Yoga is known to have many benefits. What many people may be shocked to realise is that the most common type of yoga mat is made from toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is the most dangerous plastic from an environmental health perspective. It creates dioxin (a very potent carcinogen) in its production, use and disposal. With this in mind, how many yogis would then feel comfortable in their downward dog?
Unfortunately, the PVC mat is still a popular choice as it is cheap, comes in a range of colours and patterns and it is machine washable. So even if the yoga student isn’t convinced that the toxins are bad for their health they might weigh up that the mat is thin with little cushioning and releases a chemical smell. Compare the plastic mat with ecological options.
PVC has been called a major environmental health disaster because of the cancer-causing byproducts such as dioxin that are created during manufacturing. Plasticizers that are added to make the PVC flexible (so we have fold-able, roll-able mats rather than stiff mats) also may cause health problems. And currently, recycling of PVCs is rather difficult and expensive, so most PVC products end up in the landfills, possibly leaching out toxic chemicals into the landfill.
If the practice of yoga is supposed to help make us more aware of healthy choices for ourselves, and by extension, make healthier choices for our environment, how can we, in good conscious, continue to buy yoga mats made from PVC? What other alternatives are there?
Eco friendly yoga mats are truly good yoga mat and many of us like to practice on it. These green mat standard ones are far better than those stinky, toxic, PVC-laden mats and strongly recommended by many pros.
From Rubber Yoga Mat, post Eco-friendly Yoga Mat And PVC





























