How to choose your eco-responsible yoga mat?
Have you decided to start practicing yoga in the gym or at home?
Know that your yoga mat will be your best friend throughout this adventure. You will be able to lean on it and therefore it is important to invest in a quality mat especially if you use it regularly.
So, it will be adapted to your needs, your size, your tastes, etc. The ideal mat exists! Even if you practice yoga in a studio, it is more hygienic to buy your equipment especially in this period of Covid 19.
Your choice will be between materials, thicknesses, sizes, cushioning, grip, weight, aesthetics, etc.
Yoga is not just about performing asanas. It is also a connection to the world around you, especially to nature. Beyond all these criteria, you are surely sensitive to eco-responsibility?
It means limiting your impact on the environment, but also respecting others. Thanks to your eco-responsible purchase, you are participating in saving the planet as well as the integrity of the people manufacturing the product. And this involves in particular the choice of materials, the manufacturing process, and compliance with environmental certifications.
Selecting your yoga mat based on its material is therefore also an ethical choice.
The Tayrona Yoga store offers you various eco-responsible, technical and non-slip yoga mats that respect the environment.
What are the criteria for choosing an eco-responsible yoga mat?
There are 5 main criteria for choosing your yoga mat:
- ethical and eco-responsible commitment,
- the need,
- the material,
- the format,
- the interview.
1. What is an “Eco-friendly” or eco-responsible yoga mat?
Often, "eco-friendly" mats are a little more expensive than plastic models from China and their durability changes over time, they are in a way "alive". The more you practice on them, the more they become adherent. These materials are more durable. This is evidenced, for example, by the smell of rubber that comes off natural rubber mats and fades over the years.
These eco-friendly models do not use chemical additives, so they do not use toxic glues, and some are completely biodegradable or recyclable. As a general rule, chemical softeners and toxic dyes are not used in the production process, but you must pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications. This is combined with environmental measures to avoid deforestation, particularly in the Amazon (when they are made of rubber, in particular) or to support local economies in developing countries... Much more than environmental criteria, the manufacture of yoga mats also strives to respect the integrity of the workers who produce them so that it is fairer and more equitable for them. All these criteria are certified by international labels recognized around the world. And at Tayrona Yoga, these are the mats that we select.
2. Your needs? Choose your yoga mat according to your practice
That’s it, you’re hooked. Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Anusara yoga, Kundalini yoga, Yin yoga, Bikram yoga… You’ve made your choice!
While fifteen years ago, the offer was limited to a single pink or purple PVC yoga mat known for its rigidity. Today, the choice of soul mat is vast and the price ranges are extensive. Of course, you can choose to purchase a low-cost fitness mat in a large sports store or on a Chinese site.
However, its technical characteristics (often too thick and with too much elasticity) do not correspond to the needs of yoga.
Because far from being a secondary accessory, the yoga mat is THE basis for a pleasant, efficient and non-slip practice? Symbolically, it is your yogic "pre-square", your home, this dwelling in which you enter before going inside yourself, putting the listening of your body in tune with your mind, for a fulfilling practice.
It will therefore deserve that you look at his case with flexibility – of course – but interest, because it is the foundation on which you will come to rest during your entire session.
It is best to invest directly in a quality yoga mat, otherwise you will have to buy a new one quickly. In general, cheap mats do not offer the necessary grip and above all they do not stand the test of time.
In an ethical approach, your mat must last as long as possible. Its durability will depend on how you practice yoga: type, frequency, etc.
In order to see more clearly among the ranges offered, to choose your yoga mat carefully, you will have to start by asking yourself what your needs are.
Examples of questions to ask yourself?
Are you a beginner? If so, consider a beginner yoga mat like the Manduka BEGIN mat, which has an alignment line to help you position yourself.
Do you have sweaty hands?
This incongruous question is also decisive. Because if you have sweaty hands, some yoga mat materials are not suitable. You should favor rubber mats or those with an incorporated towel like the Combo yoga mats from Yoga Design Lab.
Are you going to practice regularly ?
Once, twice, three times a week or even daily? In this case, robustness and resistance will be preferred, and the advantage of a lifetime guarantee like the one offered by the Californian brand Manduka with its Mat PRO model and its PRO range, a historic reference in the soul mat category, will be an undeniable asset.
