Jade Encore Yoga Mat

The Jade Encore Yoga Mat is made from recycled natural rubber, which is even better for the environment than most eco-friendly yoga mats that use new rubber. The yoga mat gets high marks for its non-slip grip; the mat is made from open-cell rubber, so it absorbs sweat and water and keeps the mat from getting too slippery. On the other hand, open-cell yoga mats are harder to clean than closed-cell mats. The Jade Encore Yoga Mat comes in two lengths -- 68 or 74 inches -- and it is 3/16 inch thick. One reviewer complains that the mat has a strong rubber smell, but Jade says this smell will fade over time, especially if the mat is aired out on a regular basis. We also saw one report that the mat disintegrates easily. It's not made from recycled rubber, but the Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat (*Est. $65) gets the best reviews overall, especially for its supportive, non-slip surface.

The Jade Encore Yoga Mat is included in a test at Granville Online, a Canadian news website. The author, a yoga teacher, tests several mats and recommends five eco-friendly picks. The Jade Encore Yoga Mat is also mentioned in a brief article at Yoga Journal. Amazon.com is the best source for user reviews.