The Best Eco-Friendly Meditation Mats: A Review of 5 Organic Zabutons

Stack of meditation cushions.

There is more to mindfulness than just meditation. Being mindful means being aware of the choices you make and how they affect the world around you. That can include the meditation mat that is literally right under your nose. More than just a cushion, an eco-friendly, organic zabuton can also have a positive influence on the environment.

If you’re searching for a more sustainable option, you’re not alone. More and more practitioners are looking for eco-friendly products that align with their values. In this article, we’ll review five of the best organic meditation mats out there, covering their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Meditation Mat?

Yellow flower in between gardener's hands.

Before diving into the reviews, let’s talk about why choosing an eco-friendly zabuton matters. The materials used in many modern mats often use synthetic fibers, dyes, and chemical processing that can be harmful to both you and the environment. Even natural materials can be grown using chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins.

By opting for an organic, eco-friendly mat, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding exposure to potentially harmful substances. Plus, you’ll likely find that these mats are made with care, offering an equally comfortable and supportive surface for your practice.

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Renoo Organic Meditation Cushion Set

The Renoo Organic Meditation Cushion Set is admittedly our favorite. The only option on this list that comes with a bonus zafu, both the covers and filling for each cushion is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic materials.

The 30″x30″x5″ zabuton is filled with organic kapok, providing a firm and supportive base for your meditation, while the 7″-tall zafu is filled with organic buckwheat hulls. Both cushions have covers made of 100% organic cotton, linen, and hemp. Overall, it’s a sustainable, and still very supportive, cushion set.

Pros

  • All-organic materials: The set is made entirely from organic materials, both inside and out, which supports you and the environment.
  • Perfect Size: The dimensions of both cushions provide an ideal size for any cross-legged or kneeling position.
  • Value: Although this isn’t the least expensive option on the list, it is likely the best value due to the quality of design and the fact that it comes with a zafu.

Cons

  • Consistency: Renoo is the first to admit it themselves, but the fact that these are handmade with natural and organic materials can result in some inconsistencies in the stitching, color, or other details. For example, there have been instances where the color of the zafu doesn’t exactly match the color of the zabuton. It doesn’t seem to affect the overall quality though.

The Renoo Organic Meditation Cushion Set is a great choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or quality. Just be prepared for some minor inconsistencies in color, stitching, or other details.

Avocado Organic Square Meditation Yoga Pillow

Avocado is a brand lauded for its commitment to sustainability, and their Organic Square Meditation Yoga Pillow lives up to that reputation. The cover of this zabuton is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and filled with buckwheat hulls, a combination that offers a unique balance of softness and support.

After speaking with the manufacturer, they were also responsibly forthcoming in telling us that the buckwheat hulls are not organic, but third-party testing has confirmed that they are safe and commercial food grade. If you’d like to learn more about Avocado’s many sustainability accolades, check out their 2023 Impact Report.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly materials: The use of organic cotton, along with the company’s MADE SAFE® certification and sustainable business practices, ensures a very eco-friendly product.
  • Comfortable and supportive: The buckwheat hull filling provides a firm and supportive surface, perfect for meditation and yoga alike.
  • Modern Design: The clean, textured pattern on the cover gives it a modern look that speaks to its high-quality design.

Cons

  • Price: This is the priciest option on our list. The quality likely warrants the price, but other options on the list may be a better overall value.
  • Size and Weight: The pillow is a bit smaller than others at 27″x27″, making it a tight fit especially for taller meditators. Despite the smaller size, the buckwheat hull filling makes it quite heavy at 18.5 pounds, which could be an issue if you need to move it frequently.
  • Non-Organic Buckwheat Hulls: Although the cover is 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, the buckwheat hulls are not organic.

The Avocado Organic Square Meditation Yoga Pillow is an excellent choice for those who value sustainability and supportive comfort. Its modern design is attractive, though the high price tag reflects that.

DharmaCrafts Eco Organic Zabuton

DharmaCrafts is a well-known name in the meditation community, and their Eco Organic Zabuton doesn’t disappoint. Made with a 100% certified organic cover, lining, and batting, this zabuton is designed to offer a comfortable and environmentally friendly base for your practice.