Will you practice at home?
Weight consideration will be less important and you can choose a thicker model if you want to carry it often (to go to your classes or take it on a trip). In this case, you will choose a lightweight or even foldable model, such as the EKO SuperLite Manduka yoga mat .
Are you going to travel, or do you practice Ashantaga, or do you also do Pilates?
Discover our travel yoga mats
Find Bikram yoga mats
3. Choosing the material of your yoga mat is important.
To make a yoga mat, several layers of materials are sometimes assembled to provide optimal cushioning, resistance and grip on the ground. Among the most commonly used materials, you will find PVC, natural rubber, cork, EVA and TPE.
Behind the choice of material for your yoga mat also arises the question of its manufacturing process and its durability.
This is why we select for you yoga mats that are manufactured in an eco-responsible, sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
The place of manufacture is just as important in order to ensure sustainable production by reducing the carbon footprint as much as possible.
Like the first yoga mats on the market, most entry-level and mid-range mats are made from plastic materials coming directly from China, with no respect for the environment: in particular PVC yoga mats that are not Oeko-Tex certified.
These rugs will not be offered on our site. We favor eco-friendly rugs manufactured by certified factories that respect the environment.
1.1 Oeko-Tex certified PVC yoga mats
What is a PVC yoga mat? PVC is a polyvinyl chloride, a very comfortable material in addition to being non-slip, lightweight and inexpensive . In addition to this, these yoga mats are strong and easy to maintain.
The fact that the majority of production plants are located in Asia does not necessarily mean lower quality. The increase in standards and the improvement of more regulated working conditions have a lot to do with this. However, there are also production sites in Europe, mainly in Germany.
This is why we select on our site PVC mats made in Germany, certified Oeko Tex standard 100, with closed cells for better hygiene because they do not absorb moisture or bacteria and do not crumble. Like the Grip Lite from Kurma, or the mats from the Pro Range from Manduka, or the Eco mats from Tayrona
You practice ashtanga, regularly or intensively, or you are a yoga teacher or you have a studio, these mats are made for you.
Are you allergic to natural rubber? Don't panic, these mats will suit you perfectly.
Do you have sweaty hands? These mats are not recommended for you.
Their disadvantages are that they are not biodegradable. On the other hand, they have a lifespan of 10 years and can be recycled.
And can feel slippery when first practicing, which is why Manduka recommends "breaking them in" by brushing them with coarse salt during the first few practices.
Are you looking to buy a PVC yoga mat? It must be Oeko-Tex® standard 100 certified .
Why? Simply because they are made using materials that are less harmful to the environment and your health, but they are also recyclable. The special surface structure of Oeko-Tex certified mats ensures greater resistance to slipping and a longer life, even if you practice dynamic yoga.
Our selection of eco-friendly PVC/foam yoga mats:
Pro trav el Manduka travel mat
Tayrona eco-friendly studio yoga mat
1. 2. Natural rubber yoga mats
Natural gum is a renewable and sustainable material, made from the bark of the rubber tree. The advantage is that it is biodegradable and recyclable. If you practice more dynamic asanas, choose this mat, because it allows a better cushioning.
The only downsides are its price, which is quite high, and the rather complicated maintenance. They must be treated with great care: dust settles easily on them.
In terms of grip, progress made in research and development now makes it possible to find natural yoga mats on the market with optimal grip thanks to specific upper coatings (in natural rubber, for example, or with studied weaves and textured effects). The EkoLite range from Manduka is the result of this research. Its optimal grip is recognized by the entire Yogi community, the same goes for the Jade Harmony mat, the B Yoga mats or Geco Lite from Kurma.
The only caution: if you are allergic to latex, natural rubber models are not recommended for you. So take a good look at the structure of the yoga mat you are considering to be sure that there are no components that could cause allergies for you.
