YOGA Your old yoga mat can find new purpose and continue to serve you in different ways!  Yoga mats are made of strong and durable materials. Even regular, inexpensive yoga mats can last for years before needing replacement. But after years of regular practice, you may need a new mat.Yoga mat recycling options vary depending on their material. Some yoga mat manufacturers, like Kalm, use biodegradable materials that allow the mats to decompose. However, the most commonly used material in yoga mats, polyvinyl chloride (or PVC), is not biodegradable and is known as "forever plastic."Many recycling centers do not accept yoga mats, but there are still many ways to bring your mats back to life. The first step is always to clean your mat. There are several ways to do this. You can fill a bucket with warm soapy water, then soak the mat for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, rinse it under cold water until all the dirt and soap scum are gone. Finally, lay out the mat to air dry for at least 30 minutes. (Note: Never put your mat in the dryer, as the heat can ruin it.)Now, you are now ready to start creating!!   Here are five simple and sustainable ways to upcycle your old yoga mat: 1. Gardening Knee Pad:One of the most practical ways to reuse an old yoga mat is by turning it into a comfortable knee pad for gardening. Cut your mat into smaller pieces and place them in your garden to provide cushioning and support for your knees while planting, weeding, or tending to your plants. The mat's waterproof and easy-to-clean surface makes it perfect for outdoor use. 2. Household Non-Slip Solutions:Yoga mats are designed to be non-slip, and this quality can be handy in various household situations. Cut your old mat into smaller, customizable pieces and use them as non-slip mats: -Place them under rugs to prevent slipping and sliding.-Cut them into drawer or shelf liners to keep items in place.-Use them as a base for your pet's food and water bowls to prevent messes and floor damage. 3. Exercise and Fitness Aids:Your old yoga mat can serve as an excellent exercise tool. Cut it into smaller sections or strips to create various workout aids: -Use strips as resistance bands for stretching and strengthening exercises.-Create cushioned surfaces for floor exercises like sit-ups and planks.-Craft portable, padded exercise mats for outdoor workouts or yoga sessions in the park. 4. Child-Friendly Crafts:Get creative with your old yoga mat to engage your kids in fun and eco-friendly crafting projects: -Cut out shapes to make stencils for sidewalk chalk art.-Create custom coasters by cutting small circles or squares.-Soft, homemade frisbees for safe indoor play.-Cut out letters and numbers for educational games and activities.   5. Donate or Gift It:If your yoga mat is still in relatively good condition but no longer suits your needs, consider donating it to local shelters, schools, or community centers. Many organizations gladly accept yoga mats for various purposes, including providing comfort to those in need. Alternatively, you can gift it to a friend or family member who might find it useful for their fitness routine or hobbies.   Give a new life to your old mat. Final Thoughts. By reimagining the possibilities for your old yoga mat, you can contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability while enjoying its continued utility. Before discarding it, think creatively about how your yoga mat can find a new purpose in your life or the lives of others. Reusing and upcycling are not only environmentally friendly but also a way to honor the versatility of these trusty mats that have supported your practice.   Let us know how else you would give new life to your old mats!