How to choose the right eco-friendly yoga mat?

The yoga mat is the basic equipment of any good self-respecting yogi. If you are a beginner, it will certainly be your first investment. Material, color, thickness, all choices are allowed. However, know that depending on the practice you are looking for, certain mats are to be preferred or not. The mat is your support in the realization of your asanas, but that's not all, its color can influence your session according to the desired effect. To help you in your selection and know all the secrets to maintain and disinfect your equipment, here is a presentation of the eco-responsible yoga mat in all its states.

What is an eco-friendly yoga mat?

As we hear more and more the word eco-responsible, what does it really mean? This term refers to respect for the environment and others. The eco-responsible yoga mat is therefore a mat that respects health, nature and humans. It is designed only with eco-friendly materials, does not contain any chemicals and is therefore not harmful to health.

For yogis, this is very important because the practice of yoga also represents a connection to the world and to nature. They want yoga mats that respect the planet , that they can keep for several years and that will not be toxic for the planet when they throw it away.

Don't know any brands that offer eco-friendly yoga mats ? Here is a list of brands that we have selected for the quality of their eco-friendly mats: Manduka, Jade, Eco-Yoga, Yoga Feel Green, Mad-Yoga, Gaiam, Yuj, Anadeo.

The different materials of the yoga mat

The most resistant and hygienic PVC mat

It can put off many people. In fact, PVC is a derivative of plastic. PVC is a more environmentally friendly material than it seems, because it is very resistant over time and recyclable. Of course, for this you need quality PVC. At Tayrona Yoga, we have selected PVC mats that meet European environmental standards.

That's why all our PVC mats are made in Germany, they are Oeko-Tex standard 100 Certificate P.1 certified. This standard is the reference that is used for babies. They do not contain phthalates or other harmful substances.

Moreover, compared to carpets in

This mat is suitable for all types of yoga, simple and effective, it is light, durable and non-slip. Perfect for beginners or for those who practice yoga several times a week. Its low price does not detract from its qualities.

Our selection of PVC mats:

- the Kurma 6.5 MM range - 185 cm. These are OEKO tex certified non-slip rugs with rock-solid strength thanks to their recycled materials.

- Manduka Pro range

• The Prolite 4.7 MM mat, sizes M and L. A perfect mat to take anywhere thanks to its lightness. Particularly stable, it is very grippy and non-slip.

• The Mat Pro 6 MM mat, sizes M and XL. Ultra-resistant and a sure value, it is guaranteed for life and offers you unparalleled comfort for practicing yoga.

The cork mat

In this time of pandemic and to fight against the proliferation of bacteria, what could be more practical than an antibacterial mat? Cork is a natural and biodegradable material. Used raw, it remains porous. A light layer of varnish is then necessary to protect the surface of your mat and allow an antimicrobial treatment.

The cork mat has the particularity of absorbing the perspiration of the hands and feet. With it, you can try the most perilous postures without risking slipping or sliding. It is ideal for dynamic sessions and allows any type of yoga.

Cork mats are also excellent thermal insulators. To be comfortable, they must be lined with a layer of cushioning foam like our natural cork and rubber mats. To maintain their biodegradable qualities, our cork mats are designed without silicone, phthalates or PVC.

Our selection of cork rugs:

- The Mandala 3.5 MM Yoga Design Lab range.

Ideal for facilitating alignment thanks to its symmetrical design, it has a non-slip grip that improves practice especially if your hands sweat.

Natural and non-slip: the natural rubber mat

100% ecological and natural gum, you will have recognized it, rubber of course! Did you know that rubber comes directly from the resin of the hevea tree. Using a notch in the bark of the tree, the latex that flows out is harvested. The Aztec people were the first to have exploited and harvested the precious latex.

Natural rubber mats are very durable. It is a technical product that the most experienced are particularly fond of. It allows the realization of long and dynamic asanas. Its open cell structure allows you to maintain perfect grip during your exercises, even if your feet or hands are sweaty.

In our eco-responsible approach, we looked for suppliers who approach the same ethics. Jade Harmony yoga mats perfectly meet our criteria. The little extra: the Jade brand plants a tree for each mat sold.

Eco-responsible: the jute rug

Jute fiber is a 100% natural material that comes from the plant of the same name, the fiber is extracted directly from its bark. It is mainly produced in India and Bangladesh. It is a resistant material that can be used alone or in mixed textiles.

Jute is completely biodegradable, but to be eco-friendly, jute rugs should not contain plastic, as is often the case. Choose materials made from jute and natural rubber.

Be careful with sensitive skin, however, as jute fiber is a little rough to the touch. Over time, the fiber can also fray. The jute mat is therefore recommended for practicing gentle yoga such as Yin Yoga or simply for meditation, it is a good insulator from the ground.

