4 Best Eco Friendly Yoga Mats (that are ethical too)

Eco-friendly yoga mats are becoming increasingly popular, as they help reduce the amount of waste produced. These mats are made from either recycled materials that can be recycled again after use or from natural materials that can be composted.

What makes an eco friendly yoga mat?

It turns out there is a lot of greenwashing going on when it comes to yoga mats! There are many businesses claiming that their products are “eco friendly” and “biodegradable” with no other supporting information. It is unclear what their yoga mats are made from or how else the mats and business operations are sustainable.

In researching for this article, I found that many yoga mats claiming to be eco friendly are made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). It certainly doesn’t sound like an eco friendly material with plastic in the name so I investigated. 

TPE is usually made from a mixture of rubber, plastic and various other materials however the components are variable so you never really know. Sounds suss to me. TPE is not natural (as it is synthesised and contains plastic and it is not biodegradable but it can be recycled at least. My view though is that TPE is not sustainable so none of the yoga mats in this list are made from TPE

What do I think are important factors when choosing an eco friendly yoga mat?

1. Must be made from a natural or recycled material
2. Considers workers conditions
3. Ideally can be recycled at end of life

Due to only including ethical yoga mats in this list, you may notice that it is a lot shorter than other eco friendly yoga mat lists. But I’m sure you can find more peace in your yoga routine, knowing that workers are not being exploited and subjected to harsh conditions. 

Ethical and Sustainable Yoga Mats

Zone By Lydia

Zone By Lydia yoga mats have been created by Olympic champion and Australian Survivor contestant Lydia Lassila. They are made from cork and natural rubber and are free from adhesives and added chemicals.

Zone By Lydia is a Climate Neutral Certified brand, meaning that they offset carbon emissions from their entire supply chain. They claim to use ethical suppliers who pay their workers a living wage.

Beinks b’LOVE

Beinks was established in Australia in 2016 and b’LOVE is their premium yoga mat. It is made in Spain from both recycled and natural rubber and claims to be biodegradable in landfill after 3-5 years.

Beinks also have a Giveback Program through which they support Carbon Neutral and FareShare, an organisation that rescues surplus food and turns it into nutritious meals for people who need it.

Seek Solitude

Seek Solitude have considered the whole supply chain of their yoga mats. Their suppliers are independently audited on working conditions, health, factory conditions and processes.

When your Seek Solitude Yoga mat comes to the end of its life, you can return it to them and they commit to separating each material and recycling them properly. They also offer 20% off your next mat when you make a return.

Seek Solitude yoga mats are made from natural rubber with a microfibre lining and water based inks.

Second Earth

Second Earth yoga mats are made under ethical working conditions and from sustainable and ethically produced raw materials. Their 2E ‘Connected’ mat is made from natural rubber and jute, bound together without chemicals or adhesives.

Each mat comes with a complimentary carry strap and the shipping is carbon neutral.

Choose an eco friendly yoga mat that is ethical too.

Have you tried any other great ethical yoga mats? Let me know in the comments so I can add them to the list.

More sustainable swaps to make:

• 12 Best Reusable Produce Bags
• 13 Australian Shampoo Bars for Eco Friendly Hair Care
• 15 Best Reusable Swim Nappies For Summer

Cover image by kike vega on Unsplash