We researched the best eco-friendly yoga mats that are good for your health and good for the world! Promise this is the most extensive list you will find of eco-conscious and sustainable yoga mats to take mindfulness in or out of the yoga class!
At OurGoodBrands we are on a mission to make the yoga practice more sustainable. From ethically-made yoga wear, also our guide on eco-friendly yoga accessories and props; with this one, we are completing your green bucket list with this most extensive guide of eco-friendly yoga accessories. They’re truly oriented for performance and have been made ethically ensuring it doesn’t create a negative impact in our environment at the end of your yoga mat lifecycle.
With particular order, we have curated the most extensive list with the best 17 brands of eco-friendly yoga mats. These beautiful mats are made so that you can carry them with you wherever you go.
For each eco-friendly yoga mat, we have included information such as why it’s a good brand, the materials used, and its performance benefits. Basically, we’ve done the hard work for you so that you can easily choose what is the most convenient option. The goal of this guide is to help easily compare, including the dimensions and price range – you will be happy to realise that supporting a more sustainable world doesn’t come at a great investment!
And if you love all about yoga and want to have an easy guide to explore including breathing exercises, chakras alignment and, of course, the most eco-friendly yoga brands -but all in one catalogue… Get now your Free Yoga eBOOK: Change your life with yoga while you make the world more sustainable!
Without further ado, let’s jump right into our favourite eco-friendly yoga mat brands, grab your cuppa and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Share this page with your friends and family on socials, bookmark it for future occasions. This is a go-to guide to inspire more people around you to embrace a more sustainable way of living!
1. Öko Living
Why it’s a good brand: Öko Living is a brand that brings a range of ethical, handwoven and naturally dyed herbal yoga rugs for health & performance. Each of them embeds ancient Ayurvedic knowledge and handwoven crafts to your yoga practice. The brand’s mission is to help yogis reach their highest wellness potential through natural, ethical and regenerative design that is earth-friendly and keep this vibrant tradition and knowledge alive. Their colourful collection is made in India, the birthplace of yoga and home to generations of weavers. Women artisans are at the core of Öko’s pulse, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions close to home. These yoga rugs are completely toxin-free through the production, use and lifecycle of these yoga rugs. For the colours, the rugs are organic and herbal dyed using an ancient Ayurvedic method that preserves the bioactive medicinal qualities of the plants. Science shows our skin absorbs what it touches; regular contact with the mat allows your skin to assimilate the properties of the herbs, thus supporting your vitality.
Yoga mat performance: Öko Living yoga rugs get gripper as you sweat. And remains soft and dry as you work out. Cotton breathes, so it stays cool. It draws heat away from your skin to keep you cooler. The grip is one of the best for a yoga rug and the reason is the rib strips that are visible on the mat. Organic cotton is healthier, since they’re pesticide-free, durable, breathable and more absorbent, and hypoallergenic. Between 10 and 20 medicinal plant dyes are selected for skin soothing and aromatherapeutic benefits.
Dimensions: 182cm x 63.5cm / 1.5kg / 5mm thick, 6 ply cotton
Biodegradable? Yes, lasts a lifetime.
Certifications: USDA Organic Cotton & OneCert Asia Organic
Price: From USD$164
Shop Öko Living (use code OURGOODBRANDS for a 10% discount!)
2. Manduka®
Why it’s a good brand: Manduka is a brand of reference in the yoga world. It’s designed by yogis and loved by teachers everywhere: it’s light and offers some serious grip even in the sweatiest hot yoga classes. In their range, they have two yoga mats that are eco-friendly: eKO lite & Travel Eko Lite.
They’re made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber, manufactured with zero waste and with no harmful materials. It’s 99% latex free and made with no PVC, toxic plasticizers and non-AZO dyes. The brand has created the LiveOn mat recycling program partnering with Renewal Workshop, which consists in moving towards zero waste. If you are based in the US, you purchase a mat with them and you can ship yours back at no extra cost.
Yoga mat performance: Developed by yoga teachers over 4 years, therefore meant for performance. The surface texture offers superior grip, even with light perspiration, as its open-cell outer material prevents sweat from seeping into the mat. It’s tightly woven scrim resists tearing or stretching.