Comfort and lightness: the TPE mat

TPE or Thermal Plastic Elastomer is a material composed of thermoplastic elastomers. It is still plastic, you might say, yes, but of a different composition, so it does not contain PVC, latex or rubber. It is particularly recommended for people who have allergies to one of these materials.

We love it for its lightness, accompanied by its strap it is easy to transport, but also for its comfort and its non-slip functions. It perfectly fulfills its mission to preserve fragile joints.

This mat is the perfect compromise between PVC mats and natural rubber mats. Its little extra: it is completely biodegradable and recyclable.

Our selection of TPE rugs:

- The 7 Chakras EQ LOVE range - 6 MM.

- The Lotus Pro range - 6 MM

Free of toxic materials, this mat is fully recyclable and biodegradable. The “Chakra” print refers to a relaxation ritual around the chakras and their 7 colors. Easy to carry thanks to its polypropylene carrying strap.

- The Manduka X multi-use range - 5 MM. Lightweight and easily transportable, it can be used for yoga, pilates or the gym. Its density and cushioning provide you with comfort and protection.

The ancestor of the yoga mat: the cotton mat

Ancient yogi masters used it long before any PVC or TPE mats were designed. They were hand-woven and had the sweet name of “cotton mat”, a name we find today.

They are still used today, but they should be reserved for meditation or for the practice of Restorative yoga. Cotton is a very soft and pleasant material to the touch, but be careful, it also makes it very slippery.

Choose organic and natural cotton in an eco-friendly spirit.

Our selection of organic cotton rugs:

- The Mysore Jade range.

Back to the roots of yoga, they are suitable for outdoor yoga, at home or in the studio thanks to their lightness. They are hand-woven by rural artisans in India, thus preserving a tradition.

- The Ashtanga Yoga Feel Green range is specially created for Ashtanga. GOTS certified, it offers natural and authentic mats. It is possible to use them both outdoors and indoors.

Warmth and softness: the wool rug

Wool brings warmth and softness to your session. While the wool mat offers good cushioning, like the cotton mat, it is not recommended for its non-slip qualities.

It insulates perfectly from the ground, but its use is reserved for meditative practices or Savasana.
Here again, choose your rug preferably in natural wool or Oeko-TeX and SGS certified.

The thickness of the yoga mat at the service of practice

The thickness of your mat will vary depending on your desires and your practice.

On the market, you will find mats that vary from 1.5 to 6mm, but how do you choose the one that suits you best?

The most used yoga mats are those that have a thickness of 3 to 5 mm. They are indeed practical because they bring you both comfort in their use and a contained weight for transport (they are generally easy to transport to practice outside or take it to the studio.)

If you practice a more dynamic yoga such as Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga or if you have fragile knees and elbows, we recommend slightly thicker mats ranging from 4.5 to 6 mm. They will provide you with greater comfort for your practice. However, be careful, they are heavier and therefore less easy to take everywhere with you. Also be careful, they can sometimes unbalance you because you will be less close to the ground, and your balance will be altered.

Finally, if you want to travel, there are mats with a thickness of 1.5 mm which are easier to transport. They are foldable, so they take up much less space in your suitcases and are above all much lighter. If you practice outdoors, we advise you to settle on a floor that is not too hard because the cushioning is less important and could cause pain in your joints, elbows and knees. It can also be used as a mat to provide additional hygienic protection on studio mats.

For travel mats, we recommend the following ranges:

- The eKO Superlite Manduka range. With only 1 mm thickness, these mats weighing less than 1 kg made of natural rubber are perfectly non-slip. Perfect for nomadic Yogis!

- YogaDesignLab 1mm travel mats combine a mat and a microfiber towel. Ultra lightweight, they have an ultra-adherent grip. They have a carrying strap.

Color and meaning: find the one that suits you

The color of your yoga mat is also essential. Moreover, color says a lot about your character or temperament. To choose your accessory, you will automatically go for a color that you like, a color that speaks to you, a color that resembles you. Do you know the meaning of colors? Do you know that they are associated with chakras?

