[quote=InnerAthlete;15980]I think it’s lovely that we as yoga students want to do our part to have a small carbon footprint. If you can find a mat that works for you AND it’s from an environmentally sustainable material that’s great.
However I’d like to point out that falling and damaging your knee on a mat that does NOT work for you though is sustainable may not be the higher choice in mats (for yoga). So by “work” I mean one that provides both traction and movement when needed AND facilitates bringing more light into your practice and thus your life.
Take good care of your mat and it will take good care of you. When it’s finished its life as a full length mat, cut it up into remnants and use those in your practice or donate them to a studio that uses props.
Frankly it is far more significant to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store (bringing your own bag each time) or eliminating your consumption of bottled water (plastics) then buying an eco mat. Of course everyone sees your eco mat while few notice your bag at the co-op.
I’ll also mention that some mats off-gas and smell yucky. Seeing as how I’m face down on the thing quite a bit I’d rather have a mat that doesn’t particularly smell. Likewise some Eco mats fall apart very quickly. So over the course of a year you’re using twice or three times as many mats as other users. Not very eco friendly.
Personally, I was gifted a PER mat (from barefoot) about three years ago. It is sturdy, fresh, easily cleaned, and provides me the safety I need in my practice. However I wish it were a little bit longer. A typical male perspective, I admit.[/quote]You’re so right about the eco mats falling apart quickly. My Jade (travel size) lasted barely a year of a heavy vinyasa and ashtanga practice. I bought the Manduka Black Mat afterwards and it only gets better with age. I’ve had it a bit over a year and I know it will last me years! Plus, it’s super wide and longer than the standard mat.