Eko lite: Most durable natural rubber yoga mat on the market. Dimensions: 180cm x 61cm / 2.2kg / 4mm thick.
Travel Eko lite: Thin and easy to fold for ultimate portability. Dimensions: 180cm x 61cm / 1kg / 1.5mm thick
Biodegradable? Yes & Take back circular program
Price: From USD$78
3. Gaiam
Why it’s a good brand: Gaiam is a fusion of the words “Gaia” and “I am” Gaia, mother Earth, was honored on the Isle of Crete in ancient Greece 5,000 years ago by the Minoan civilization. This civilization valued education, art, science, recreation, and the environment and believed that the Earth was directly connected to its existence and daily life. The concept of Gaia stems from the ancient philosophy that the Earth is a living entity. The brand believes that all of the Earth’s living matter, air, oceans and land form an interconnected system that can be seen as a single entity
The mandala or basic cork mats are all-natural sustainable cork, which is eco-friendly, lightweight and durable. The closed-cell construction seals out germs, odor and bacteria, making it the idea surface for your yoga practice. As a bonus, the grounding and centering mandala image offers inspiration as you flow through your practice. The jute yoga mat is made partly from the natural fibers of the jute plant. It’s lightweight and easy to transport and durable.
Cork yoga mats: Closed-cell design seals out odor, bacteria; superior cushioning and support; lightweight yet durable. Dimensions: 172cm x 60cm / 5mm thick
Jute yoga mat: Absorbs moisture; non-slip, non-toxic, latex- and silicone-free; ideal for hot yoga; dense cushion, support for joints. Dimensions: 172cm x 60cm / 5mm thick
Biodegradable? Yes
Price: From USD$40
4. Yogasana
Why it’s a good brand: Yogasana mats are handwoven by artisans near the birthplace of yoga and created to return your practice to nature. Each mat takes ten days to make because it is completely made by hand by the master weavers in the ancient city of Benares, India. The weaver’s signature is attached to each mat, representing the hand-off from craftsman to yogi “the hand-off from his hands to yours”. For every mat sold, the brand donates towards the education of the children of our production workers. If a yogi chooses to make a contribution when buying a mat, 100% of the donation goes to this cause.
Yoga mat performance: Yogasana is a classic & traditional yoga mat that’s perfect for most styles of yoga. Stretch out on an extra large surface indoors or out in nature. Light-weighted making it great for yoga on-the-go. Reversible so you get 2 in 1. Easy care. Quality guaranteed for the next 15 years of your yoga journey.
Dimensions: 182cm x 68cm / 1.8kg
Biodegradable? Yes, lasts a lifetime.
Certifications Yogasana: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Price: From USD$119
5. The Urbivore
Why it’s a good brand: Urbivore is a word that combines urban + herbivore, and it’s meant to represent conscious consumers living the city life. Just because we live the hustle and bustle of an urban lifestyle we can still do our part to live ethically and sustainably. Urbivore is all about holistic living. It’s a mindful eater, a thought leader, a practising yogi and a happy Buddhist. The mats are made from cork oak trees stripped of their bark right in Portugal (the paradise for cork). Each mat sold donates $1 to support One Tree Planted on their endeavor to positively impact our planet one tree at a time.
Yoga mat performance: Cork help stop bacteria which makes The Urbivore yoga mats range odourless. Also no need to worry about slipping and sliding as the material is a also a natural gripper. There are several collections with different designs to help with alignment and other arty prints.
Dimensions X>PAND: 198cm x 68.5cm / 4mm thick
Dimensions [standard] / [alignment] / [travel series]: 183cm x 61cm / 4mm thick
Biodegradable? Yes
Price: From USD$98
6. Made Trade
Why it’s a good brand: Made Trade from makers and artisans around the world. Fairly traded, ethically designed and sourced. This brand is a curated online marketplace for exceptionally designed, ethically made goods for you to shop with true transparency.
The incredibly light, durable and grippy Ritual Rug from Ma Wovens is both a handwoven yoga mat as well as a functional bath or kitchen runner for your home. Each Ritual Rug is made with 30% sustainably harvested certified organic hemp and 70% TPE non-toxic ultra cushiony foam. Each rug is handwoven on looms in Northern India by artisans partners who work in factories that are Good Weave certified. Made to last The Ritual Rug is entirely vegan and will quickly become a staple in your practice and in your home. Ma Wovens is a women owned company and ensures all of their makers are paid a fair and living wage.
