It seems pretty ironic to be practicing yoga, intended to be a healthy activity for mind and body, on a toxic surface, right? “Yoga mats made with vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), can contain chemicals like phthalates, which are used to make PVC flexible. Phthalates are linked to reproductive issues including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, and they can leach out over time, especially in warmer temperatures like those found in many hot yoga studios. Phthalate particles then cling to dust, which can be inhaled.” Full article:
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/new-yoga-mat-smell-toxic
Other toxic materials include: BPA, Heavy metals, Adhesives, like glue. Choose a color other than black, which is either straight up tires or carbon black (both very toxic).
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#MyTopPicks for less toxic (to both you and the earth) Yoga mats
There may be newer options available as well, since I haven’t looked deeply recently. Just look out for the toxic ingredients listed above.
🧘 Brentwood Home GOTS organic cotton and latex.
🧘🏿♀️The Kakaos pure Jute and rubber yoga mat is made from natural rubber and infused with a top layer of jute, making it a naturally skid less yoga mat. Biodegradable.
🧘♀️White natural rubber/jute one from Decathlon.
🧘🏼♀️Another great option is Manduka eko but it might smell at first; someone recommended using ACV / water mixture to help neutralize it… but natural rubber does smell. Amazon affiliates link: https://amzn.to/33OmtuL
🧘🏽♀️Lower priced (but not quite as wonderful toxicity wise) option is Thinksport, which is PVC-free, made of TPE plastic, and has no smell. Amazon affiliates link: https://amzn.to/3nXtkZI
🧘🏻♀️At first Jade sounded good but Tested positive for nitrosamines.
🧘🏻♀️This one claims to not use recycled tires, but is black in color and they wouldn’t give me more details about the pigment other than that it was water-based. You could try to ask them for more details to find out if it contains carbon black. If you can’t confirm that it does not, I would choose one of the others. Repose Eco-Friendly Yoga mat, Organic Cork & Natural Rubber Mat for Earth and Health – 72” Long 24” Wide 4mm Thick, Non-Toxic, for Hot Yoga, Pilates and Exercise! Yoga mat Strap Included.
🧘Here is a great one for kids:
Namaste! Fun fact, Namaste is pronounced differently than you might think. It’s sharper, quicker and not singsong-y, with emphasis on “Na” rather than “ste.” 🙏
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Wow, I never realized how harmful traditional yoga mats could be! It’s great to know there are non-toxic and eco-friendly options out there. Not only will I feel better knowing I’m not exposed to harmful chemicals, but I’ll also be doing my part in helping the environment. Thanks for the informative post!
Glad it was helpful !
Thank you!