Eco Friendly Yoga Mats
Why Should I use an environmentally friendly yoga mat? Eco friendly yoga mats should facilitate a connection with body and soul by reflecting a connection with self and the environment. Practicing on a shiny plastic mat made as cheaply as possible for maximum profit contradicts the ideology of yoga. Incorporating an eco mat in your yoga practice is a simple gesture that reflects your commitment to your environment, the world community and your yoga practice. There are myriad alternatives for eco friendly yoga mats materials. It is becoming increasingly easy to find a yoga mat that is biodegradable, created with sustainable and plant based materials, and is produced ethically. What does PVC have to do with my downward dogs?
Almost all Yoga mats currently on sale around the world are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride: commonly known as "vinyl"). PVC is a long term pollutant plastic. Up until the 1930s this plastic was considered a useless toxic by-product of the oil industry. As chemists explored the applications of PVC the versatility and economic gains at that time were more exciting than any environmental consideration. The benefits of vinyl seemed endless during the 20th century but soon health and environmental drawbacks came to light and the controversial PVC debate began. In order to make PVC soft and 'sticky', as is required for yoga mats, many chemicals are added. The most significant is a plasticiser called DHEP (Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate). Unfortunately these chemical softeners are extremely toxic to humans and to the environment. Scientists and campaigners are promoting a worldwide reduction in the amount of phthalates used in plastics. In 2000 the European Commission brought out a Green Paper and later held a public hearing on the environmental issues of PVC.
Eco Alternative Yoga Mat Materials
A true eco friendly yoga mat is made entirely from natural plant based material. It should be PVC free and produced in socially conscious conditions. At the end of the yoga mats life it can be composted, making it entirely eco friendly. Jute is a sustainable plant that is grown in regions of India and Bangladesh in a 4 month period just prior to the rainy season. It is fast growing and uses land that would otherwise be dormant at that time so increasing revenue for farmers. Natural Rubber is an elastomer (an elastic hydrocarbon plymer) that was origninally derived from a milky colloidal suspension or latex found in the sap of some plants.
How do I care for my Eco Yoga Mat?
Let your Green Yoga mat breathe as much as possible, especially if you work a sweat on to it. Wiping down with a damp cloth before and after class is good practice. The mats wash well in the washing machine through a cool cycle using a small amount of detergent if really dirty. They will retain a lot of water. Remove excess amounts by rolling up with a dry towel Dry flat to avoid creasing (though they will eventually smooth out). Do not put through a tumble dryer. Avoid contact with oils and store out of direct sunlight as both will aid degradation of the rubber.Back to Eco Friendly Yoga from Eco Friendly Yoga Mats Back to Home Page
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