Yoga mat performance: The super absorbent hemp is naturally antimicrobial and The Ritual Rug cleans up easily with a quick hand wash or by laundering on delicate with a gentle soap. The 5mm thick foam grips and its moisture-activated grip keep your sweaty hands and feet in place, making it perfect for hot or standard yoga.
Dimensions Small: 116cm x 66cm / 6mm thick
Dimensions Large: 186cm x 65cm / 5mm thick
Biodegradable? No
Price: From USD$116
7. Yoloha
Why it’s a good brand: Yoloha was created out of a family passion for yoga, surfing, sustainability, travel and the outdoors. Yoga + Aloha = Yoloha. Aloha is more than just a hello, its sending and receiving positive energy. Aloha is living in harmony. The brand combines the beauty & eco-consciousness of cork and innovation, to become the world’s first bio-based yoga mat made from 70% renewable materials. Developed out of our effort to reduce the environmental impact on our planet, 55% of Plant Foam is made from sugarcane. Combined with Yoloha’s signature, sustainable cork surface the brand has achieved a yoga mat made with 70% renewable materials. From sourcing to production, they ensure fair trade standards, and all their products are shipped using only 100% recycled or recyclable cardboard and kraft paper. Furthermore, yo offset carbon emissions in shipping the brand is a proud member of Carbonfund.org, supporting reforestation and forest preservation carbon offset projects.
Yoloha carries a few collections of mats, ideal for travellers, and nomads requiring light and versatile mats, as well as high performance, concentrating in extra cushioning for joints or to withstand intense sweating and vigorous practices.
Yoga mat performance: Yoloha mats are naturally anti-microbial, meaning it’s self-cleaning, no germs, no odours. Each mat collection is particular based on the quality of performance you are looking to achieve in your practice, so we’d suggest you to read each’s description to ensure you’re getting the right one for you!
Dimensions: Original: 14cm rolled / 1.1kg / 6mm thick Aura: 14cm rolled / 1.3kg / 6mm thick Unity: 12.7cm rolled / 2.7kg / 6.5mm thick Nomad: 10cm rolled / 1.1kg / 4mm thick Travel: 6.3cm rolled / 1.1kg / 1.5mm thick
Biodegradable? No
Price: From USD$59 (use code OURGOODBRANDS for a 10% discount!)
8. REI
Why it’s a good brand: REI believes a life outdoors is a life well-lived! That it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all. From seeking better ways of making goods, to advancing fair trade manufacturing practices, to putting our profits to good use, REI advocates for the places we all love and make it easier for customers to shop their values. The brand curates outdoor & sports brands, including yogawear brands. REI puts sustainability at the center of how they make products. In 2018, the brand debuted comprehensive product sustainability standards that apply to every brand we sell. This means working closely with their partners at home and abroad which ultimately allows the brand to make a larger impact across the outdoor industry.
Yoga mat performance: In the yoga mat range, REI carries brands like Manduka (review brand nr. 2 in this list) and also imports Hugger Mugger mat collection. Hugger Mugger mats are nonslip, sticky surface provides stability in any asana; its cushioning makes this mat especially good for sitting, kneeling and lying poses. Lightweight design is easy to transport.
Dimensions Hugger Mugger (average): 172cm x 61cm / 4mm thick
Biodegradable? Depends on the brand; please read descriptions carefully.
Certifications: Also depends on the brand
Price: From USD$44 (also, there always some discounts available)!
9. Hejhej-mats
Why it’s a good brand: These are circular yoga mats, born to literally carry mindfulness out of the yoga class. Each time you purchase an hejhej-mat you contribute to recycling 1Kg of foam offcuts; but most importantly, the product is designed so, once the mat reaches the end of its lifespan, the brand will take it back & use its nutrients for new products (no worries, shipping costs covered and a discount available on your next purchase!). Developed working closely with the Fraunhofer Institute and a team of yoga teachers to deliver circular yoga mats that are super comfortable and non-slippy. ALSO! You will support the EarthChild Project, bringing yoga to schools in the townships of Cape Town, South Africa.
