Slow down a wee bit....none of this has been proven. Let's let the issue be explored and investigated further before jumping on yet another eco-bandwagon. Fear-mongering and exaggerated claims only make people grasp tighter to their positions. Just do you yoga practice....breathe...you won't die tomorrow from practicing yoga on a mat.

I have wondered about the health of the PVC mats. Do you have anything or any sites to substantiate your claims. I am developing a holistic center with a store and I want to buy healthy products but I also don't want to follow every trend.
If anyone has further information I would be interested.
Also where would one buy natural mats?

Tara, I think you clouded your own point by being a little ad hominem in your response. I mean, come on, calling this clip “fear mongering” is a real stretch. The point is not that there is direct harm from continuing to practice on a PVC mat but the environmental spillover from PVC production and what those impacts might be to you and I and future generations. It is not an exaggerated claim nor does anyone need further proof that PVC production processes have harmful environmental spillover.

And further making the change to an eco-friendly mat, such as rubber, is exactly the small personal changes each of us can make which hopefully aggregated over the next generation or two we will reach some sort of critical mass and affect a sea-change on how we treat the planet. I just purchased a second mat and opted for the rubber based mat offered by jadeyoga (which by the way I have no affiliation with)

There isn't anything extreme about wanting to be informed and being proactive about making a change and as far as jumping on the eco-bandwagon that is a positive place to be. I think the use of the term bandwagon is a little condescending but that is forgiven. Don’t you want to be part of the solution?

In closing - those on the eco-band wagon are not laboring within the confines of a fashionable and mindless trend nor are they burdened by fear …to the contrary they are informed and they make educated decisions and most of all are free of the need in having their government to catch up and to tell them what to do.

If you are willing to look, there is ample evidence that phthalates are quite dangerous indeed. Scientists have linked these chemicals to reproductive problems and birth defects. This is not fear-mongering; this is science. It is natural for people to fear what they don't know, but isn't it better to be informed and healthier? If alternatives to PVC exist, and they do, then why not change? Also, the manufacture of PVC creates all sorts of nasty things. I happen to live in an area where PVC is manufactured, and some days, there is quite an unpleasant odor in the air. Perhaps if more people had to smell the byproducts of PVC, more people would care. We need to think about more than just immediate consequences of PVC. Sure, we may not die tomorrow from praticing on a PVC mat, but what does the manufacture of thousands of these mats, year after year, do to our planet, ourselves, and our children? Yoga means union, and we are all connected, to each other and the planet. The molecules that make PVC and phthalates dangerous are a part of our environment, and we put them there. Why not change this?

I seem to have touched a nerve with you Kevin. "ad hominem", "condescending"? Re-read my comments and re-read Ms. Ricci's statement. I am simply responding to claims made through the lense of yogic/eco-justice ideology. Yogic philosophy espouses a balance between rational inquiry and emotion. Of course I care about the world we are leaving for future generations. Why do you assume I don't? What I also want is for people to not be seduced by huge and popular viewpoints without thinking for themselves. Search for the truth yourself. Just because one has read a few articles about the "dangers" of PVC does not a scientific conclusion make. How many dissenting opinions have you investigated? The truth lies somewhere in-between/outside/above/below all the voices (of any argument).
Western yogis, in general, are jumping on a bandwagon. Many yogis/yoginnis, with the best of intentions, are embracing yoga as a spirituality only. Sounds good in theory, however, this often leads to blindly following the ethos of their yoga centres. Much like accepting the beliefs of a church/temple/syngogue. Nothing wrong with the action but one must be aware these are "beliefs". Some of which can be traced to root truths and some merely based on faith.
Caring about the environment is laudable. Believing every news story that says this, that and the next thing is harmful is lack of common sense. Telling someone "don't you want to be part of the solution?" is patronizing and creates distance between people. Its the us vs. them position. George Bush's "you are either with us fighting terrorism or you're the enemy". Simple thinking that serves no one.
Namaste.

Tara,
It is refreshing to read a viewpoint that is fresh and intelligent. I'm happy to see that other people seek awareness instead of beliefs.
Isn't Yoga about balance between strength and flexibility, internal and external, control and surrender, a critical mind and a compassionate heart? Blindly following any idea or system is fundamentalism and does not allow the openness necessary for love, creativity and the unknown.

Thanks all. The idea for this blog topic came after reading about mat alternatives in both Yoga Journal and the New York Times. To learn more about PVC studies, visit ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pvc/index.htm. Another interesting article can be found at www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/consumerism/toxic_toy_story.html.

