A Better Alternative

Suga

This brand was created in Encinitas, California, a major surf and yoga destination. Surfers and yogis alike are both deeply connected to the earth in their practice and their impact on it, which led the founder of Suga to contemplate the afterlife of his non-biodegradable wetsuits. This led him to upcycle his old wetsuits and make them into extremely durable, unique yoga mats. They are durable, absorbent, and no two are alike.

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Jade Yoga

Having a slippery yoga mat can greatly inhibit your focus when you’re practicing. Jade was born to find a solution to this problem, and they solved it by using 100% sustainably tapped rubber with no PVC or synthetics. For every mat sold, the brand plants one tree and sells limited edition colors that donate to different charitable organizations.

Harmony Mat, the most popular model comes in 4 lengths and 12 colors. Cork blocks are sustainably harvested in Portugal and are naturally comfortable and antimicrobial.

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Manduka

The name of the brand comes from “Mandukasana” or frog pose, the favorite pose of the company’s founder. He sought to make the perfect yoga mat in the early 2000’s and due to its success, has branched out to create women’s and men’s clothing, yoga props, bags and other accessories. One of their most unique products is their mat cleaner, A biodegradable, organic, phosphate and alcohol-free solution infused with essential oils for a deep clean and a fresh, beautiful smell.

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Nomadix

A good yoga towel is essential to keep dry during a Bikram or hot yoga class. Nomadix makes an awesome all-purpose towel to help you out. All are made from 100% recycled polyester, is antimicrobial and super quick-drying. It also packs up small and is also a great companion for camping and the beach.

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Asteria Active

The brand aspires to create versatile, functional and stylish athletic apparel with an impressive assortment of fabrics. Their most unique fabric is called Freshknit. This an ultra-stretchy knit made from biomass of crab and shrimp shells and also incorporates the world’s only antibacterial bio-agent certified by the EPA. Their look is very New York – subdued colors with sleek stylelines.

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Ecolite Yoga

A pretty essential yoga accessory for any conscious, dedicated yogi is a yoga tote. It’s the gym bag equivalent for yogis. I tried to find one that was made with organic cotton — as so many are made with synthetics — and was happy to find this organic cotton tote.

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prAna

prAna is a men’s and women’s apparel company that specialized in yoga and active wear — who’s brand philosophy is rooted in being environmentally and socially conscious. Many of their products are made from organic cotton, plant-based hemp fibers and recycled polyester. Their business operations emphasize waste reduction, recycling, composting and energy efficient technologies. They are a member of the Fair Labor Association and adhere to policies that ensure ethical work environments. prAna also works with the environmental non-for-profit, Canopy and the Forest Resources Initiative. If you’re more of a shoulder strap person (and perhaps not so into carrying your yoga mat in a tote) then I recommend this one.

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Gaiam

Gaiam has been everywhere lately. You’ve probably seen them in your searches for basic yoga apparel and accessories. I found this helpful and useful organic cotton yoga strap that helps to maximize stretching and increase flexibility. If you’re not familiar with a product like this, the link has an instructional video. Check it out.