This Local Yoga Instructor Crafted an Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

Yoga4Good CEO Tori Morrison shares why we should be using an eco friendly yoga mat, plus tips on how to repurpose your old mats. Plus, read on for a promo code for Locally Well San Diego readers!

Tori Morrison is the founder of Yoga4Good, an eco-friendly yoga mat company that marries a love of yoga with a dream to give back to organizations doing good in the world.

In a recent interview, Tori shared why she started the company, why we should be using an eco-friendly mat, and great tips on how to repurpose your old mats! Plus she shares a special promo code for Locally Well readers 🙂

Where did the idea for Yoga4Good come from?

Yoga4Good came about when I was trying to figure out a way to take my love for yoga and volunteerism and put them together. I spent my college years working at a transitional home for women and have sought out every opportunity to give back to organizations and individuals in need since then.

For instance, I currently offer yoga private sessions on a sliding scale for anyone who would like to attend these sessions but may not have the means to do so. I never turn anyone away due to lack of funds.

Why should we use an eco friendly yoga mat?

Eco-friendly yoga mats are better for your health as well as the health of the planet. Most yoga mats are made with chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can contain phthalates, lead, cadmium, and other toxins.

Additionally, the chemical used to make PVC has been described as a known carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research of Cancer. Eco-friendly yoga mats are non-toxic and usually made out of cotton, cork, natural rubber, hemp, and/or jute.

How do you source your materials for the mats? 

I wanted to make sure that our yoga mats could be as eco friendly as possible while also being durable and affordable. My manufacturer was able to work with me to source yoga materials that fulfill these requirements. The yoga mats themselves are made with jute, a natural fibre that comes from grass in Southeast Asia, hemp, and upcycled foam and leather.

It is our goal with future funding to be able to make an organic, biodegradable yoga mat. Stay tuned!

What should we do with our old yoga mats?

Please do not throw your yoga mat away, especially if it is made out of plastic!

I like to donate my old yoga mats to organizations, such as schools, art groups, nonprofit organizations, YMCAs, and local retirement communities. There are plenty of individuals who would love a gently used yoga mat that cannot afford one.

You could also repurpose your yoga mat. Here are some ideas: 

• Make knee or elbow pads
• Turn it into a door mat
• Cut it up and use it to line your shelves
• Give it to your pet for extra support under their bed or kennel
• Use it as a camping pad
• Turn them into planning boards
• Use them under flower pots and garden beds
• Make coasters
• Donate it to a homeless shelter as a sleeping pad
• Place them in your garage for foot and back support while working
• Cut into strips and use when packing items for moving
• Make children's toys (cut out letters, shapes, etc.)

I would love to start a recycling or upcycling yoga mat program in the future. 🙂

How does Yoga4Good give back to the greater community?

The goal is to be able to help multiple organizations in the future, however, I started with Center for Community Solutions (a San Diego-based organization committed to ending sexual violence) since sexual violence and sexual assault have both, unfortunately, been a part of my life. I wanted to be able to give back to individuals hurt by such acts, and CCS offers survivors help through all stages of their healing journey. They even offer legal support! They are also the only rape crisis center in San Diego County.

Is there a promo code for Locally Well San Diego readers?

Yes! Readers can take 10% off with code Yoga10. Additionally, anyone who signs up for a private yoga session with us within the next month will receive a free gift.

Also, we're expanding our wholesale orders right now, so if you own a yoga studio, spa, or retail space and resonate with our story, please reach out at hello@yoga4good.com.

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Photo Credits: Shane Fellows Photography