I have spent a lot of time on my hands and knees lately. No, I haven’t lost my contact lenses (I don’t even wear them). I have been getting up close and personal with the floor of the various studios I share sessions in here in Worcester. When you lead as much Yoga Nidra and soundbaths as I do, you start to notice things. You notice the way the light hits the floorboards, you notice the tiny hum of life outside, and unfortunately, you often notice the distinct, vinegary tang of a synthetic yoga mat off-gassing right under your nose. That is exactly why a cork yoga mat has become such a favourite of mine, especially a non toxic cork yoga mat that feels calmer, cleaner, and far better suited to real well-being.
There is something inherently jarring about trying to find your inner peace while inhaling the fumes of “Polyvinyl Chloride.” It is like trying to enjoy a quiet walk in the Malvern Hills while standing directly behind a bus exhaust. It just doesn’t quite fit the vibe of a healthy life, does it?
This is why I have been on a bit of a mission to find the perfect surface for our practice. I wanted something that felt like a piece of the earth brought indoors. That search led me to the Rowland Earthing Eco Non-Toxic Yoga Mat. After spending some quality time with it, I think I have found “the one.”
The Problem With the “New Mat” Smell
We have all been there. You buy a bright, squishy new mat, unroll it, and the smell nearly knocks you sideways. That scent isn’t just “newness.” It is often a cocktail of PFAs, PVCs, and phthalates. These are nasty chemicals that can linger in your home and, more importantly, in your lungs. When we practice deep Breathwork, we are literally opening our bodies up to everything in our immediate environment.
The Rowland Earthing mat is different. It is entirely free from those “forever chemicals.” It is made from sustainably harvested Portuguese cork and natural tree rubber. There are no glues, no toxins, and absolutely no nasty surprises. It means when I tell you to take a deep, cleansing breath during a Worcester Sound Bath, you are actually cleansing, not contaminating.
The Magic of the Cork Yoga Mat for Every Practice
Why cork? Aside from the fact that it looks gorgeous and feels a bit like suede under your feet, it is a bit of a biological marvel. A good cork yoga mat manages to feel simple and quietly luxurious at the same time, which is not something I can say for every mat I have tested over the years.
First off, it is naturally antimicrobial. Cork contains phenolics that naturally kill off bacteria and fungus. If you have ever forgotten to wipe down a plastic mat after a sweaty session and been greeted by a funky smell a week later, you will appreciate this. Research has shown that cork surfaces actually resist the growth of mold and odors far better than foam alternatives. This makes it a very hygienic choice for a shared studio space or a dedicated home practice.
Secondly, the grip is counter-intuitive in the best way possible. Most mats get slippery the moment your palms get a bit damp. With an eco friendly yoga mat made of cork, the grip actually improves as it gets moist. The natural waxy substance in cork, called suberin, reacts with moisture to increase traction. So, whether you are moving through a flow or just holding a steady pose, you feel anchored. Honestly, that is what makes it such a brilliant hot yoga mat too. It gets grippier as you sweat, which feels slightly magical the first time you notice it.
Finally, with forest bathing guide hat on, there is the sustainability factor. Cork is harvested by stripping the bark from the cork oak tree. The tree isn’t cut down. In fact, it regenerates its bark every nine years or so, and while it is regenerating, it actually absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere. It is a truly regenerative material that respects Mother Earth.
From Sound Baths to ecoNIDRA
I often get asked how a mat matters for something as still as a Soundbath or a Yoga Nidra session. Surely you could just lie on a rug? Well, you could, but the grounding sensation of cork on top and a natural rubber yoga mat base underneath adds a layer of “held” safety that synthetic materials just can’t mimic. That natural rubber underside gives the mat real stability, which matters more than people think when you are settling in for longer Breathwork and rest practices.
In my practice, I have been moving more towards a style called ecoNIDRA. If you haven’t come across it before, it is a beautiful evolution of the traditional Nidra. While it follows the same path of deep relaxation, it is fundamentally rooted in our connection to the natural world. It is spiritually neutral and uses non-prescriptive language. One of the key differences is the introduction of a “Nature Partner.”
Before we start, I often invite you to bring a piece of nature into the space with you. It might be a pinecone you found on a walk, a stone from the River Severn, or even a houseplant. If you don’t have one physically present, I will ask you to visualise a majestic oak or a favorite tree from your childhood. This Nature Partner acts as an anchor, a witness to your relaxation.
Having an eco-friendly yoga mat made of actual tree bark under your body makes this connection feel so much more real. You aren’t just imagining nature. You are lying on it.
Final Thoughts on the Rowland Earthing Mat
Investing in an eco friendly yoga mat isn’t just about being “green.” It is about the quality of your personal space. It is about removing the barriers between you and a state of deep relaxation. For me, the real appeal of this non toxic cork yoga mat is that it stays focused on what matters: it is PFA-free, PVC-free, steady under pressure, and beautifully suited to Breathwork, Yoga Nidra, and everyday Worcester wellbeing or wherever in the world you are. Wherever you do your yoga or if you are joining me for a Worcester Sound Bath or practicing Forest Bathing+ in the woods, the tools we use should support our health, not hinder it.
I have found that since switching to this cork yoga mat, my own Yoga Nidra sessions feel more grounded. There is no distracting chemical smell, just the faint, earthy scent of wood. It is a small change, but in the world of wellbeing, those 1% improvements are where the magic happens.
I wish I could afford to provide a stock of these mats for all my sessions but if you are looking to take responsibility for your own health, upgrade your practice and want something that is as kind to your lungs as it is to the planet, I highly recommend checking out Rowland Earthing. For me, this non toxic cork yoga mat really does strike that rare balance between calm, practicality, and a cleaner way to practise. Your body, and Mother Earth, will thank you.