I have a Harmony mat. It is PVC free. It works great but mine still smells like rubber. I'm on the eco-bandwagon and I find it hard not to be in light of new science and the old eight limbs of yoga. In particular: ahimsa and saucha. Thank you.

I have a Harmony mat. It is PVC free. It works great but mine still smells like rubber. I'm on the eco-bandwagon and I find it hard not to be in light of new science and the old eight limbs of yoga. In particular: ahimsa and saucha. Thank you.

Tara, amazing...who are you trying to convince...it is "factual" not a "transient baseless belief" that PVC manufacturing has huge negative impacts on the environment.

Here is a good link ...
http://www.besafenet.com/PVCDisposalReport_2-Column_R6.pdf

Perhaps taking your own statement to heart..."Yogic philosophy espouses a balance between rational inquiry and emotion" ...will benefit you. You present your first note as if the dangers of PVC is still an open question... then you make the broad brush assumption that the readers of this blog are going to have an irrational knee-jerk response and panic in some manner... then you paint the writer of using fear mongering... yes, your first note is condescending but now we know why because you evidenced your level of arrogance in your second note.

You are so funny it is quite humorous...only simple thinkers would think your first note was of value because it is an "us vs. them" presentation...because you put everyone in a box but elevate yourself as "all knowing" without offering any substantive corroborating evidence.

Please share with us a good dissenting opinion that the manufacturing, use and disposal of PVC is safe.

Sorry to react to your posts as I do but I prefer to call you on your broad brush holier than thou posting...making blatantly false and silly statement that ..."none of this has been proven". I don't know what your motivation is and all I can say is shame on you.

Kevin, I find your responses growing more and more angry, and thus, troublesome. It is worrisome,given this is a mere Blog to share ideas. Please refrain from personal attacks on me. This should not be a forum for tara vs kevin (even though I have addressed this comment to you! :))
You appear to assume that I have declared a "side" on the issue of PVC's. No where have I come out on either side of the debate (I suspect there are many sides to it like all issues in life). I am quite simply agnostic on the issue at present. It is interesting that you are reading this into your conclusions. Your own emotional investment in this issue is very apparent, and may be clouding your reading. This is what I mean about seeing things through an ideological lens. When one views the world through environmentalist/Christian fundamentalist/communist,etc eyes, one interprets all events, others' opinions through this lens. This filters out and removes vast amounts of information. I have not made "absolutist" statements about PVC's nor put myself "above all others". Entrenching oneself in a position on an issue CAN or MAY cause people to do just that.
Just because you disagree with my observations on the relation of eco-justice & yoga does not automatically make me arrogant. I stated that "in general" yogis in the West are jumping on a bandwagon. This is from several years of observation and experience.
Using phrases such as "shame on you" should used to refer to people who have committed terrible crimes, not someone who states that people should make informed decisions on issue. This is about not wishing to "follow the latest trend" as Amy referred to in her comment.
Re-read Jim's response to my second comment.He states, more succinctly than myself, what I have been trying so say.

Forgot to post the link that may be of interest to those concerned with PVC's

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pvc/index.htm

Tara, You have elevated obfuscation to an art form. Hard science on the array of negative ecological impacts from PVC production is not a trend.

You offer that you have not taken sides but charecterize the whole thing as a just another flimsy emotionally driven eco-bandwagon issue.... You don't recognize your own BS as you are dispensing it or simply don't care.

Further Tara it seems as long as you can give the appearance within your comments that you have the moral high ground ...you accept being intellectually dishonest with yourself.

So, when does truth get a place at the table you set?
In your posts you seem to be off on a tangent in an ongoing attempt to not take responsibility for your comments. You are clearly defending an indefensible position. Your discourse comes off as self serving and appears to be more about your ego then anything else.

Science is ideologically nuetral - please take some time to read up on the subject from the very link you provided.

And in closing Tara, I'll take a little honest anger over the intellectually corrupt any day.

Namaste

Dear Kevin,
As I said in my second post, your comments and personal attacks are troublesome. In addition, I requested you stop turning this into a tara vs kevin blog. Yet you continue.

Enough already with this nonsense. I have stated everything I wish to contribute to this particular subject. Arguing with you is non-productive. For whatever reason, you have issues concerning this topic and/or people who disagree with you. This is for you to work out.
Again, enough already. Reflect on your behaviour and move on.
Namaste.