Let’s decipher their meaning:

• Red for the ^1st chakra or "muladhara" located at the base of the spine. It is an invitation to fight, it characterizes physical strength, dynamism and endurance. Red also symbolizes security, it brings comfort during your sessions.
• Orange for the ^2nd chakra is a sacred chakra called "swadhistana" located at the pubis. The orange color is directly linked to emotions, it affects our creativity, the ^2nd chakra acts on our sexuality. Orange brings joy and positivity. It is an excellent color for practicing yoga.
• Yellow for the ^3rd chakra or "manipura", it is located at the level of the solar plexus. Yellow is like the sun, it illuminates and brings light. Its radiance is synonymous with joy and good humor. Linked to the ^3rd chakra, it acts on confidence and on your personal or professional success. Yellow motivates the intellect thanks to the energy that emanates from it.
• Green for the ^4th chakra or heart chakra called "anahata". The green color represents love, compassion and relationship with others. It is the color of balance and protection, it is synonymous with freedom.
• Blue for the ^5th chakra located at the throat, it symbolizes communication and expression. Installed on your blue yoga mat, you gain self-confidence thanks to the reassuring aspect that blue evokes. The ^5th chakra stimulates and heals ailments.
• Indigo for the ^6th chakra located at the forehead, it symbolizes the ^3rd eye. It brings clairvoyance to those who know how to tame it. It develops intuition and inner wisdom.
• Violet for the ^7th chakra, it is that of the crown, it is also called "sahasrara". Practicing yoga on a violet mat is an opening to spirituality. The ^7th chakra opens perception and full consciousness. Violet has a strong energizing and therapeutic power.

Colors are not insignificant, they influence energies, energize or soothe the mind. To accentuate the benefits of your yoga session, you can choose the color of your mat according to the desired effect.

Favor blue and green for meditation and turn to shimmering colors such as red and orange for a dynamic and energizing session.

Disinfection, maintenance: taking care of your yoga mat

Now more than ever, it is necessary to know the right actions to take to take care of your yoga mat. The maintenance and disinfection of your mat depends on its material. It is essential to regularly clean your mat after your sessions, whether to keep it in good condition or to treat it against bacteria that proliferate on the grip.

Cleaning and disinfecting a cork mat

Cork carpets are most often treated with an antimicrobial agent, which makes them easy to maintain. Please note that this treatment does not exempt you from cleaning your carpet.

The cork mat is not machine washable, so as not to weaken this natural material you can make your own disinfectant spray, plus it's eco-friendly.

To do this, nothing could be simpler, a good old grandmother's remedy, mix in a spray bottle:

• 50% water
• 50% vinegar
• a few drops of essential oil for the scent and for their antibacterial power such as lavender essential oil (be careful: they are contraindicated for pregnant women)

Once your little potion is ready, spray it on the surface of your carpet and rub it with a sponge or a clean dishcloth. Let your carpet air dry before rolling it up to store it.

To keep your cork mat in good condition, avoid body creams and oils before your sessions. This porous material absorbs grease, you will not be able to get rid of it and it will damage your grip more quickly.

Maintaining a natural rubber carpet

Although there are sprays specifically designed to maintain your natural rubber carpet, you can simply wipe it with a soft cloth and warm water. Sprays have the advantage of containing a disinfectant solution and leave a fresh scent.

The natural rubber mat can also be machine washed at 30°C, but be careful not to use detergent and not to wring it out. Read the instructions carefully before giving it such a treatment.

If you have prepared your magic potion according to our recommendations, you can also use it on natural rubber carpets. This way, your carpet will be completely disinfected.

We recommend the Manduka brand natural rubber carpet cleaning spray . This biodegradable product, without phosphates, alcohol or drying components, has the virtue of disinfecting your carpet without damaging it.

Disinfection and maintenance of PVC and TPE carpets

Nothing could be simpler, you can machine wash it at 30°C with a few drops of detergent, but to maintain the adhesion of your product, it is better to use lukewarm water.

Warning : do not use Marseille soap, spin or tumble dryer. Lay your rug flat to dry.

You can also clean your rug by hand using a soft sponge, a little water and a few drops of detergent.

Caring for a Jute Rug

The ideal and above all the simplest solution to take care of your jute mat is to use a spray for cleaning and disinfecting yoga mats. From time to time, plan a deep wash by rubbing lightly with a soft cloth and very little detergent. Rinse with clean water and let your mat dry flat.

Washing a cotton mat

Cotton is perfectly machine washable. A little detergent and a wash at 30°C are enough to revive your cotton mat.

You can also wash by hand, which may be more tedious, but is perfectly feasible with warm water and soap, followed by a good rinse.

How to preserve a wool yoga mat

Wool is fragile and requires cleaning at a low temperature. Preferably select a special wool program and use a mild detergent suitable for wool fiber to prevent felting.

Do not wring out your wool rug, let it dry in a ventilated place. If you are afraid of damaging your material, there is always the dry cleaning solution.

Material, color, thickness, that's it, you've mastered all the basics to choose the yoga mat that suits you. It will be your teammate to accompany you in your sessions. The more comfortable and well-anchored you feel on your mat, the easier it will be for you to perform your asanas.