Are you into yoga just for the healthy image?

The Bite:
Stop frontin'. Get a natural yoga mat - one free of the harmful plastic PVC. They're better for you and help avoid the number-one telltale sign that you're a bluffer - slipping during your asanas.
The Benefits: 
  • Less PVC. 90% of yoga mats contain PVC plastic, which releases carcinogenic dioxins during production.
  • Less slippage. Natural rubber and fibers like jute provide better traction than plastic.
  • Staying true to yoga. The yogic pillar of ahimsa calls for nonviolence to all things, including the planet.
  • Easy care. Depending on the material, you can clean natural mats with a cloth, in the bathtub, or even in the washing machine.
Personally Speaking: 
If you ever stop by our SF office, don't be surprised if you find us doing headstands next to the reception desk.
Wanna Try: 
  • Dali Mama Eco Jute Mat - has built-in Velcro closures and a shoulder strap for easy toting; six color options ($78).
  • Jade Harmony Yoga Mat - biodegradable, no-slip natural rubber mat available in eight colors; the company plants a tree for every mat sold ($50).
  • JustMyMat - more like old-school PVC mats but made from eco-friendlier TPE foam; you choose the color and a personal message ($41).
  • 50 Ways to Reuse Your Yoga Mat - bright ideas like using your old mat for sound-proofing, or to create ornaments and mouse pads.

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