My yoga practise has always been an inner journey and I never really paid much attention to the yoga mat I used or even the props and other accessories that I could utilise to enhance my practise. However over recent months I have taken the time to explore the various yoga mats out there as well as the role of being a consumer and how that can help me to evolve in my journey of Self exploration. I have also wanted to take a more conscious role in the type of consumerism I participate in including purchasing products that are environmentally friendly and backing brands that support the well-being of the planet. nn I decided to put together this blog post to share some of the Eco friendly yoga mats that are available. I often tell my students that yoga is a journey to the Self. Using these mats in my own practice I have realised that they individually have characteristics that can enhance the journey of your practise. It’s almost like each mat is like Aladdin’s magic carpet which can take you on an adventure! Therefore depending on your needs, requirements and the experience you would like to pursue you can choose your mat accordingly. Or if your budget allows you can purchase a variety of mats to choose from each time you practise.
With the recent developments of classes going online and an emphasis on a home yoga practise due to the Corona-virus a new mat may also give you the motivation and space to develop a regular yoga practice. I’d like to note here that this blog is not sponsored and I used my own money to purchase each mat. I also reached out to each company to provide my students and followers with a discount. For which details are listed below. I would also love to hear your feedback on using the mats in the comments below or do tag me into your Instagram pictures and videos.
Eco Yoga Mat Sweaty Betty
Size: 183 x 61cm
Thickness: 6mm
Weight: 2kg
Price: £40
Material: Thermo Plastic Elastomer (TPE) Natural Latex composition
Care: To clean the mat simply wipe clean using a clean damp cloth and a small amount of eco-friendly soap with water.
Packaging: Note the packaging did contain some use of plastic.
Discount: Unfortunately Sweaty Betty were the only company to not offer a discount code. However the price is fairly reasonable and if you sign up to their website you will receive 15% off your first full price order.
This is the perfect studio yoga mat and is a great choice to take to an in person yoga class as it is lightweight and easy to carry. It has a good grip which also allows for give as you transition from one pose to the next.
Eco Everyday Yoga Mat Yoga Matters
Size: 183 x 61cm
Thickness: 4mm
Weight: 2.5kg
Price: £60
Material: Natural tree rubber
Care: Spray mat with Yoga Matters Yoga Mat Cleaner and wipe down with a damp cloth
Packaging: Note the packaging did contain some use of plastic.
Discount: Yoga Matters kindly offered subscribers to my newsletter an exclusive discount. Therefore to receive this discount please subscribe here and you will find the discount in the next newsletter (only valid until end of 2020).
This mat is great for an everyday home yoga practice. It is slightly heavier which makes it more robust especially if you are practising every day. Like the Eco Yoga Mat it has a good grip which also allows for give as you transition from one pose to the next.
ecoYoga Jute Mat Stocked by Yoga Matters
Size: 183 x 63.5cm
Thickness: 4mm
Weight: 2.1kg
Price: £60
Material: Jute and 100% natural rubber (contains latex)
Care: Cool machine wash
Packaging: The packaging is recyclable
Discount: Yoga Matters kindly offered subscribers to my newsletter an exclusive discount. Therefore to receive this discount please subscribe here and you will find the discount in the next newsletter (only valid until end of 2020).
If you care for the environment and love a natural look and aesthetic than this is the mat for you. The mat is colourless (also available in colours) and has a rugged natural feel about it. This means it doesn’t give quite the same comfort as the other mats mentioned here however it still has great cushioning and support. When practicing on this mat I felt like I was outdoors somewhere warm in nature and close to the Earth.
White Magic Yoga Mat Liforme
Size: 185 x 68cm
Thickness: 4.2mm
Weight: 2.5kg
Price: £135
Material: Natural Rubber base and Liforme’s unique eco-polyurethane top surface. High grade non-toxic and eco-friendly ink
Care: The surface is very easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth
Packaging: The packaging is recyclable
Discount Code: Receive 5% off with this discount code LL-3RC5VVDK
This is a luxurious yoga mat which is reflected in the price. It is a great quality mat and the extra width enhances the feeling of space within the body and mind. I like the alignment markers which can help in your practice however I don’t feel that they are essential as it can be slightly distracting if you become fixated on trying to achieve the perfect alignment.
This particular colour has a regal feel and evokes a sense of strong self-worth which is something we all deserve. The beautiful aesthetic of this mat makes it great for photographs and videos. It is also strong and hard wearing which also makes it practical for a daily home yoga practice. The mat comes with a bag which makes it easy to take to a class although because of the weight and size it would not be my first choice for carrying to classes.
As you can see all these mats have their own characteristics and uses therefore I can’t pick any one as my preferred choice. However I hope this review gives you an insight to help you find the right mat to take you through your personal journey with yoga.
