If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that there’s no wellness without caring for the planet. From your yogawear, to your mats and props, we’ve got you some brands that are prettier for the planet, for the people and for you.
We bring to you three homegrown brands that use better, more planet-friendly materials and promote circularity, without compromising on style.
1. Shakti Warrior
Go to them for: Mats, props and accessories
Why we love them: Shakti Warrior’s hero material, cork, is sustainably harvested from oak trees, by stripping the bark—which regenerates—by hand. From their meditation pillows and bolsters to their rollers and yoga blocks, most of Shakti Warrior’s yoga props are made using this cork. While they have a wide variety of mats, many of them in recycled materials, our favourites are their hemp and cork mats, which come with a natural rubber backing. These are 100% plastic-free, biodegradable, and safe, printed using water-based inks. Plus, you can choose a size that works for you. That’s not all. You can send them your old PVC yoga mats, and they’ll have them upcycled into footwear for underprivileged kids. And their cotton mat bags are stitched by women from underserved communities, who they have upskilled.
Find them at: shaktiwarrior.in, Santushti Complex – New Delhi, Lodhi Sports – New Delhi, The Yoga House – Mumbai, The Vedary – Mumbai.
Special discount code: WARRIORPRERNA
2. Kosha Yoga
Go to them for: Yoga mats and props
Why we love them: Kosha Yoga products may not all be 100% plastic-free but are mindfully crafted to last. Their mats allow you to choose size and thickness, have a natural rubber backing, and a recycled PU top. Their yoga belts are made using sustainably sourced cotton, and their bricks and wheels from cork. Their Jal Neti pots are made using ceramic, not plastic, while keeping them lightweight. Plus, proceeds from the sales go towards empowering the differently-abled at Maee Bal Bhuvan and Kalote Animal Trust. Their cushions, eye pillows and mat bags are made by women from Dharavi, who have been skilled and employed by them. Their packaging is almost plastic-free and you can send them your old mats, which will be repurposed, recycled, or discarded responsibly, depending on its condition.
Find them at: koshayoga.co, Kosha Yoga Co – Mumbai, Mudra Yoga Studio – Bengaluru, Pure Fuel Yoga & Wellness, Hyderabad, Sayoga – Mysuru, Vastra Yoga – Mysuru, EVLV Studio – New Delhi
3. Proyog
Go to them for: Yoga wear, mats and props
Why we love them: Proyog’s mission is simple: To save yoga from plastic. And we can all get behind that. They create yoga wear in linen, organic cotton, bamboo, only sparingly using Lycra, where necessary. The idea is that yoga wear be yoga wear, and not sportswear in disguise. That they be clothes that make room for your practice, without making their presence overbearing. Proyog’s yoga mats are lightweight, in a combination of natural rubber, jute and cotton. Their blocks are made using Neem wood, their bolsters from organic cotton, and their Neti pots using ceramic. What’s not to love!
Find them at: proyog.com
Any brands you’ve tried and loved? Tell us in the comments.
