It’s easy to forget how many everyday items harm our health or the planet. A TV special or social post about ocean trash or plastic risks can inspire you to go all-natural: you buy bamboo straws, swap plastic bags for glass, and try beeswax wraps. But old habits creep back—one day you find yourself with a disposable coffee cup or a package wrapped in plastic.
Plastics and disposables are deeply woven into modern life, and trying to live greener on a budget is frustrating. Still, we shouldn’t give up. The best approach is to be a conscious consumer and think before you buy. A good place to start is your yoga mat, especially if you practice often. Many mats aren’t just bad for the environment—they can also be unhealthy for you.
Traditional “sticky” yoga mats, popular for their cushioning and grip, are usually made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is produced with chemicals like phthalates, dioxins, and BPA, which are linked to cancer and hormone disruption. These chemicals can affect you through skin contact and by off-gassing—especially during hot or outdoor yoga. PVC mats are also hard to recycle, don’t biodegrade, and break down into particles that release toxins into the environment. Because of this, moving away from PVC mats is a worthwhile step.
There are several alternatives worth considering:
– PER / “eco-PVC”: Also called polymer environmental resin, PER is a type of plastic that avoids phthalates, BPA, and dioxins. It offers durability, padding, and flexibility similar to PVC and is generally less toxic to produce and recycle. Some mats blend PER with natural rubber to reduce rubber odor while keeping sustainability in mind.
– TPE (thermoplastic elastomer): TPE is usually a mix of plastic and rubber and has become a common PVC substitute. Manufacturers aren’t always transparent about its exact composition, so while many TPE mats are free of BPA and phthalates, other unknown additives may be present. TPE mats are typically recyclable, use less energy to produce than some alternatives, and mimic the lightweight, flexible feel of PVC mats.
– Natural materials: Cork, jute, cotton, and natural rubber are popular eco-friendly choices. Cork is harvested by stripping bark from cork trees without cutting them down, supporting sustainable management and wildlife habitat; it’s biodegradable, naturally antimicrobial, waterproof, and has good spring and grip. Most cork mats, however, include a rubber or synthetic backing, so look for products with eco-friendly backings.
Natural rubber offers excellent grip, cushioning, and durability. It’s tapped from trees in a way that doesn’t harm them and supports rural livelihoods. Be cautious about added chemicals—avoid mats treated with bisphenols (like BPA) or petroleum-based additives. Natural rubber mats are usually recyclable, but avoid them if you have a latex allergy.
In short, many eco-friendly yoga mats exist, and they’re a healthier choice than PVC. Consider the feel, weight, grip, and materials that matter most to you, and choose a mat that makes you want to practice regularly.
