Finding the Right Yoga Mat
Posted by Paige
Have you ever thought about what’s in your yoga mat? The mat that you work out on and breath in? Do you know? Many yoga mats are actually made of plastics, in particular PVC which is unhealthy to breath in and takes thousands of years to biodegrade when you are through with it.
When in the market for a yoga mat, look for natural latex, which comes from rubber trees, or jute yoga mats. Natural Latex has a better grip and has anti-bacterial properties, so you can stop using those harsh cleaners on your mat. Just wipe it down with warm, soapy water if you feel it is getting grimy. Natural Latex, is just that, natural. So when it comes time to replace it, it will decompose naturally rather than fill the landfill.
What’s in PVC? Most people are familiar with PVC in the form of pipes in our houses. But it is used everywhere, such as in some plastic wraps, children’s playground sets, car seats, some food storage containers and in plastic yoga mats. PVC contains DEHA and when inhaled, or when in contact with foods, it can leach . DEHA exposure is linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. It is also a possible human carcinogen, affecting the liver.
You’re doing something healthy for your body when practising yoga–stay healthy and steer clear of the PVC mats. Some yoga studios have even banned non-natural mats so you don’t have to inhale your neighbors unhealthy mare. encourage your yoga studio to go natural!
Natural Latex Yoga Mat