Beliefs are a major source of violence. Whenever you think that you "know", you don't. Beliefs and knowledge are static and dead, things of memory, not living things in the present. Although they can sometimes be useful tools, as soon as you identify with any belief or think that you know, you have stopped inquiry and learning, closed yourself, and closed off love, creativity and the unknown. Although identification with a group or an idea was useful for mutual survival when we were living in small tribes, it is now a major source of war, suffering and even genocide.

Well said. Thank you Jim.

Namaste

Personally, I would like this discussion to be more practical: What are some good quality PVC-free mats that readers have found? A year or so ago, I bought a Hugger Mugger Earth Friendly Mat - the thicker version. I think it cost $50 or so. It's too thick and is not nearly sticky enough. Also, it has developed some holes. Then, I purchased a Gaiam "Eco-Friendly' rubber mat last Feb. It cost $40. After practicing with it only two or three times, it started to disintegrate: the rubber slakes off, leaving embarrassing purple balls on my clothes and on the studio floor. However, I actually do feel better practicing on the natural mats. Seriously. I hesitate to buy anything else though, fearing poor quality at a high price. Suggestions?

It seems to me that the most environmentally-friendly thing to do regarding yoga mats is to use the one you have until it is too worn to be usable, then make a PVC-free choice next time you NEED to purchase a mat.

If you already have a mat incorporating PVCs, discarding an otherwise perfectly usable mat and purchasing yet another mat simply because you may or may not be exposed to a relatively low level of toxins (that you are in all likelihood exposed to in numerous other ways from other other sources anyway), seems to me to be perpetuating consumerism with little regard for the other environmental impacts that arise from the production and transport of your new-but-not-REALLY-necessary-yet yoga mat. Unfortunately, you have already made the ill-informed decision to purchase your PVC mat and for now, you should live with that decision, instead of contributing the mat to landfill possibly years before it is necessary to throw it away. Perhaps by the time your PVC mat wears out there will be landfill technology developed to contain or neutralize PVC-related contaminants!

Meanwhile, learn from the helpful experiences of those who did NEED to purchase a new mat and have determined which natural mats are durable enough to warrant your investment next time. Please don't purchase mats if you don't NEED to!

That being said, personally, I am allergic to rubber and will not ever purchase such a mat. Does anyone have experience with silicone mats?

I think it is perfectly all right to purchase a new mat before an old one is " worn out," if one is mindful about the old mat.

I have never discarded a mat to garbage or landfill. My very first mat was a gift. I began my practice with it, and lived with it for many years. However, as my practice grew and I found myself needing a sticker mat, I passed the old one on to a person I admire. Any mat I might have, I keep around to loan or give to those beginning a yoga practice, people who are visiting, the kids, etc. For several years, I kept one at work, for my weekly class there. Some people like to keep a spare mat in the car.

I would never purchase another mat that is not biodegradable, because, you're right, the environmental impacts of my purchasing decisions are not insignificant.

I suppose I should give up my quest for the perfect biodegradable mat and just use the imperfect couple I have until they are worn out, That is imminent with the Gaiam rubber mat. And, the purple balls really are embarrassing.

My point is: It is disconcerting to try to make a mindful purchase only to find that what you bought is practically unusable.

So, I still wonder if anyone has any advice on durable, biodegradable mats? For the time when these are worn out, of course ...

I don't have info on a good eco-friendly mat, but I can tell you what I do with old mats (instead of throwing them out). I use them as trunk liners in my car. They work great to keep dirt out of the trunk carpet. I just take the mats out and shake them off.

Kevin… please know that someone else saw ‘it’ too. Those comments weren’t about Yoga mats or PVC or you, from the beginning.

Makes me think of a song lyric by Nada Surf: “I’ve got no time I want to lose--to people with something to prove. What can you do but let them talk-- and make your way down the block….”

I only write this because don't want you to feel like no one else saw 'it'.

Hope that makes sense.

P.S.
Regarding the subject of yoga mats...Even if there is no evidence compelling enough for some folks to believe that PVC is detrimental to the body and the environment, I don't see the harm in choosing to support mother nature over synthetic, regardless. When in doubt, why not go natural? Not to be on any "bandwagon" or on any "kick", but to make the choice that is the most basic. If you currently know that one is not doing (as much) harm to the environment, but the other is still questionable (to some) then why not err on the side of caution? Go with the lesser of the evils, as it were.

I started using a TPE mat and found that the feel and grip are simply better than a traditional sticky mat. I liked them so much that I started my own company making TPE eco mats in smaller sizes for children, since the only kids yoga mats I could find were made from PVC. www.lotuspadyogamats.com.