Discover our selection of the best natural rubber rugs:
Eko lite yoga mat 4 mm natural rubber Manduka
Eko Mat yoga mat 5 mm natural rubber Manduka
Eko Superlite Manduka Travel Yoga Mat
Yogadesignlab Combo Travel Yoga Mat
Geco Lite Kurma Rubber Yoga Mat
Everyday B yoga natural rubber yoga mat
1.3 TPE yoga mats
TPE mats, thermoplastic elastomers, are a good compromise between PVC and natural rubber: they are 100% recyclable and suitable for people with latex allergies, because they do not contain any. And that's not all! TPE mats are light, non-slip and cushion joints very well. However, there is a "but". The grip and density of the material are lower compared to natural rubber.
If you are new to yoga, practice occasionally or have a small budget, these mats are for you , because they are inexpensive. In TPE mats, you will find those Body or the Chakra mat from EQ Love.
Find TPE rugs:
Welcome Manduka Beginner Yoga Mat
Manduka X Multi-Purpose Mat from Manduka.
Yoga Mad Evolution 4mm Eco Yoga Mat
Yoga Mad Evolution 6mm Eco Yoga Mat
4. What size and thickness of yoga mat should I choose?
Materials are not the only purchasing criteria. The size of your yoga mat is just as important: the thickness (cushioning), the length and the width. Yes, how can you practice yoga properly if you are taller than your mat or even worse if you damage your joints on it?
Thinking about the thickness of the mat means thinking about your joints.
The thickness or cushioning of the yoga mat is essential in order to relieve your joints and your back, but also to protect you from the ground. This will depend on the type of yoga practiced depending on whether you hold the postures for a long time, as in Yin yoga or restorative yoga, for example, or whether you chain them together more dynamically, like Kundalini yoga in particular, your desire for comfort and your proprioceptive sensitivity. In general, they have a thickness between 3 and 5 mm, the standard thickness is 4.5 mm , which ensures both comfort in practice and a contained weight. You will be able to carry it without sweating too much when you move around (to go to class or practice outdoors, in the park, on the beach, on a terrace, for example). Even, your soul mat can be a cozy back support or head support on public transport!
Do you have weak elbows and knees or do you practice a dynamic yoga style like Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga or Power Yoga? I recommend thicker and more comfortable mats: between 4.5 and 6 mm. However, they are also heavier, as they can weigh up to 3 kilos. A thicker yoga mat isolates you more from the ground, which can disrupt the exchange of information at the proprioceptive level and make balancing (as in tree pose, for example) more difficult.
The thinnest models (1.5 mm), which can often be folded rather than rolled and therefore take up less space in a travel bag , are ideal for transport, because they are also synonymous with lightness. However, they generally offer limited cushioning and protection against the hardness of the ground. This can be painful and uncomfortable (in kneeling or headstand positions, for example) depending on your sensitivity. It is advisable to use them on a floor that is not too hard or on a carpet.
Here is our selection of yoga mats:
1-1.5mm Travel Yoga Mats:
Yogadesignlab Combo Travel Yoga Mat (1mm)
Eko Superlite Manduka Travel Yoga Mat (1.5mm)
Yuj Eco-Friendly Rubber Travel Yoga Mat (1.5mm)
3-5mm yoga mats:
Tayrona Eco-Friendly Studio Yoga Mat (3mm & 4mm)
Yogadesignlab Combo Yoga Mat (3.5mm)
Yoga Mad 4mm Natural Rubber Tree Mat Yoga Mat (4mm)
Eko lite yoga mat 4 mm natural rubber Manduka (4 mm)
Tayrona beginner yoga pack (4 mm)
Prolite Manduka Yoga Mat (4.5mm)
Grip Lite Kurma Yoga Mat (4.5mm)
Everyday B Yoga Yoga Mat (4.2mm)
Manduka x multi-use yoga mat (5 mm)
Eko Mat yoga mat 5 mm natural rubber Manduka (5 mm)
Welcome Manduka Beginner Yoga Mat (5mm)
Harmony Eco Yoga Mat 5mm Jade (5mm)
Yoga Feel Green cork mat (5 mm)
6mm yoga mats:
Mat pro Ashtanga Manduka yoga mat (6 mm)
Guajira Yoga Mat (6mm)
Anadeo Eco-friendly PVC and Vegetable Jute Yoga Mat (6mm)
Yoga Mad Evolution 6mm Eco Yoga Mat (6mm)
Yoga mat length is a matter of size
There are different lengths of yoga mats: large and small. And this will depend on your height so as not to injure yourself when performing asanas. Generally speaking, the yoga mat measures approximately 1.80 m in length.
