Here we’ve compiled a list of the best eco-friendly yoga mats that protect your health as well as protect the environment. We’ve chosen yoga mats based upon a variety of criteria to satisfy every eco-concious yogi.
You’ll find the best non-toxic yoga mat for beginners, yoga mats for pregnancy, the best yoga mats for hot yoga, and yoga mats for travel. If you want an affordable all-around yoga mat, or a yoga mat made for tall people, you’ll find that too.
But first, here is why you should choose an eco-friendly yoga mat in the first place.
There are affiliate links in this post. This means if you make a purchase through one of my links I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.
The Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
How To Choose An Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
With yoga now becoming a mainstream activity, it is very easy to find a mat. You need not look further than your local grocery store to find one. However, those mats are probably made out of plastic or other toxic materials.
If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely already made the choice to find a mat that helps the planet as well as helps your downward dog. Well done you!
Why Choose An Environmentally Friendly Yoga Mat
Avoid Yoga Mats That Are Made Out Of Plastic
The yoga mats that line the shelves of your local big-box store are probably made out of plastic. If you look on the label, you’ll see Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) listed as the manufacturing material. PVC is made from petroleum and it is a cheap and easy material for manufacturers to use.
To make the Polyvinyl Chloride (vinyl) in a yoga mat soft and flexible, the manufacturer adds phthalates. Phthalates are a group of chemicals that make plastics softer and more pliable.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, “you can be exposed to phthalates by using products that have them. Phthalates aren’t chemically connected with the plastic products that contain them, which means they can leach out of the products.”
Contact with phthalates is known to disrupt hormone function in both humans and animals, which can result in developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune system problems.
Greenpeace calls PVC plastic “the most environmentally damaging plastic”. Its production, use, and disposal release toxic chemicals. These toxins are building up in our water, air and food.
So ya, avoiding yoga mats made out of PVC plastic is a good call. The good news for yoga lovers is that there are lots of affordable eco-mats made out of natural and recycled materials available today.
What to Look For When Buying A Yoga Mat
You can practice yoga on any mat, or even without one. If you are just starting to practice yoga you can borrow a mat from your local studio and try it out. Testing out several different mats will give you an idea of what features you like. This is how I found the yoga mat I currently use – Jade Yoga Harmony Mat.
Once you know you are going to continue with your yoga or meditation practice, you’ll want to purchase your own good quality mat.
A well made mat can become your favourite piece of sports equipment.
I love my yoga mat! I immediately feel calmer and more grounded when I roll it out before class. Plus, it is nice knowing that only my feet and sweat have touched it’s surface!
Here are some factors to consider when testing out eco-mats.
Free Shipping at Mabel’s Labels
Qualities to Look For In A Yoga Mat
- Well Made and Durable – You want your yoga mat to last. Replacing a mat after a year or two is not very environmentally friendly. I had to ditch my previous mat because the surface wore down where I placed my feet for Warrior II Pose. You want your mat to grow with you in your practice. not wear down.
- Non-slip and Comfortable – If you practice hot yoga (Bikram yoga) you know how important it is for your mat to be sticky. It is difficult to hold a pose when your hands and feet are slipping off the mat during balancing poses and wide-legged poses. You want to buy a yoga mat with a non-slip surface. As well, you want your mat to be comfortable and feel nice against your skin.
- Environmentally Friendly – Practicing yoga is partly about connecting to the earth and the world around you. Buying a eco mat helps protect the planet and can make you feel even better about your practice and your socially-conscious affect on this earth.
What is the Best thickness For A Yoga Mat?
Yoga mats range in thickness from 2mm to around 6mm thick. The thinner mats are naturally lighter and easier to travel with if you want to practice yoga on-the-go. A travel yoga mat can be rolled up and fit into a suitcase.
The thicker mats are heavier and great for yoga practitioners who want some extra padding. A thick yoga mat would be the best for individuals with back pain or sore joints. I’d also recommend choosing a medium to thick yoga mat if you are pregnant or require extra support for your lower back.
How To Test A Yoga Mat
Sarah, the owner of Sayza Hot Yoga Studio, explains how she tests out yoga poses on her favourite yoga mats in this video. Sarah has been practicing yoga for 10 years and teaching for 4 years. Watch her demonstrate what qualities she looks for in a yoga mat and how you can tell the good from the not-so-great.
Are Expensive Yoga Mats Worth It?
I’m not one to spend a lot of money on anything. However, I love my yoga practice and there is a big difference for me between a cheap, thin, yoga mat and my current mat. That being said, you DON’T have to spend a fortune to get an eco-friendly mat. They do cost more than your grocery store mats but in the end you’ll save money.
A good quality mat costs more upfront, but it’s often because it is are thicker, durable, and made from better-quality materials. A cheaper mat can begin to flake after less than a year’s use. Most of the yoga mats we review here are between $45 and $120 Canadian.
Here are 7 great eco-friendly yoga mats for every budget.
Read: Smart Money Ideas For Women At Every Age, Eh!
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats For Your Money
Jade Yoga Harmony Mat: Best All-Around Yoga Mat
Jade Yoga is a pioneer in eco-friendly yoga mats. Plus, Jade plants a tree for every yoga mat they sell!