I have a Manduka mat (the purple one, aka the travel mat). It's eco-friendly and as solid as a yoga mat can be. It's not going to crumble or wear out in the places where your hands and feet usually are. As for old yoga mats, they're great for placing under my dog's crate (protects the floors, keeps it from sliding), gardening pads (to protect your knees), or as a ultra-protective place to place open paint cans and brushes when you're painting a room (I've been in home repair mode quite a bit.)

There's also a great organization in Boston called yogaHOPE (www.yogahope.org) that brings yoga to underserved women in recovery or life transition. They would be happy to take any old mats off your hands, as any yoga mat is better than nothing at all . . .

I have just opened a new yoga retreat facility for American Yogini. Our first location used the old toxic style PVC mat, innocently not even knowing or considering the Ahimsa factor. As we tuned in more and more to the wellness of our students and our planet, it was so so important to all of us to purchase non-toxic and environmentally friendly everything, including mats, mattresses bedding and everything we could. Even our Savasana Blankets!It really has a palpable energy - just sweet.

I use my old yoga mats inside by dog's crate to give her some padding. She chewed up every other bedding material I tried but seems to like the mats. I have two old mats I use this way. I throw the dirty one in the tub after bathing the dog, hang it out to dry and put the clean one in.

No dog? Give you mat to the local humane shelter. They are always in need.

Well, I'm not going to through away my mat right away or advise my students to, but I am in fact looking for a good mat to sell at my studio, and this is important information to consider for the future. My favorite PVC mat maker, Asana, apparently went out of business. But, does anybody know if there is any way to get the smell out of rubber mats? I love the texture and thickness of the harmony mats I've seen, but they stink! I need to order something soon, so any advice is appreciated. What is TPE? (btw, Tara & Kevin, you have waaayyy to much time on your hands, thanks for letting it go now). Thanks, Debi

I went out and bought a Gaiam Premium Benefit mat ($40 bucks) after watching a video on www.freshtopia.net about Eco mats. I was really psyched when I got home the day of led Ashtanga practice and it had arrived. Got to class spread it out and found the brand new mat exuded some chemical slime that even before sweating on was slick as can be. Very difficult to impossible to be stable. I had to put a cotton towel over the mat and even then it slid. The directions that come with the mat say to only spot clean. I cleaned it totally with water and dish detergent, thinking it may be machine oil from manufacturing but when it dried it still exuded the slime. After washing is a second time the slime was still present, I’m sending it back. I was really dissappointed since this was supposed to be chem free.

Tara, Typical american yoga. Rigid, aggressive, and domineering. That's why Bikram and Sunshine yoga studios are raking in the money. Real yogis, don't be brainwashed by people who know very little. If PVC mats are dinosaurs, they won't be around for long. Real yogis will follow their your own judgment, make their own decisions, and will not blindly follow "believers" like Tara.

Rebecca,

I'm not American.

And I am following my own judgement. That's my whole point.

namaste.
T.

If PVC is so unsafe, why then, are the water pipes in your house made of PVC?

Toxic phthalates can leach from PVC treated with softening plasticizers, this is why yoga mats, bath toys, and other materials made from PVC are dangerous and rigid materials such as PVC piping appear to be safe. This does not mean that PVC pipes are benign - they still create harmful pollution during the manufacturing and disposal phases.

Now all of this "evidence" that PVC is harmful is all hype and has no scientific basis. The only studies that claimed that PVC is harmful have ALL come to find that their original hypothesis has no scientific backing. If anything they've only proven that PVC is a great product. It CAN be recycled unlike other studies have indicated. The production of PVC accounts for less than 1% (.4%)of all dioxins emitted into the air. Forest fires account for 61%, landfill fires 14%,landclearing 7%, Steel production 2%. So how is it that there is a great concern for Dioxin emittance of PVC when PVC is the least contributor to this problem. In case you were wondering these stats come from: US EPA Inventory of Sources of Dioxin in the United States
(External Review Draft 2005 http://www.epa.gov/ncea/pdfs/dioxin/2k-update/)
That same study shows that since 1970 PVC production has increased 400times and in that same time Dioxin emissions have decreased by 37%. Those are inverse numbers people!

The National Fire Protection Agency in Quincy, MA chose a PVC membrane for their roof because of its fire-retardant properties.

Organizations like Greenpeace are a farce and people need to stop following them like they are a religion. They are nothing but, a politically motivated entity that has absurd agendas and is no longer interested in serving the public. Why else would one of their co-founders leave to hold speech after speech to discredit the organization that he helped create.

LEARN the facts before you get yourself in a panic and don't believe the hype! Believe science.