According to Yoga Journal, conventional yoga mats contain polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. The manufacturing of PVC is said to have a negative effect on the environment, releasing unwanted dioxins into the air and water. Phthalates are also added to conventional mat material to help make them spongy and flexible. These chemicals may have harmful effects on your hormones. There are, however, numerous yoga mat alternatives made of all-natural materials available for purchase.
Jade Yoga Mat
According to Yoga Journal, Jade yoga mats contain no PVC or other synthetic rubber materials. They are made from natural tree rubber. Jade claims that these mats still provide an optimum sticky surface to help support you during your yoga practice. These mats are also said to be comfortable and resilient. The mats come in a variety of colors and prices based on thickness and quality. Jade even offers smaller yoga mats made for kids.
Health and Yoga Grass Mat
Yoga Journal also lists the Grass Yoga Mat from Health and Yoga, which is made of all-natural materials and eco-friendly substances. It has a latex rubber backing so that it can grip the floor easily. The natural texture of the grass mat is said to have an acupressure-type effect for the feet. This mat measures 2 by 6 feet and has a decorative jacquard border. Health and Yoga claims this type of mat is excellent for Ashtanga or Hatha yoga practice.
Eco Yoga Jute Mat
Scotland-based company Eco Yoga makes all its mats in the United Kingdom to avoid any child-labor manufacturing. The jute texture on top has a thin undercoat made of natural rubber material to avoid slippage. They come in four colors and four variations, with a regular 6-foot mat and an extra-length 7-foot mat.
Rawganique Hemp Yoga Mat
Rawganique also offers a yoga mat made of 100 percent organically grown European hemp in a sweatshop-free environment. It comes in a variety of colors and is recommended for a bikram or hot yoga class since it can absorb sweat more easily than a rubber sticky mat. You can machine wash the mat in cold water and lay it flat to dry. The mats are said to have a nice thickness and are soft to the touch.
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