When traveling to teach and practice yoga outside, we are often asked questions by yoga students on how to choose the right outdoor mat. There are many choices when looking at yoga mats and we love the eco-friendly, sustainability and texture of cotton yoga mats.

When choosing a yoga mat, there are several factors to consider. The first and most important is material. While there are many different kinds of materials for yoga mats, such as rubber, foam, or PVC plastic, the best option is typically something that is eco-friendly. The color of your mat is also important.

When a PVC mat is no longer useful, what happens to it? If yogis are supposed to be tree-hugging and earth-loving types…trying to make the world a better place – one downward-dog at a time - why do so many yoga practitioners use ‘sticky mats’ made of harmful PVC-containing plastics? 

Eco-friendly yoga mats include: rubber yoga mats, cork yoga mats and cotton yoga mats. Cork and rubber mats are made from trees and cotton mats are made from cotton plants. The most important decision you can make for your yoga practice is to choose a non-toxic, sustainable mat made from natural resources.

Yoga mats are an essential part of your practice -- have you thought about how yours is made? Not all yoga mats are made in the same way. Most rubber and plastic yoga mats are mass produced and extruded through machines. However, all of Yogasana’s organic cotton yoga rugs are handmade.