If you are rather tall (over 1.80 m), opt for a large format mat: between 1.90 m and 2.15 m like the mats in the Prolite range from Manduka or Liforme. On the other hand, if you are rather small or want to buy equipment for your child, choose a shorter mat.
Shorter yoga mats:
Welcome Manduka Beginner Yoga Mat (172 cm)
Harmony Eco Yoga Mat 5mm Jade (173 cm)
Standard yoga mats:
Yogadesignlab Combo Travel Yoga Mat (178 cm)
Yoga mat Combo Yogadesignlab (178 cm)
Eko Superlite Manduka Travel Yoga Mat (180 cm)
Eko lite yoga mat 3 mm natural rubber Manduka (180 cm)
Eko lite yoga mat 4 mm natural rubber Manduka (180 cm)
Eko Mat yoga mat 5 mm natural rubber Manduka (180 cm)
Prolite Manduka yoga mat ( 180 cm )
Mat pro yoga mat Manduka (180 cm)
Manduka x multi-use yoga mat (180 cm)
Ecological studio yoga mat Tayrona (183 cm)
Tayrona beginner yoga pack (183 cm)
Longer yoga mats:
Harmony Eco Yoga Mat 5mm Jade (188 cm)
Prolite Manduka yoga mat (200 cm)
Manduka long and wide Prolite yoga mat (200 cm)
Mat pro Ashtanga Manduka yoga mat (210 cm)
Grip Lite Kurma yoga mat (200 cm)
Yes, width is also important.
You thought that the width of the yoga mat was unimportant? Think again! Just like the length, a suitable width is essential to avoid hurting yourself especially if you have broad shoulders. The standard size is about 60 cm .
Do you tend to land on the edge of the mat when you practice yoga or do you feel cramped? It's time to buy a wider mat, between 66 and 72 cm. Be aware that XL mats, which are long, are also wider.
Standard yoga mats:
Ecological studio yoga mat Tayrona (60 cm)
Tayrona beginner yoga pack (60 cm)
Harmony Eco Yoga Mat 5mm Jade (61 cm)
Yogadesignlab Combo Travel Yoga Mat (61 cm)
Yoga mat Combo Yogadesignlab (61 cm)
Prolite Manduka Yoga Mat (24")
Welcome Manduka beginner yoga mat (61 cm)
Eko Superlite Manduka Travel Yoga Mat (24")
Eko lite yoga mat 4 mm natural rubber Manduka (61 cm)
Manduka x multi-use yoga mat (61 cm)
Wider yoga mats:
Eko Mat yoga mat 5 mm natural rubber Manduka (66 cm)
Mat pro Ashtanga Manduka yoga mat (66 cm)
Grip Lite Kurma Yoga Mat (66cm)
5. Maintaining your yoga mat
Here are our tips for maintaining your yoga mat. After each practice, we recommend wiping it with a damp cloth and a little vinegar to clean and degrease it. Indeed, when you practice on a yoga mat, you leave behind sebum, perspiration and also small dead skin cells on your hands and feet.
It is best to use sprays designed for this purpose. Like Manduka or Bodhi spray
Cleaning rubber carpets
Some carpets like those made of natural rubber, this can be seen with the naked eye, white marks appear and we can see that the dust has stuck. It is the material that wants this and it is also because it is very adherent that it takes these impurities.
Clean the rubber "combo" mats with a towel
These rugs can be machine washed at 30 degrees with a little detergent and should be dried flat or on a line.
Cleaning PVC, TPE, cork carpets
We recommend using a cloth or spray suitable for these mats. The advantage of PVC mats is that they are closed cells so they do not retain moisture, at least those made in Germany. So they are easier to maintain.
How to clean a cotton rug
These rugs are easy to machine wash in cold water, otherwise they will shrink, however, they must be dried flat.
If you would like more information, I encourage you to read our blog article on the subject "how to clean your yoga mat"
Now it's up to you to choose your yoga mat in the Tayronalife store!
And if you need help, we're always here to help.
By email: contact@tayronalife.com
By phone: +33 6 30 30 36 92
