Our society's overconsumption is a massive global problem. If we continue living as we have been, all other problems will pale in comparison to the catastrophic effects on our planet.

Earth Day on April 22nd serves as a reminder of the urgent need for climate and environmental protection. More than 175 countries participate in Earth Day with various themes, activities, and events.

The initials of "Earth Day International" were used to highlight the most important points:
"E" stands for education: People need to learn to appreciate the Earth again. Positive ideas and experiences are necessary so that consumers buy high-quality and durable products.
"D" stands for dialogue: Due to the already progressing environmental destruction, these measures cannot be delayed. Dialogue between industrialized nations and the developing world is just as important as the exchange among stakeholders such as businesses, consumers, policymakers, and scientists.
“I” stands for initiative: The actions of each individual bring about change and set visible examples.

LUVIYO stands for sustainability

From the very beginning, we at LUVIYO have set ourselves the goal of producing sustainable, durable and high-quality products for all yogis and yoga enthusiasts.
This year's theme for Earth Day in Germany fits perfectly: "Your clothes make the person – sustainable, organic & fair suits you and the Earth better."
To ensure our products are manufactured as environmentally friendly as possible, we implement comprehensive measures. We are open to innovation and continuously optimize our processes in procurement, manufacturing, and distribution. Conserving increasingly scarce resources is a matter close to our hearts.

What distinguishes LUVIYO products with regard to environmental protection?

1. Yoga mats

Our yoga mats are made from recycled PET and biodegradable, sustainably produced natural rubber. The non-slip, absorbent microfiber blend of the yoga mat offers superior comfort during your practice and is completely free of harmful substances.
Each of our all-in-one and travel yoga mats incorporates 15 recycled PET bottles in its production. Thanks to your purchase of these yoga mats, 602,330 plastic bottles have already been recycled in this way.

You too can make an important contribution to the environment by buying sustainable and durable yoga equipment.

https://luviyo.com/collections/yogamatten

2. Yoga Activewear

A perfect blend of recycled nylon and elastane makes our activewear incredibly stretchy and body-shaping. The fabric is also opaque. The activewear feels buttery soft and unbeatable in terms of comfort.

We ensure that nylon waste gets a second life. Using this recycled material has significant environmental benefits:
- Recycled nylon requires less water in production than newly produced nylon.
- Energy consumption is also lower with recycled nylon.
- For every 10,000 tons of recycled nylon, 70,000 barrels of crude oil can be saved.
- For every 10,000 tons of recycled nylon, 65,000 tons of CO2 emissions can be saved.
- Overall, this reduces the impact of nylon on global warming by 90 percent.

Sustainable and fair manufacturing conditions

Our clothing is produced entirely in Portugal, from thread to finished product, and all within a 40-kilometer radius. Fair and sustainable conditions are important to us, ensuring our ecological footprint is as small as possible. A significant amount of loving handwork goes into our clothing. Each piece is personally signed by the individual production worker.

https://luviyo.com/collections/yogawear

3. Loungewear

Our loungewear is made from at least 85% organic cotton and a touch of elastane. The garments are crafted to a high standard. The soft, breathable organic cotton is completely free of harmful substances and produced under fair conditions. This loungewear is perfect for relaxing after a workout or workday, or for taking a leisurely stroll.

https://luviyo.com/collections/loungewear

Organic cotton offers enormous benefits for the environment.

- 87% less water consumption than with conventionally grown cotton
- 45% less greenhouse gas emissions
- No pesticides or genetic engineering
- Conservation of groundwater reserves

4. Packaging and transport

Packaging waste shouldn't be underestimated either. At LUVIYO, we ensure that our packaging is completely biodegradable. That's why we avoid plastic altogether. Our products are transported by rail, the mode of transport with the lowest CO2 emissions.

5. Protection for elephants in need

The conservation of these gentle giants is of utmost importance to us. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), African forest elephants are just one step away from extinction, meaning they are "critically endangered." The much larger African savanna elephants are also classified as "vulnerable." If poaching (and climate change) are not drastically reduced, these elephants will soon become extinct. These organizations fight against ivory poaching, rescue orphaned elephants, and try to raise awareness about the importance of elephants through public education. They rely on donations and sponsors. With every purchase from us , you support elephants in need – we donate 10 percent of the profits.

Rethinking our consumption habits to conserve our resources

Counteracting resource depletion is a crucial challenge for all of us. We want to ensure that sufficient raw materials remain for future generations and that nature, with all its diversity, is not destroyed. This requires a shift away from cheap, short-lived products towards durable, high-quality products. Because if we look at reality, the picture is bleak.

Earth Overshoot Day

The Global Footprint Network uses the Ecological Footprint to calculate annually when humanity has consumed the resources that nature can regenerate within a year. In 2020, the day of "overuse" occurred on August 22nd, and in 2021, it was already on July 29th. In the 1980s, we didn't reach a deficit until October. The world's population is currently using nature approximately 1.6 times faster than the ecosystem can regenerate.

Tree populations are dwindling, the oceans are overfished, and oil is being extracted in excess, even using the highly environmentally damaging fracking method. Species extinction is accelerating, and water quality and resources are declining. Due to the high consumption levels of industrialized and emerging economies, the goal of adequately counteracting global warming is not being met.

Improve your personal footprint

While we recognize the urgent need for action, we must all work together. Each of us can contribute daily through our decisions and actions to reducing our ecological footprint and pushing back Earth Overshoot Day. You can calculate your personal CO2 footprint and find ways to offset it by following this link:
https://klimaohnegrenzen.de/oekologischer-co2-fussabdruck

Important tips and tricks for everyday life

- Making conscious purchasing decisions
- Leave the car parked more often
- reduce own water and energy consumption
- Choose Fairtrade products
- Pay attention to sustainability

Measures to prevent waste

1. Do not use plastic bags, but rather cloth bags, paper bags, shopping baskets or boxes.
2. Use reusable packaging – a new trend is towards unpackaged food that you fill into your own storage container on site.
3. Try packaging-free alternatives: Shampoo, shower gel, cleaning products, etc. can easily be made yourself using recipes.
4. Use reusable cups for coffee or drinks.
6. Wear clothes for as long as possible.

Moving away from the throwaway society – opportunities for reuse

Clothes or other items that you no longer need but are still in good condition don't have to end up in the trash. You can take them to a second-hand shop, give them to people in need, or resell them.

If the product is broken or has reached the end of its lifespan, dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner. Some things can still be refurbished and reused.

- Recycling = Waste materials are broken down into their original materials and later reintroduced into the cycle through a new product.
- Upcycling = the waste product is creatively transformed into another product.