When purchasing a yoga mat from a store, yoga studio or online retailer, you will be faced with a decision - should I buy regular yoga mats or environmentally friendly yoga mats? The decision to purchase one over the other is important because there are some differences between the two types of mats both stylistically and functionally that should be considered before making your final purchase.
Pros of Going Green
Biodegradable
Made with Sustainable Materials
Hypo-allergenic
Mat can be recycled & will decompose
Last as long as standard mats
Leads to a Positive Carbon Footprint
Free from harmful PVC's
Cons of Going Green
Higher Cost
Mats are typically Heavier
Rubber Smell (However, it will go away with time)
May Require regular cleaning
Eco-Friendly yoga mats are typically made from Rubber Trees which are 99% rubber and latex free. The mats can be recycled and will decompose naturally with the earth instead of sitting in a landfill forever. Many people who use or have used environmentally friendly yoga mats say that the mats also contribute to their feeling of being connected to the earth in a big way. They feel as though they are giving back to the earth that gives so much to sustain life. So, for the eco-friendly yogi or yogini, earth friendly yoga mats are the way to go.
