What is an environmentally friendly yoga mat?
We do not stock mats containing PVC because the material (which stands for PolyVinyl Chloride) is a polluting oil-based plastic.
Many environmentally friendly mats are now made of TPE (Thermal Plastic Elastomer), a synthetic rubber that is non-toxic and easy to recycle.
The chemical compositions contain hydrogen and oxygen, which means the mats will decompose within 15 years.
TPE isn't only kind to the earth - its superior grip makes it ideal for almost every style of yoga. It is also lighter than a traditional PVC mat.
The other type of mat we sell is made from open cell natural rubber harvested from the Hevea Brailiensis tree and manufacturerd without hazardous chemicals.
Why choose organic cotton blankets and yoga straps?
The fashion world is slowly waking up to the benefits of organic cotton to both the environment and the consumer. We don't see that yoga should be any different.
We stock organic cotton blankets and belts because of the harmful effects of conventional cotton production on both the environment and the workers employed to harvest it.
Non-organic cotton production accounts for 16% of the world's pesticides, which are derived from petrochemicals that can pollute air and water.
The World Trade Organisation estimates that 20,000 deaths and three million chronic health problems each year are down to the use of agricultural pesticides in developing countries. Organic cotton farming also promotes biodiversity.
There are also real benefits to the consumer - organic cotton feels thicker and much softer than conventional cotton, and, being chemical-free, it's kinder to the skin.
