Note: This article is an honest review of the best eco-friendly yoga blocks, yoga straps, and joy-a-toes. If you are looking for other yoga equipment such as yoga mats for home practice go here or yoga mats for travel, go here. If you would like us to review your yoga gear, reach out to us through our Contact Us page.
I’m obsessed with getting a high quality, eco-friendly yoga equipment for a reasonable price. For that reason, I have tested a wide variety of yoga accessories produced by a number of different yoga equipment brands. If you’re looking for some yoga gear for your home practice, look no further!
I consider yoga straps and blocks to be essential items for your home practice. Straps help you move into a variety of poses, including forward folds, twists and binds. Blocks help you with both seated and standing poses, particularly if you have tight hips or you find it hard to balance. This is my review of some of the best eco-friendly yoga blocks and straps available.
Important: the top items aren't necessarily the best choice for you - it depends on your needs and this review will help you figure that out. Also, don't forget to check out the Joy-a-toes at the bottom!
Note: All prices are in US$.
Disclosure: Some, but not all, of the links below are affiliate links and DoYogaWithMe may receive a commission for purchases made through links in this post. These are all products we highly recommend and have verified through personal experience.
Yoga Blocks
1. Carolina Morning Buckwheat Yoga Block
Size: 9” x 6” x 5”
Weight: 3 lb
Material: Organic cotton and buckwheat hulls
Made in: USA
Packaging: No plastic
Pros
This yoga block is environmentally friendly and highly functional. It feels like a dense meditation cushion, providing the stability you need when using it for support in standing poses, while making it comfortable to sit on or squeeze between your knees. Carolina Morning also does not ship with any plastic packaging.
Cons
Some may prefer a lighter block.
Buy the Carolina Morning Buckwheat Yoga Block if:
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You want a block that is firm but has some give to it.
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You like the fact that it's comfortable to sit on.
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You don't mind that it's a bit heavier than a foam block.
Don't buy the Carolina Morning Buckwheat Yoga Block if:
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You are looking for a light block
Click here to order the Carolina Morning Buckwheat Yoga Block from their website.
2. Tranquil Yogi 4" Cork Yoga Block
Size: 4” x 6” x 9” (3" also available)
Weight: 2.1 lb
Material: Cork
Made in: China
Packaging: No Plastic
Pros
The cork yoga block is firmer than the buckwheat block but softer than the Hugger Mugger bamboo yoga block (see below). It has good grip, is easier to sit on than bamboo, provides more stability than foam and might simply feel nicer to some yogis (cork feels good!). It’s also eco-friendly and biodegradable. Lastly, you receive a 10% discount when you purchase from this page. Tranquil Yogi also does not ship with plastic packaging.
Cons
Cork can be too dense to sit on and too heavy to move around or hold in the air for some people. This block is particularly big and therefore heavy, for a cork block.
Buy the Tranquil Yogi 4” Cork Block if:
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You like a block that has a surface that is easy to grip.
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You like the feel of cork.
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You like a block that is firm and solid, but has a bit of give.
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You like the fact that cork is eco-friendly.
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You like a big, thick block, giving you more support in all poses.
Don’t buy the Tranquil Yogi 4” Cork Block if:
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You prefer a block that is light, such as foam.
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You prefer a harder, smoother block, like bamboo.
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You prefer a softer block, that is more comfortable to sit on.
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You prefer a thinner, lighter block.
Click here to order the Tranquil Yogi 4” Cork Yoga Block from their website.
3. 2nd Wind Health 3" Cork Yoga Block
Size: 3” x 6” x 9”
Weight: 1 lb
Material: Cork
Made in: China
Packaging: No plastic
Pros
This is a slightly thinner, lighter version of the cork yoga block that has all of the great features of cork (firm, soft, solid and supportive, easy to grip, eco-friendly and biodegradable) but is thinner than the others. 2nd Wind Health also does not ship with plastic packaging.
Cons
Along with cork being too dense to sit on and too heavy to move around for some people, you may want a thicker block.
Buy the 2nd Wind Health Cork Yoga Block if:
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You like a block that has a surface that is easy to grip.
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You like the feel of cork over bamboo or foam.
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You like a block that is firm and solid, but has give.
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You like the fact that cork is eco-friendly.
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You like a thinner block, making it easier to grab and hold.
