How to navigate sustainably when shopping

With the arrival of Black Friday and the holiday season, it can seem like the last few months of the year are spent in constant consumption mode. From sales and offers to gifts for your loved ones, this time of year is when we tend to do the most shopping. Luckily, with a growing awareness of how important sustainability is to us and the planet, there are many more companies and products that can proudly label themselves as "sustainably sourced" or "eco-friendly," but amidst the hustle and bustle of festive shopping, do we always make the best choice when it comes to gift-giving? Navigating the world of shopping can be difficult when you're just starting out on your pledge to live more sustainably. So if you want to know what to look for when shopping and make the best decisions, read on for the questions to ask yourself, the materials to look for, and our guide to shopping more sustainably this year.

What does “sustainable” actually mean?

Good question! Sustainability is a hot topic right now, and for good reason. Sustainability refers toAvoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance,as well asto meet our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Over the last few decades, mass-produced plastics, pollution, factory farming and the explosion of technological development have taken us in a worrying direction that we cannot afford to go further, and as you may have learned from recent mainstream discussions about climate change, sustainable thinking has never been more important. Sustainable choices are those that help us move away from plastic and pollution to a greener and more environmentally friendly place.

Which materials are sustainable?

Organic hemp, recycled cotton, responsible rubber, bamboo and organic linen are just some of the more sustainable materials that are now being used more frequently to help us make greener choices. Innovative new materials are now also being used, such asTencel –an award-winning fabric made from wood pulp, produced responsibly and in a way that maintains the natural balance of the environment. You can also find other productsPinatex,which is essentially a material made from pineapple leaf fibers! The not-so-sustainable materials? You can find them in plastic, nylon, polyester and acrylic. For more information about sustainable materials, see the Yogamatters Guide To Sustainable Fabrics and Certifications. If you're doing Black Friday or holiday shopping, check labels and manufacturing information before clicking buy.

Now you know more about how to make more sustainable choices, discover some perfect examples of sustainable shopping straight from the Yogamatters shop:

1. Yogamatters Eco Starter Kit

With responsible rubber, natural cork and organic cotton, this is the yoga set of choice to make your practice more eco-friendly. Whether you want to upgrade your own props or gift it to someone starting their yoga journey this year, do it in a way that doesn't deplete the environment. The Eco Rise mat is made from a combination of responsibly harvested natural rubber with an organic cotton fabric for good grip, while the cork tiles come from a renewable and recyclable source, and the belts and straps are both 100% organic.

2. Yogamatters Eco High Waisted Yoga Leggings

Not all yoga leggings are created equal! Many brands use polyester, Lycra or nylon, which not only prevent the body's pores from breathing optimally, but are also completely unsustainable. Yogamatters' eco yogawear collection is a great example of what to look for in your yoga clothing. The Eco High Rise Yoga Leggings are made from organic cotton and Tencel Modal and have been updated to offer more stretch with stronger seams. Other great examples of sustainable yoga clothing include the beautiful Gossypium Aspire Cropped Harem Pants, and the Yogamatters Eco Support Yoga Top.

3. Yogamatters Hemp Buckwheat Bolster

A bolster is one of the most versatile and effective ways to complete your yoga set. They are used for restorative yoga practice and also for everyday comfort at home. Bolsters have many different uses and are available in many different materials. The Yogamatters Hemp Buckwheat Bolster uses organic buckwheat hulls and hemp - one of the most sustainable raw materials in the world. Carefully made in India with a long-standing partner of Yogamatters, you can rest assured (in the truest sense of the word) that these beautiful bolsters have also been made fairly.

Good luck navigating the shopping world this season! Remember when you go to the high street, bring reusable bags and choose recyclable paper rather than plastic or non-recyclable wrapping paper for your gifts. And be sure to read this guide to make more sustainable and eco-friendly choices.

All the shoppingYogamatters Christmas Gift Guideand get perfect gifts that are sure to make you smile this season. Order early to avoid delivery delays!