat is made with non-toxic foaming agents, and non-AZO dyes and are 99% latex free. What’s more, Manduka offers a lifetime guarantee!
Shop Manduka
2) Liforme Yoga Mats
From $140
Our favorite: Liforme Mindful Garden Yoga Mat Olive/Floral (approx. 4.2mm)
Sustainability rating: 4
Feel connected to the earth with Liforme eco-friendly yoga mats which are PVC-free and made using biodegradable natural rubber, eco-polyurethane, and non-toxic glues. The unique patented three-layered construction and CleanGrip® technology is quick-drying and extra grippy. Liforme is certified B Corp and donates a minimum of 10% of all profits to its very own foundation for people and the planet.
Shop Liforme
3) Jade Fusion Yoga Mat
From $24.95
Our favorite: Jade Fusion Yoga Mat – Extra Thick All Natural Midnight Blue Yoga Mat (3/16″ Thick)
Sustainability rating: 5
Designing non-toxic yoga mats for every type of yogi, Jade Fusion uses natural rubber from tapped rubber trees – a rapidly renewable resource! Manufactured in the USA, Jade Fusion ensures fair and safe working conditions and will plant a tree for every eco-friendly yoga mat sold (over two million trees planted so far!) Plus, Jade Fusion donates to several environmental and community initiatives.
Shop Jade Fusion
4) B Yoga B MAT
From $64
Our favorite: B MAT Everyday Long Sunrise Red (4mm)
Sustainability rating: 3
Whether you’re in the mood for morning meditation or a sweaty vinyasa flow, B Yoga’s B MAT has you covered. Made from a superior blend of natural and synthetic rubber, the B Mat is durable, extra grippy, and naturally antimicrobial. Every eco-friendly yoga mat is Oeko-Tex certified which eradicates the use of harmful chemicals.
Shop B Yoga
5) Suga Yoga Mats
From $69
Our favorite: SugaMat Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat (5mm)
Sustainability rating: 4
Honor yourself and the earth with SugaYoga mats made from 100% recycled wetsuits! Manufactured in Encinitas, California, Suga believes all businesses should be custodians of nature, facilitating a “cradle-to-grave” recycling program to keep old Suga mats from clogging landfills, and is a proud member of 1% for the Planet.
Shop Suga Yoga Mats
6) Yoloha Native Cork Yoga Mats
From $59
Our favorite: Chakras Aura Cork Yoga Mat + Plant Foam (6mm)
Sustainability rating: 4
Yoloha makes inherently grippy, long-lasting, and supportive eco-friendly yoga mats from sustainably harvested natural cork and plant-based foam. Passionate about creating a sustainable yogic experience, Yohola uses 100% recycled and recyclable packaging, gives back through community programs, and offsets carbon emissions by partnering with EcoCart.
Shop Yoloha
7) Juru Yoga Mats
From $9
Our favorite: Anti Slip Cotton Yoga Mat Khaki (5mm)
Sustainability rating: 3.5
Champions of eco-friendly yoga, Juru believes all yogis should have a harmonious relationship with Mother Earth. Made in India, every eco-friendly yoga mat is infused with 100% natural materials including cork, jute, natural rubber, and cotton, and is available in different colors, weights, and thicknesses.
Shop Juru
8) Yoga Design Lab
From $50
Our favorite: Combo Yoga Mat Stardust (3.5mm)
Sustainability rating: 3
Step into a magical yogic world of tranquil greens and celestial skies with Yoga Design Lab’s vibrant yoga mats. From recycled plastic bottles to biodegradable natural rubber, all eco-friendly yoga mats are made with nature in mind. Moreover, Yoga Design Lab only uses water-based inks for print designs, with all products Prop 65 and REACH certified.
Shop Yoga Design Lab
9) Tranquil Yoga
From $99.95
Our favorite: Oasis Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Midnight Blue (5mm)
Sustainability rating: 3.5
Feel the earth support you with Tranquil Yoga’s 100% natural and non-toxic yoga mats. From 100% biodegradable natural rubber to antimicrobial cork, Tranquil Yoga’s eco-friendly yoga mat range offers great grip, high density (to protect those joints!), and an alignment system to perfect your asana. The carrying strap also doubles as a practice strap – super handy right?
Shop Tranquil Yoga
10) Gaiam Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
From $39.98
Our favorite: Mandala Cork Yoga Mat (5mm)
Sustainability rating: 3
Gaiam believes nurturing our health and the planet goes hand in hand. Designed by yogis for yogis, Gaiam’s eco-friendly yoga mat range is chemical-free and infused with an eclectic mix of sustainable materials from natural jute fibers to recyclable TPE, an earthly-friendly alternative to standard rubber.
Shop Gaiam
Christie Johnson is a writer and digital marketer for ethical brands and publications that strive for a better world. She…
