Unlocking the Truth: Is Beyond Yoga Truly Sustainable?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

In a world where environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, it’s important to ask whether the brands we support align with our values. With the rise of eco-conscious consumers, fashion brands are facing scrutiny over their practices and their impact on the planet. One such brand that has garnered attention is Beyond Yoga. Known for its stylish and comfortable activewear, many are wondering – is Beyond Yoga truly sustainable? In this article, we will delve into the practices and policies of Beyond Yoga to answer this burning question. So, let’s explore the sustainability of Beyond Yoga and whether they are living up to their name.

Beyond Yoga is a popular activewear brand that prides itself on producing high-quality and comfortable clothing for all body types. However, with the rise of eco-conscious consumers, there has been increasing concern about the sustainability practices of fashion brands. This brings up the question, “Is Beyond Yoga Sustainable?” In this article, we will examine their sustainability practices and determine if they are truly living up to their sustainability claims.

The Beginnings of Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga was founded in 2005 by Jodi Guber – a yoga instructor who wanted to create functional and stylish clothing for women. The brand quickly gained popularity in the yoga community for their inclusive size range and comfortable fabrics. Over the years, Beyond Yoga has expanded beyond just yoga wear and now offers a wide range of activewear for all types of workouts. Despite their success, the brand has faced scrutiny over their sustainability practices.

Material Sourcing

The first step towards becoming a sustainable brand is to ensure that materials used in production are environmentally friendly. Beyond Yoga primarily uses materials like Lenzing Modal and Polyester (recycled or virgin) in their clothing. Lenzing Modal is a sustainable fabric made from beech tree pulp that requires less energy and water to produce compared to traditional cotton. Polyester, on the other hand, is known for its durability and moisture-wicking properties. However, it can also have negative impacts on the environment due to microfiber shedding during washing.
In an effort to reduce this issue, Beyond Yoga has partnered with organizations like Textile Exchange to incorporate recycled polyester into their production process. They also source materials from suppliers who have certifications such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Bluesign®, which ensure responsible manufacturing practices.

Ethical Manufacturing

Apart from material sourcing, ethical manufacturing is another crucial aspect when it comes to sustainability in the fashion industry. Beyond Yoga holds their manufacturing partners to high ethical standards and ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers. They also have a code of conduct in place to prohibit any forced labor, child labor, or discrimination within their supply chain.
Moreover, the brand is committed to reducing their carbon footprint by producing clothing close to their Los Angeles headquarters, which also supports the local economy. This reduces transportation emissions and allows for more transparent oversight of manufacturing practices.

Packaging and Shipping

Packaging and shipping have a significant impact on a brand’s overall sustainability. Beyond Yoga uses compostable or fully recyclable packaging materials when shipping their products. They also offer carbon-neutral shipping options to offset the environmental impact of transportation.
In addition, they have implemented a take-back program where customers can return used Beyond Yoga products for recycling or repurposing.

Community and Social Responsibility

Beyond Yoga understands the importance of giving back to the community and being socially responsible. They have partnered with various organizations like Time’s Up, Mental Health America, and Feeding America to donate a portion of their sales towards important causes.
The brand also has an active social media presence where they promote body positivity and inclusivity through various campaigns and collaborations with diverse individuals.

Inclusivity

One area where Beyond Yoga stands out is its commitment to inclusivity. They offer sizes ranging from XXS-3X in most of their clothing styles, making it accessible for people of all body types. This shows that sustainability goes beyond just environmental practices; it also includes creating an inclusive brand that caters to all individuals.

Conclusion

So, is Beyond Yoga sustainable? Based on their efforts towards material sourcing, ethical manufacturing, packaging and shipping, community involvement, inclusivity, and transparency in supply chain practices, it’s safe to say that they are taking steps in the right direction. However, there is always room for improvement, and we hope to see Beyond Yoga continue to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of their brand. Ultimately, it’s up to consumers to support sustainable practices by choosing brands like Beyond Yoga that align with their values.

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion has become a buzzword in the fashion industry, with more and more consumers becoming conscious of the social and environmental impact of their clothing choices. But what exactly does sustainable fashion mean? Put simply, sustainable fashion is an approach to garment production that takes into consideration the entire lifecycle of a piece of clothing, from the design stage to disposal. This includes using sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, and reducing waste and pollution.

While there are many aspects to sustainable fashion, one key factor is the use of eco-friendly materials. This can include organic cotton, bamboo, Tencel (made from sustainably harvested trees), recycled polyester, and other natural or recycled fibers. These materials require less energy and resources to produce, compared to traditional fabrics like cotton or polyester. They also biodegrade easily when disposed of, reducing the environmental impact.

Another important aspect of sustainable fashion is ethical labor practices. This means ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers involved in garment production. Many ethical brands also have transparency about their supply chain, so consumers can be sure that their clothes are not made with exploitative labor practices.

Sustainable fashion also aims to reduce waste and pollution by implementing circular systems. This includes recycling fabric scraps into new garments or using them for other purposes like insulation or carpet padding. Some brands also have take-back programs where customers can return their old clothes for recycling instead of throwing them away.

Is Beyond Yoga Sustainable?

