Restoring balance and harmony is integral to the practice of yoga. For that reason it just doesn’t feel right to me to use yoga mats and yoga gear that damage the environment and our health.
I’m always on the lookout for yoga gear and fitness gear made from natural, organic, and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cork, and cotton.
Every session is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, and these eco-friendly yoga gear essentials can help you get more out of your yoga practice.
My Favorite Eco-Friendly Yoga Products
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
The most basic of all yoga essentials, an organic cotton yoga mat or cork yoga mat is a perfect addition to your practice. Many standard yoga mats are made out of plastic and other synthetic materials, so choosing one made out of cork, rubber, or natural fibers is better for the environment. Both foam and rubber are lightweight options for portability. Rubber’s natural grip ensures your mat stays in place for every pose.
Cork and Rubber Yoga Mat
Repose makes great yoga mats that are wide, thick, and made out of sustainably-sourced natural tree rubber and a top layer of sustainable cork. They don’t slide around and the cork helps with gripping.
Organic Hemp Yoga Mat
Not only is this organic hemp yoga mat biodegradable, it’s also handmade. This mat is all-natural, made with hand-picked pure raw wild hemp, fine hemp cotton, and natural wool for a super soft and comfortable finish. It’s also beautiful!
Check out the organic hemp yoga mat
For more eco-friendly yoga mat options, read my full post!
Eco-Friendly Yoga Accessories
Wood and Cork Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks act like natural extensions of the arms to help you hold complex poses. They’re ideal for beginners, but even seasoned yogis use them for added support and alignment.
Bamboo and cork are both sustainable materials that make for a sturdy, durable block. They’re easy to care for and will easily fit into your yoga essentials bag.
Check out the bamboo and cork yoga blocks
Cotton Yoga Bolster
A yoga bolster is similar to a body pillow, but it’s firmer to offer more support. Beginners and advanced yogis use them to relax during their yoga session and open up the body. They’re most commonly used in pre-natal and restorative yoga, although they’re comfy enough to where you’ll want any excuse to whip one out. For an eco-friendly option, grab one that’s made from 100% cotton.
Check out the yoga bolster
Cotton Yoga Straps
Yoga straps come in various styles and materials, but cotton yoga straps will give you a more sustainable option. Yogis use these straps to achieve a wider range of motion while stretching. They’re particularly helpful if you have shorter arms or stiffer muscles that don’t allow you to bend as far you want. You can use the straps to warm up your muscles and work toward greater flexibility.
Check out the yoga straps
Cork Yoga Wedge
Similar to yoga bolsters, a yoga wedge can help support body weight and bring stability to your poses. It’s ideal for adding extra support to the wrists and helping to alleviate pain. A cork yoga wedge is among the most eco-friendly since cork is a 100% natural material that can be sustainably sourced.
Cotton Yoga Blanket
A mainstay in any yoga bag, a yoga blanket can be used in different ways throughout your routine. For starters, it’s a cozy, cushy prop that can make you feel warm and comfy while stretching. You can also fold it to various thicknesses for added support.
Cotton is the best material for a yoga blanket because it’s durable, can take just about any shape (e.g. rolled, folded, or pleated), and is highly sustainable. I love this beautiful and unique moon blanket!
Check out the yoga blanket
Hot Yoga Mat Towel
If you’re doing hot yoga, prepare to sweat. And when you sweat, your mat can get slick and make you lose your grip. A yoga mat towel is your best defense for hot yoga, as it offers more traction and absorbs sweat. Your mat stays in place so you can, too.
I love the eQua towel because it stays in place, doesn’t smell bad, and dries quickly. This towel is better made than others I’ve tried, so it will last a lot longer.
Check out the towel
Cotton Yoga Mat Bag with Carrying Strap
You need a durable bag to carry all your yoga gear, and there’s no better option than cotton. Cotton is a great material in terms of its environmental impact, as long as it is grown in a way that replenishes rather than depletes the Earth. This bag machine washable, so you can give it a deep cleaning as needed to prevent sweat and odors from lingering. Plus, it can double as a purse and hold your cell phone, keys, wallet, lip gloss, and water bottle.
I love this bag from Yogiii because it’s comfortable to carry and actually large enough to hold my yoga mat, blocks, towel, and other accessories. Plus it comes in many fun colors!
Check out the yoga mat bag
Natural Yoga Mat Spray
I love keeping my yoga mat clean and smelling fresh with this amazing scented spray. It’s made with essential oils and free from harsh chemicals.
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