Which meditation cushions and benches contain no plastic, fill and zipper included?
This category is being vetted. Nothing here is a recommendation yet.
Where plastic hides in meditation cushions and benches
The classic zafu is buckwheat hulls in a cotton cover, which sounds finished. The fill is the first place to look: memory foam and polyester fiberfill turn up in cushions that also say "buckwheat." Kapok, wool, cotton and hulls are the plain fills. The cover is next, since zippers are nylon or polyester coil, the carry handle is webbing, and the thread is polyester unless named. On a bench, the finish is varnish or oil, the hinges and bolts are steel or plastic, and the pads under the feet are felt or rubber of an unnamed kind.
What to check before you buy
- The fill: buckwheat hulls, kapok, wool or cotton, or memory foam and polyester?
- The cover and thread: cotton, linen or hemp with named thread, or polyester?
- The zip and handle: a metal zip and cotton handle, or nylon coil and webbing?
- The wood of a bench: species named, and what is the finish?
- Hinges, bolts and pads: steel or brass, or plastic and foam?
- The seat pad on a bench: wool or cotton, or foam?