Biodegradable: NO, but Take Back program
Price: From USD$114
10. SUGA
Why it’s a good brand: Suga is a brand that reincarnates wetsuits into yoga mats. Made in the US and purely inspired by the California lifestyle (Surf + Yoga = Suga). The mats are entirely made from recycled wetsuits, and so far 12,500 wetsuits have been collected and 32 tons of neoprene diverted from landfills.
They believe corporations should take responsibility for their products from cradle to grave. They have implemented two programs themselves, both of which allow our customers to return our used mats to us for recycling. They are also a proud member of 1% for the Planet.
Biodegradable: NO, but Take Back program
Price: From USD$64
11. We’ar
Why it’s a good brand: We’ar, aside of the eco-luxe yoga wear range, have one option of a yoga mat, which is 100% naturally sourced rubber embedded with jute for an excellent, non-slip, hard wearing yoga practice. Also important, these mats are non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable.
The brand is made for the people – empowered individuals, thriving families; for the community – conscious collaboration, active engagement, reinvestment of profits; and for the planet – Mindfully made in harmony. Because we are all one, remember?
Biodegradable: YES
Price: From USD$108
12. Bowern
Why it’s a good brand: Bowen is a brand created by dreamers, inspired by the vibrant colours, the movements, the beautiful chaos of the urban city and the wanderers moved by nature. The luxurious yoga mat does not harm to the environment or the yogis who practise on them.
Each yoga mat is 100% biodegradable, made with a recyclable tree rubber base and a microfibre suede top that offers exceptional resilience and grip, even in hot yoga studios – the sweatier the practise, the greater the grip. Our yoga mats are free from latex, silicone, toxic glue, pvc and other nasties, ensuring your routine remains as authentic as you.
Biodegradable: YES
Price: From USD$127
13. Create Flow (Muktimats)
Why it’s a good brand: Create Flow was created when travelling, as maintaining a daily practice and teaching Yoga in challenging climates, varying environments and on multiple surfaces made the founders aware of the need for a high-quality yoga mat. They are made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber, jute, and cotton, and dyed using mineral-based inks completely free from toxins, pesticides, and chemicals. No wonder the brand has earned an SGS certification. The brand supports the Himalayan Tailoring Centre in North India, employing and training over 70 staff, many of whom are refugees.
Biodegradable: YES
Price: From USD$85
14. Affirmats
Why it’s a good brand: Affirmats adds an emotional layer to Yoga by wrapping form, function, and a dash of inspiration. The mats are made with a JUTE blend making them environmentally friendly, extra thick, extra long, have no toxic fumes. It even gets more slip-resistant with use! Find little affirmations on the mats for an extra kick of awesomeness and support in your day, like “I am Magic”, “I am Free”, or just personalise it with the quote that resonates with you.
Biodegradable: YES
Price range: From USD$66
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Yoga Mat Carriers (BONUS!)
Prana Mat Bag
Why it’s a good accessory: Prana bags are simple in design, lightweight, and you can easily induce your yoga mat in the bag. The steadfast mat bags features a cinch-top closure, quick-dry properties and easy to clean, as well as a mesh bottom for extra fresh airflow. Front stash pocket with key ring holder and adjustable webbing shoulder strap.
Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester
Price: From USD$30
The Herbivore Mat Carrier
Why it’s a good accessory: Handmade macrame yoga mat strap made in Toronto, Ontario, this beautiful piece is weaved of 100% cotton and is approximately 175cm long. It’s a sturdy, comfortable and hip way to carry your yoga mat or beach blanket to and from class or the beach. Simply insert the ends of your mat into the loops and pull to tighten.
Materials: cotton & wooden loops
Price: From USD$45
Is there any other similar brand you know or are curious about? Comment below, and we will make it happen!
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There’s also a really cool company called genYOUine you guys should check out!! They are completely biodegradable/sustainable and they donate to charity… something like $8/mat or something. Anyway I bought a mat from them a year ago and its still in really good condition even though I’ve put it through some work! And they’re not crazy expensive like a lot of brands even though the quality is just as good! Anyway, give them a look – http://www.genyouine.com