Don’t buy the 2nd Wind Health Cork Yoga Block if:
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You prefer a block that is light, such as foam.
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You prefer a softer block, that is more comfortable to sit on.
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You prefer a thick block.
Click here to order the 2nd Wind Health 3” Cork Yoga Block from their website
4. Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block
Size: 3.5” x 5.5” x 9”
Weight: 1.9 lb
Material: Cork
Made in: China
Packaging: Unknown
Pros
The Hugger Mugger Core Block has all the features of the Halfmoon, above, but is slightly lighter at 1.9 lb. As stated above, all of the benefits of a cork block apply, which are many, so you can make your choice based on size and price.
Cons
This cork block is the mid range in terms of size, but it can be still too dense to sit on and too heavy to move around or hold in the air for some people.
Buy the Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block if:
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You like a block that has a surface that is easy to grip.
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You like the feel of cork over bamboo or foam.
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You like a block that is firm and solid, but has give.
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You like the fact that cork is eco-friendly.
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You like cork but want a block smaller than the ones above.
Don’t buy the Halfmoon Natural Cork Block if:
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You prefer a block that is light, such as foam.
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You prefer a softer block, that is more comfortable to sit on
Click here to order the Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block from Amazon.
5. Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block
Size: 4” x 6” x 9”
Weight: 2.2 lb
Material: Bamboo
Made in: China
Packaging: This block is wrapped in plastic
Pros
The Hugger Mugger Bamboo yoga block is solid, durable and light, and is also bigger than the average block. It’s made from one of the fastest-growing natural materials, making it a great choice for the eco-conscious. They are also a lighter than their wooden counterparts due to the density of bamboo and the block’s hollow core. The blocks have rounded edges and a nice finish.
Cons
The weight of the bamboo block can be a deterrent - it’s about halfway between a foam block and a wooden block. It also has a harder, more slippery surface than cork or foam.
Buy the Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block if:
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You like a block to have some weight.
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You like the feel of bamboo.
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You like a block that feels solid.
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You like blocks that are a bit bigger than average.
Don’t buy the Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block if:
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You prefer a block that is easy to grip.
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You like blocks that are light and have some give.
Click here to order the Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block from Amazon.
6. Hugger Mugger Recycled Foam Block
Size: 4” x 6” x 9”
Weight: 0.9 lb
Material: Eco-friendly EVA foam and recycled agricultural polyethylene
Made in: China
Packaging: Unknown
Pros
If you are looking for a block that is light, extremely firm and eco-friendly, the Hugger Mugger Recycled Foam Block is one of your best choices. They are strong and solid, with beveled edges and are long lasting and recyclable.
Cons
The density of this block can make it too firm for some yogis, especially those who would like to sit on it.
Buy the Hugger Mugger Recycled Foam Block if:
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You like a block that is really light.
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You like the feel of foam over bamboo or cork.
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You like a foam block that is more dense than most.
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You like blocks that are a bit bigger than average.
Don’t buy the Hugger Mugger Recycled Foam Block if:
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You prefer a block that is heavier than foam.
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You prefer a soft foam block (this one is quite dense)
Click here to order the Hugger Mugger Recycled Foam Yoga Block from Amazon.
7. Halfmoon Chip Foam Yoga Block
Size: 2” x 8” x 12”
Weight: 1.3 lb
Material: Foam offcuts
Made in: Canada
Packaging: Unknown
Pros
This, as far as I’m concerned, is an essential inclusion when selecting props for your home practice. It’s the best block to sit on or provide padding for your knees when in a lunge and is incredibly multi-functional, particularly if you have more than one.
Cons
There aren’t many reasons not to buy this block. The foam chips away quite easily, but these blocks generally last a long time.
Buy the Halfmoon Chip Foam Block if:
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You feel more comfortable when you’re sitting on something.
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You like padding under your knees.
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You need something firm and solid to lift you higher in any pose.
Don’t buy the Halfmoon Chip Foam Block if:
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You are happy using a blanket or other block to sit on.
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You are happy using a blanket under your knees.
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You don’t see any other use for it.
Click here to order the Halfmoon Chip Foam Yoga Block from their website.
8. Halfmoon Natural Cork Yoga Block
Size: 3.5” x 5.5” x 9”
Weight: 2.1 lb
Material: Cork
Made in: China
Packaging: Unknown
Pros
This is a slightly smaller (thinner and shorter) cork block than the Tranquil Yogi 4” block, making it lighter and easier to handle. Of course, it has all of the benefits of a cork block (firm but soft, grippy surface, easy to use, eco-friendly) so the choice can be mainly about size and price.