The cover and batting are made from certified organic cotton, and the lining is made from certified organic muslin. Even the dyes used in the various colorings of the covers are eco friendly and low impact.

Pros

  • Sustainably sourced: The cotton and muslin are grown without harmful chemicals, making this a truly eco-friendly option.
  • Size Options: This meditation mat is offered in two sizes, 31″x26″x4″ and 36″x28″x4″. The smaller mat would be great for the vast majority of users, but it’s nice that they offer a jumbo version for taller people.
  • Machine washable: The removable cover is machine washable, adding a layer of convenience to your meditation routine.

Cons

  • Pricy: Slightly less expensive than the Avocado mat, this zabuton is still on the more expensive side, which might not be ideal for beginners.
  • Softness: Although the cotton batting is comfortable and lightweight, it doesn’t tend to hold its shape as well as kapok or buckwheat.

The DharmaCrafts Eco Organic Zabuton is a good choice if you’re serious about meditation and sustainability. Its high-quality construction and sustainable materials justify the price, but it may not be the best fit if you prefer a firmer mat.

Basaho Zabuton Meditation Mat

The Basaho Zabuton Meditation Mat is a simple, no-frills zabuton with a commitment to sustainability. The cover is made from 100% OCS-certified organic cotton and it is filled with recycled fibers. The 2″-thick recycled fiber filling is unique and tends to hold its shape better than cotton batting.

Pros

  • Sustainable Materials: Like all the other options on this list, the materials used for this cushion are better for the environment, using organic cotton for the cover and eco-friendly recycled fiber material for the filling.
  • Good Size: This meditation mat measures 35″x28″, providing plenty of space for cross-legged positions for people of varying sizes.
  • Portability: While the 2″ thickness of the mat can be a drawback, which we’ll discuss below, it does make the zabuton very portable as it can be rolled up and easily taken with you.

Cons

  • Thickness: The mat is only 2″ thick, which may not provide great support for larger people, but generally speaking it seems to do the trick pretty well.
  • Non-Organic Filling: While the filling is made from recycled fiber, it is not certified organic.

The Basaho Zabuton Meditation Mat is perfect for those who appreciate minimalist design and eco-friendly materials. It provides a good space for comfortable meditation, though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea due to the thinness of the mat.

Maya Lumbini Organic Meditation Mat

To top off our list, the Maya Lumbini Organic Meditation Mat is handcrafted from organic cotton, Azo-free natural dyes, and wild-grown kapok, making it one of the most environmentally conscious choices out there. This mat is not only eco-friendly but also comes in multiple sizes and thicknesses based on your preference.

Pros

  • Organic materials: Each mat is made by hand using GOTS-certified organic cotton and wild-grown organic kapok.
  • Price: This is the least expensive option on the list and still provides a great value for any meditator.
  • Multiple Sizes: This zabuton comes in 3″ or 4″ thicknesses and they also have a tall version, which measures 35″x27″ instead of the standard 32″x27″.

Cons

  • Lumps: The kapok filling is not very densely packed, which can cause the mat to become lumpy or uneven.
  • Thinner Than Advertised: In addition to being a bit lumpy, the mat appears to be thinner than advertised, which may affect the mat’s comfort.

The Maya Lumbini Organic Meditation Mat is a good choice if you’re looking for a eco-friendly, handcrafted product. However, the zabuton’s comfort may be somewhat compromised by the less dense filling and thinner size.

Conclusion

Straw floor cushions in a minimalistic room.

Selecting the best eco-friendly meditation mat depends on your personal preferences and needs. Each of the mats we’ve reviewed offers unique benefits.

Whichever mat you choose, you’ll be making a choice that’s good for both your practice and the planet. Remember to consider your specific needs—whether it’s support, size, or aesthetic—when making your decision. Happy meditating!


If you’re looking for a zafu, or meditation cushion, to go with your zabuton, check out our article on the Top 6 Zafus for the Perfect Meditation Session!

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