Beyond Yoga is a popular yoga clothing brand known for its high-quality workout wear made from soft and comfortable materials. But is Beyond Yoga truly sustainable? The brand has taken steps towards sustainability by offering some collections made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. Additionally, they have a ‘zero waste’ initiative where they use any leftover fabric scraps to create new styles.

While these efforts are certainly commendable, it is worth noting that Beyond Yoga does not currently have a strict sustainability policy or certification. This means that they may not be held accountable for their sustainability claims and practices. The brand also primarily uses standard cotton, which is a resource-intensive crop, and some garments are still made from traditional polyester.

However, Beyond Yoga has pledged to make more sustainable choices in the future and has acknowledged the need for more environmental responsibility in the fashion industry. They have also partnered with organizations like 1% for the Planet and Women’s Earth Alliance, further showcasing their commitment to sustainable initiatives.

What Steps is Beyond Yoga Taking to Improve Sustainability?

As mentioned before, Beyond Yoga has taken steps towards sustainability by using organic cotton and recycled polyester. In addition to these materials, they also use other eco-friendly fabrics such as Tencel and modal in some of their collections.

Beyond Yoga also has a ‘beyond good’ program where they partner with various charities to promote social and environmental causes. This includes supporting breast cancer awareness through donations and raising funds for marine conservation efforts.

Moreover, Beyond Yoga is working towards making their supply chain more sustainable by partnering with factories that practice ethical labor standards. They are also committed to reducing waste by using eco-friendly packaging for their products.

Furthermore, Beyond Yoga encourages customers to take care of their products to prolong their lifespan through proper washing techniques and encouraging mindful consumption habits.

Are There Any Concerns About Beyond Yoga’s Sustainability Efforts?

While it is commendable that Beyond Yoga has taken steps towards sustainability, there are still concerns about the brand’s overall impact on the environment. As mentioned earlier, the brand primarily uses standard cotton which is considered one of the most water-intensive crops.

Additionally, some critics have pointed out that using recycled polyester may not be as sustainable as it seems. This is because washing synthetic fabrics releases microplastics into water systems which can have harmful effects on marine life.

There are also concerns about Beyond Yoga’s supply chain and labor practices. The brand does not have a strict sustainability certification, which means that their ethical practices may not be closely monitored.

In conclusion, while Beyond Yoga is taking steps towards sustainability, there is room for improvement in their practices. The brand can work towards sourcing more sustainable materials and exploring alternative options to traditional cotton and recycled polyester.

Moreover, a strict sustainability policy and certification would ensure that Beyond Yoga’s claims are backed by concrete measures. Despite the concerns, it is encouraging to see a popular brand like Beyond Yoga acknowledging the need for sustainability in the fashion industry and taking steps towards making a positive impact. As consumers become more conscious about their clothing choices, it is important for brands to continue to strive for ethical and sustainable practices.

1. Is Beyond Yoga a sustainable brand?
Yes, Beyond Yoga is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. These include using eco-friendly fabrics, minimizing water and energy consumption, and incorporating ethical practices in their supply chain.

2. What kind of fabrics does Beyond Yoga use?
Beyond Yoga uses a mix of sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and Tencel. They also have their own signature fabric called Spacedye, which is made from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex.

3. Does Beyond Yoga have a sustainability program in place?
Yes, Beyond Yoga has a sustainability program called “Made for Movement” which focuses on creating activewear that is both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This program includes initiatives like reducing waste in their packaging and giving back to the community through partnerships with non-profit organizations.

4. How does Beyond Yoga ensure fair labor practices in their supply chain?
Beyond Yoga requires all their suppliers to comply with their Code of Conduct, which ensures fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and no child labor or forced labor. They also conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with these standards.

5. Can I recycle my Beyond Yoga clothing?
Yes, most of the materials used by Beyond Yoga are recyclable. If you no longer want your clothing items, you can send them back to Beyond Yoga’s recycling partner who will responsibly recycle the materials.

6. Is there any way I can track Beyond Yoga’s sustainability progress?
Yes, you can visit the “Sustainability” section on Beyond Yoga’s website to learn more about their sustainability efforts and track their progress through their annual sustainability report. This report includes information on all the initiatives they have implemented and the impact they have had on the environment and communities so far.

In conclusion, the question of whether Beyond Yoga is a sustainable company has been thoroughly explored and it is clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. On one hand, Beyond Yoga has made efforts towards sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and implementing ethical labor practices. On the other hand, there are areas where they can improve, such as transparency in their supply chain and reducing plastic packaging.

Furthermore, while Beyond Yoga’s sustainability initiatives are commendable, it is important to recognize that true sustainability goes beyond just environmental and labor impacts. It also involves social and economic factors, which may not be fully addressed by a single company.

Ultimately, it is up to consumers to make informed decisions about the brands they support. By being aware of Beyond Yoga’s efforts towards sustainability and holding them accountable for areas where they can improve, we can empower them to continue on a path towards greater sustainability. Additionally, we as consumers can also play our part by making conscious choices in our purchases and encouraging others to do the same.

In today’s world, where the effects of climate change and unsustainable practices are becoming increasingly evident, it is imperative that companies like Beyond Yoga strive towards more sustainable operations. As such, it is our responsibility as consumers to demand accountability and transparency from companies we support.

Thus

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.