If you are new to the yoga scene and are intrigued and curious to try it out, you will first consider purchasing a yoga mat. There are a lot of yoga mats available in the market, and one of them is Gaiam Yoga mats. In this article, we will help you answer the question, “Are Gaiam yoga mats PVC-free?”
If you are conscious of the different products that can affect our environment, especially materials made from plastics, non-biodegradable, and unrecyclable materials, Yoga mats are one of them, unfortunately. If you plan to purchase one, you must go for all-natural and recyclable materials that do not harm the environment.
Yoga mats are made from different materials, and one of the most common yoga mats is made from PVC. PVC is toxic plastic that comes from harsh chemicals. It is made with chlorine and releases toxic chemicals like dioxin into the environment. PVC materials like yoga mats are made using toxic chemicals such as lead and phthalates. These materials are usually added to PVC products to make them have soft and flexible properties. According to studies, Phthalates can be passed from a mother to her unborn child through the placenta and found in breast milk, making it a big no-no for yogi moms with newborn babies.
What are Phthalates?
These are endocrine disruptors and have been found to cause a lot of problems:
- Preterm and low birth weight
- Reduced fertility
- It affects sperm counts and quality
- Reduces testosterone levels
- Causes obesity
- Malformations in the male reproductive trait and worsening of allergies and asthma there anything wrong with my posture?
Gaiam Yoga Mats That are PVC-Free
Years ago, searching for PVC free yoga mats could be pretty tricky as most of the available yoga mats were made from PVC. Are Gaiam yoga mats PVC-free? Many cheaper Gaiam yoga mats that are available are made from PVC, but there are Gaiam yoga mats that have high-quality premium materials made from natural rubber.
Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is available in different thicknesses and in 3 different mat colors. You can choose which one you prefer, and it offers an excellent grip when using it. It prevents slipping and sliding when transitioning from one pose to another. This mat is suitable for yoga and other fitness activities such as pilates, cardio, weight training, and stretching.
Performance Longer/Wider Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is extra-thick and provides cushioning, protecting the knees and joints when doing yoga poses, and it is lightweight, perfect for advanced yogis who are always on the go. It is also durable and will last longer than the other yoga mats in the market.
It is made with closed-cell construction: It does not absorb moisture and helps seal germs, bacteria, and odor.
It is best for hot yoga: The topcoat prevents moisture absorption and will provide superior grip, especially when you get sweaty while doing vigorous poses. It gives a better grip the hotter it gets. It has stickiness properties, especially when it gets damp. Just make sure not to expose it to direct sunlight as it can become faded and brittle over time.
It is available in different sizes: 78 inches and 68 inches.
The Gaiam Yoga Mat
Gaiam yoga mat is one of the most top-ranking yoga mats in the market. Gaiam is known for having excellent quality yoga mat at an affordable price. If you’re going to perform yoga for a long time, you must invest in a yoga mat that will make you enjoy your yoga experience.There are different yoga mats Gaiam that you can choose from depending on your personal preference. It would be easier to do since you can choose which one works for you because of the different aspects and features you are looking for.
Gaiam is one of the most respected and well-known yoga accessories companies. For the past few years, they have been able to improve their products, and they always put in mind their clients’ goals and overall yoga experience.
Yoga mats are made from PVC, and disposing of them or even recycling them can be quite hard. Trying to incinerate or burn them in landfills can release this toxic dioxin, a known carcinogen. They are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, and these can leach into the ground and affect the groundwater. When the PVC yoga mat is burned, it can release hydrogen chloride gas that is highly toxic to the environment, animals, and people.
What are the alternative PVC-free yoga mats?
Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is one of the most popular choices among yogis and this one is PVC free yoga mat . It does not contain PVC and other synthetic yoga mat materials. It is made from renewable rubber and is available in different sizes and widths. Also, another plus is when a yoga mat is sold, Jade plants a tree! You are not just doing your part for the environment by using an eco-friendly yoga mat, but you are also helping Jade plant more trees to make the world a better place to live in.
Barefoot Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is made from all-natural rubber and jute fiber that can last for years. It is worth buying. It is perfect for eco-friendly individuals, made from non-toxic chemicals, and does not have toxic chemical additives. It is durable, flexible, and feels natural.
Think Sports Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is latex, BPA, and PVC free along with the other toxic chemicals. It does not have a “weird” smell which means there is no off-gassing of chemicals. Many yogis don’t know they are breathing in toxins as part of their yoga practice.
Conclusion
When choosing a favorite yoga mat, you must get one that could last long, at a reasonable price range, and at the same time would not allow you to be exposed to toxic chemicals that are pretty hazardous to your health, your family, and your environment. So to answer the question, “Are Gaiam yoga mats PVC-free?”
The answer is some of them, although the cheaper versions are made from PVC. If you are planning to get a Gaiam yoga exercise mat, make sure to get the premium Gaiam yoga mats, and you can get one that is PVC-free and friendly to the environment.