Let’s breakdown our standards we use to establish an eco pleasant yoga mat.
Supplies:
We’re going to stretch a bit of deeper right here because it’s so necessary to this matter.
Sadly, we not solely must look out for PVC but additionally for the greenwashed assumption that PVC-free is identical factor as non-toxic.
Irena Webb’s (of I Learn Labels for You) guidelines reveal that many supposedly non-toxic yoga mats will not be practically as non-toxic as they declare and may nonetheless include carcinogens:
- Artificial rubber: Nonetheless closely petroleum-based and stuffed with carcinogenic styrene. Keep away from artificial rubber as a lot as PVC.
- PER (Polymer Environmental Resin): Mainly simply PVC that’s been plasticized and stabilized with acetyl tributyl citrate, as a substitute of phthalate-based plasticizers.
- TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer): One other petroleum-based product that always has undisclosed components. Whereas not all TPE mats are unhealthy, it’s tough to inform which of them are actually non-toxic.
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): Petroleum-based however chlorine free. Nevertheless, it might nonetheless include poisonous chemical substances like formaldehyde.
Are mats made of those much less dangerous than PVC? Contemplating PVC is essentially the most harmful type of plastic, sure; however the bar is fairly low.
So, what are eco-friendly yoga mats made from?
Since true plant foam is but to exist, we have to flip as a substitute to pure supplies which, in any case, is what the unique yoga mats had been produced from.
- Pure tree rubber: It’s a renewable useful resource made by tapping rubber timber—a course of just like tapping for maple syrup. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and could be mixed with different supplies to offer a non-slip base.
- Cork: Cork makes for good yoga mats as a result of cork fabric is pure, renewable, and non-toxic. It’s additionally naturally antimicrobial and will get grippier when moist. Plus, harvesting cork really helps make sure the wholesome development of cork oak timber (a course of that additionally sequesters quite a lot of carbon).
- Pure plant fibers: Jute fiber, organic cotton, and hemp cloth are different sustainable supplies making an look in sustainable mats. They’re renewable, biodegradable, absorbent, and simple to wash.
We additionally test that pure eco dyes, non-toxic adhesives, and secure inks are used.
Provide chain & labor practices:
Moral manufacturing makes us really feel additional pumped for that 5 am ashtanga class. We search for manufacturers that pay honest wages and guarantee secure working circumstances. We’ll attain out to substantiate labor practices if the small print aren’t clear.
Inexperienced enterprise practices:
Manufacturers that use zero waste manufacturing, renewable vitality, eco-friendly packaging supplies, and suggestions for recycling yoga mats are greatest in (yoga) class for us.
Group & charitable giving:
Brands that give back, whether or not or not it’s by way of donations, occasions, or just cultivating a caring group, assist us really feel additional zen.
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