Cons
Cork can be too dense to sit on and too heavy to move around or hold in the air for some people.
Buy the Halfmoon Natural Cork Block if:
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You like a block that has a surface that is easy to grip.
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You like the feel of cork over bamboo or foam.
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You like a block that is firm and solid, but has give.
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You like the fact that cork is eco-friendly.
Don’t buy the Halfmoon Natural Cork Block if:
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You prefer a block that is light, such as foam.
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You prefer a softer block, that is more comfortable to sit on
Click here to order the Halfmoon Cork Yoga Block from their website.
Yoga Straps
1. Carolina Morning Organic Cotton 8' Yoga Strap
Width and Length: 2” x 8’
Material: Organic Cotton
Made in: USA
Packaging: No plastic
Pros
This soft, thin, pliable yoga strap is one of our favorites. It feels comfortable to wrap around the wrists, knees and ankles and is surprisingly strong. It's highly functional, light and has very strong, reliable clasp with a metal d-ring. It is also a very nice length, a bit longer than the average 6' strap.
Cons
If you prefer a strap that is feels stronger and thicker, this is not the one for you.
Buy the Carolina Morning Organic Cotton 8' Yoga Strap if:
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You like a strap that comfortably wraps around wrists, hands and ankles.
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You like that is has a strong, metal clasp that holds firm.
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You like that it has a large d-ring, making it easy to thread the strap through.
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You like a strap that is a thin and pliable.
Don’t buy the Carolina Morning Organic Cotton 8' Yoga Strap if:
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You prefer a strap that feels coarse.
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You prefer a plastic clasp.
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You prefer a strap that is stiff and feels strong.
Click here to order the Carolina Morning Organic Cotton 8' Yoga Strap from their website.
2. Prana Raja Organic Cotton 8' Yoga Strap
Width and Length: 1.5” x 8’
Material: Organic Cotton
Made in: Unknown
Packaging: Unknown
Pros
Note: The links take you to the Prana homepage and give you free shipping. The Raja Yoga Strap is a bit thicker than other straps, making it feel a bit stiffer and incredibly strong and durable. The strap is smooth and feels nice to the touch. The D-ring buckle holds firm and the strap is made from 100% organic cotton.
Cons
The extra thickness and the smooth surface can make it more difficult to some people to hold onto the strap. The D-ring, although it holds very firm, makes it harder to thread the strap through.
Buy the Prana Raja Organic Cotton Yoga Strap if:
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You like a strap that feels smooth.
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You like that is has a strong, metal clasp that holds firm.
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You like that it’s made from organic cotton.
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You like a strap that is a bit thicker and stiffer.
Don’t buy the Prana Raja Organic Cotton Yoga Strap if:
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You prefer a strap that feels coarse and has good grip.
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You prefer a strap that is easy to slip into the clasp.
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You prefer a plastic clasp.
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You prefer a strap that is not at all stiff - that feels pliable.
Click here to order the Prana Raja Organic Cotton Yoga Strap from the Prana website.
Special Mention
Halfmoon Joy-a-Toes
Material: Gel
Made in: Taiwan
Packaging: Shipped in plastic
Pros
Halfmoon’s joy-a-toes are a fantastic way to relax and rejuvenate your tired, achy, tight feet. They essentially spread your toes out, increasing flexibility between the toes, improving circulation, opening channels of energy, relaxing soft tissue, realigning bones and helping your feet recover from the punishment of everyday life, including wearing high heels. They also help you avoid, or lessen the impact, of bunions.
Cons
I don’t see any reason not to purchase a set of joy-a-toes, outside of price. They are quite expensive, but so worth it!
Buy a set of Halfmoon Joy-a-Toes if:
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You would like to stretch your toes out.
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You would like to help your toes recover from being in tight shoes or high heels.
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You are getting bunions or want to avoid them.
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You like when your feet feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Don’t buy a set of Halfmoon Joy-a-Toes if:
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You don’t need self love for your feet.
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You can’t afford a pair.
Click here to order the Halfmoon Joy-a-Toes from their website.
We hope this article helps you make an eco-friendly choice when purchasing yoga gear for your home or studio!
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