eco yoga

I love yoga - my practice has helped me through so many challenging patches and has made me much more in tune and aware of my body and it's strengths and limitations. In preparation for an article in The Green Parent magazine at some point I wanted to round up some of the great eco yoga products out there. 

Of course, you don't need any of these products to practice yoga but if you are thinking of getting a mat, for example, it's worth looking for one with minimal environmental impact. Same goes for clothing - look for organic items and you can be sure that they are less damaging to the environment, and your health, than conventional garments. It's a good idea to consume as little as possible but when we do purchase things to shop ethically and look for durability in the items we choose.

Eco Yoga Mat

This mat is completly PVC free. It is made from natural jute fibre with a pure rubber backing to prevent sliding. It uses plant based materials in its construction and is also biodegrable although manufacturers admit that composting trials are still in operation. Eco Yoga beleive that practicing on a plastic mat made cheaply for maximum profit is the antithesis of yoga and that this jute mat brings you to be closer to nature. It costs £31.50 from Yoga Matters.

Bamboo Yoga Block 

Bamboo is light, strong and sustainable. This yoga brick is hollow and is made from laminated bamboo using FDA approved adhesives. Use in numerous standing and seated postures to provide lift or grounding. With three distinctly different dimensions to vary the height, the yoga brick offers firm support and is available from Yoga Studio for £8.99 

Natural Rubber Tree Mat

This is made from natural rubber from the Havea Brasiliensis tree, on a 100% cotton mesh. Natural rubber and cotton are biodegradable making this an ecologically sound yoga mat. It's available for £29.95 from Yoga Studio.

Eco Smart Yoga Bag from Gaiam

Yoga bag made from recycled plastic bottles with a handy adjustable shoulder strap, breathable mesh to allow your mat to air dry after practice and a roomy main compartment.  

Bamboo Yoga Pillow

This bamboo pillow offers the head & neck ideal support when lying down during meditation or relaxation. Available for £17.50 from Yoga Studio.

Fairly Traded Energy Wear Tunic top from Everyday Alchemist

Natalie Fee crated this range of clothing to help boost people's energy, help them feel more alive and chilled out, have better concentration and be happier. She recommends this for yoga bunnies as it helps keep the stomach and kidneys covered and warm. Each top carries a

special symbol that has been charged by a chi-light resonator - an instrument that infuses chi (or energy) into various objects or substances. Available for £19.99 from Weaving Star.

Organic yoga trousers from Ethical Superstore

I really rate these fold-over yoga trousers for their comfort, softness and durability. Available for £35 from Ethical Superstore.

Organic Sports Bra

An organic cotton sports bra made from super soft organic jersey cotton so it's comfy to wear and great for yoga. It has adjustable shoulder straps and is made in Turkey from 95% organic cotton with 5% elastane. Available from Spirit of Nature for £19.95.

Fairly Traded Mohair Blanket

We are getting into luxury relaxation territory here but this sumptuous soft mohair blanket looks just the thing for aiding savasana. It is handmade in a weaving co-operative in Southern India and comes in raspberry, ocean blue and green. Available for £33 from Biome Lifestyle

Minds Eye Opera CD by Anahata

I received this CD for Christmas a couple of years ago from my mum and it is truly blissful - a journey from the deep rhythmic roots of the earth and ourselves, through the heart centre and up to the ethereal space of the crown chakra. Perfect for relaxation and deep connection after a yoga session. Recorded in Glastonbury and available from Red Temple Records.

Movement kit

And for small yoginis I love the concept behind Tattybumpkin - their philosophy and clothing is just so positive. They produce a Bendy, Giggly, Clever and Strong movement kit for £40 with a natural organic cotton mat, a CD and a bendy yoga doll.

Go to the show

And lastly, for all things yoga, under one roof - why not visit the Yoga Show, taking place in London from 31st Oct to 2nd Nov.