My yoga instructor recommended the Jade yoga mat for beginners or people who are hyperflexible. The thinner mat lends additional stability in poses and I adore the unique texture (diamonds instead of squares).

I have enjoyed using it regularly in my home practice.

One caveat, although it is crafted from natural rubber, people with latex allergies may be sensitive. It has not posed a problem for me though I do get contact dermatitis from latex prolonged exposure.

Prana sells an eco-friendly (ish) mat, I see it sold in studios quite frequently. Gaiam is also a good resource for earth-friendly clothing, yoga & props, etc. They have an all-inclusive home/lifestyle goods site.

Hugger Mugger is a large supplier of yoga products, and I think they have some more eco-friendly options.

I would suggest if you are planning to practice fairly regularly to pick up a thicker mat than the 'standard' ones you see at the big box stores. I am a regular practitioner and use 2 mats at the studio, at home I have one thick mat. It saves your wrists!!

There are lots of choices for props (blocks/belts/blankets) that are eco-friendly. I have a hemp strap, and cork and bamboo blocks are available, too. Bamboo blocks tend to be heavier, the cork is heavier than the foam blocks you'd normally use at a studio. Keep this in mind if you are using them between your knees, and also if you are sitting on them--bamboo blocks are sort of like sitting on wood, gets uncomfy after awhile!

the yoga mat you already have is the eco-friendliest. :)

We reviewed the kid's sized yoga mat from Lotuspad on our blog a couple of years ago and have since purchased 2 adult sized mats from Lotuspad for our own use. They are made of TPE and are so thick and comfortable. We highly recommend them!

You can also get an eco-friendly Yoga bag to match your eco-friendly Yoga mat.

Yogoco Yoga bags are made from pre-consumer t-shirt scraps, and each bag saves 2lbs of land fill! Very stylish and highly functional.

You can read more at http://www.yogoco.com or http://www.activewearusa.com

It doesnt have to be a mat as in the foam style mat. Never get it why people cant use a nice thick throw. Even a simple quilt works. Why do we have to crack our head on looking for a mat? The idea to use PVC mat is a recent thing actually.

@susrith, people can't use a nice thick throw because, in general, something plush won't support your foundation (hands and feet) in a regular yoga practice. It'd be fine for a brief 15-minute session, but doing an active vinyasa session with active muscle engagement on a thick throw could lead to injury (not being able to root your feet/hands adequately, feet slipping in standing poses,
etc).

My recommendation is for the Manduka Black Mat Pro -- I got mine off Craigslist 4 years ago and, even with a serious daily practice, it's still in perfect condition. I've tried the Jade and Prana Revolution eco mats and found you slide around like crazy if you get sweaty -- not good. I have no complaints about Manduka Pro.

Manduka mats are hands down the best yoga mats on the market. I have gone through so many mats in my ten plus years of yoga and I finally bought a Manduka four years ago and have never looked back. I use it every day for a vigerous Ashtanga practice and it still looks brand new.

If you have old yoga mats, donate them to your yoga studio or yoga teacher, there are always charity yoga programs that can use free mats.