All their mats are made from natural rubber, a renewable resource that contains no PVC, EVA, heavy metals, or synthetic rubber. There is no plastic in these mats and I believe they are the best natural rubber yoga mats available, and a great yoga mat for beginners.
Jade Yoga mats are soft and sticky when next to your bare skin. The Jade Harmony mat allows you to feel the earth beneath you while still providing comfort. It offers a nice balance between cushioning and sturdiness so your ankles don’t turn over during balance poses.
I bought this mat when I was pregnant with my fourth daughter. I found it very comfortable to lie on and support my sore lower back, so I recommend it as a yoga mat for pregnancy.
Read: 7 Ways Practicing Yoga Makes Me A Better Mom
The Jade Harmony comes in three lengths — 68, 71, & 74 inches — so you can find a match for your height. It is 5mm thick and 4.5 lbs.
Click here to shop the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat from Evolve FitWear. Get 10% off with the code GIVEME10
Check Price and Reveiws of Jade Yoga Harmony Mat on Amazon
For readers in the United States, check price of Harmony Mat on JadeYoga.com
PrAna Indigena Natural Yoga Mat: Best Yoga Mat For Tall People
The Prana Indigena yoga mat is made from 100% natural, non-Amazon rubber. It is one of the bigger mats available (78 inches long) if you are tall or if you like more space for your head and feet when you are lying in Savasana Pose. It feels very nice under the body and provides surprising support given its thickness.
Like all other 100% rubber mats, it is on the heavy side (6 lbs). It has an open cell design which means it allows sweat to be absorbed – so make sure to spray and wipe down the mat after practice.
The Prana Indigena mat is 4 mm thick.
Check Price and Reviews of Prana Yoga Mat on Amazon
B Yoga B Mat: Best Lightweight Yoga Mat
B Mats are made of high quality ingredients and constructed to withstand heat, sweat, and regular hard-core vinyasa flows. They are well-priced and a great yoga mat on a budget.
The B Mat is built to withstand being used for regular yoga practice over many years.
They aren’t UV resistant so you’ll will want to store it away from sunlight.
B Mats are made from 100% Rubber and OEKO-TEX certified meaning it’s 100% safe for your health.
At 2 mm thick, this mat is thin and lightweight which makes it our pick as the best yoga mat for travel. It will still provide grip and cushion to protect your spine, hips, knees, elbows from contact with hard floors.
It also comes in 4mm and 6mm thicknesses.
Click here to shop the B Yoga B Mat from Evolve FitWear. Get 10% off with the code GIVEME10.
Check Price and Reviews of B Yoga B Mat on Amazon
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat: Best Yoga Mat For Comfort
Manduka mats are durable and long-lasting, and their line of eko Mats are natural and made from sustainably harvested tree rubber. The foaming agents used to create the eko material are non-toxic.
They come in a variety of thicknesses and designs, so there’s an environmentally friendly yoga mat for everyone. The extra support and thickness of the Manduka Pro makes it one of the best yoga mats for pregnant women.
Manduka is a environmentally conscious company, offering a zero waste mat recycling program.
The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is 5 mm thick and 7 lbs.
There is also the Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat for people who want a lighter, no-waste yoga mat.
Click here to shop the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat from Evolve FitWear. Get 10% off with the code GIVEME10.
Check Price and Reviews of Manduka PRO Yoga Mat on Amazon
Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat: Best Yoga Mat For Hot Yoga
The Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat is a nice two-in-one mat & towel combination. When the heat is cranked up in your Bikram yoga class, this mat will reduce slipping and injuries. Plus you won’t need to bring a mat AND towel to class anymore.
The towel is an absorbent, sueded microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles and is bonded to a natural tree rubber base mat.
It is also machine washable and another great inexpensive yoga mat.
The Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat is very reasonably priced and comes in a selection of beautifully designed patterns.
A carrying strap is included.
Shop the Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat from Evolve FitWear. Get 10% off with the code GIVEME10.
Check Price and Reviews of Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat on Amazon
Yoloha Nomad Cork Yoga Mat: Best Yoga Mat Made From Natural Materials
The Yoloha Nomad Cork Yoga Mat is manufactured from non-slip cork, providing good grip during all types of yoga practice.
The cork surface is naturally anti-mircrobial which means it naturally kills bacteria, mold and odors. A closed-cell, latex-free foam on the surface prevents moisture or bacteria from absorbing into the mat.
The cork mat is super light-weight while still offering comfort and support. It is, however, the most expensive yoga mat on our list.
The Yoloha Nomad mat is 72″ long, 4.5 mm thick and weighs 2.5 lb. It comes with natural jute strap.
Check Price and Reviews of Yoloha Nomad Cork Yoga Mat on Amazon
I hope our list of the Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats helps you pick a yoga mat for your budget. If you have another eco-friendly mat that you love, please comment below.
Related Articles:
Best Hands-on Educational Kits For Kids
Best Canadian Workbooks For Students
Smart Ways To Save Money On Back To School Expenses
I had no idea Yoga mats come in such variety. Good to hear that there are eco-friendly ones around.
There are some nice ones for sure. Even if you aren’t big into yoga, they can be used for meditation or other fitness activities.