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Lead yoga brand Alo Yoga claims to be spreading good “by bringing yoga to the world”, but how ethical is Alo Yoga? Sadly the brand isn’t doing enough to manage carbon emissions or ensure workers in its supply chain are treated fairly. Keep reading to discover why we rate Alo Yoga “We Avoid”. This article is based on the Alo Yoga rating published in May 2022.
A not-so-mindful yoga brand
With almost 3 million followers on Instagram, Alo Yoga is one of the world’s most well known and well-loved yoga brands, alongside Lululemon.
It all began in Los Angeles in 2007 when Alo Yoga’s founders decided to “spread good by bringing yoga to the world”. Alo Yoga claims to elevate yogis’ practices, whether they’re beginners or more advanced on their yoga journey. But Alo isn’t just a yoga brand—it’s also worn outside of the studio by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner.
But how sound is the good that Alo Yoga claims to be spreading? How is Alo Yoga impacting the world beyond the yoga mats? How ethical is Alo Yoga? Let’s take a look.
Environmental impact
We rate Alo Yoga “Very Poor” for its impact on the environment. It uses few eco-friendly materials, and we found no evidence that Alo Yoga minimises textile waste, reduces its carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain, or that it has taken meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals.
Having a “solar-powered office, electric-car charging stations, and an advanced recycling program that reduces waste to that of a small household” is a good step, but it’s not enough.
Labour conditions
Alo Yoga’s labour rating is “Not Good Enough”. Again, we noticed a lack of adequate initiatives to protect workers and ensure they are treated fairly. We found no evidence Alo Yoga has worker empowerment initiatives such as collective bargaining or rights to make a complaint or that it provides payment of a living wage in its supply chain.
Alo Yoga traces some of its supply chain, and its final stage of production is certified by WRAP, which focuses on addressing social issues and labour rights in manufacturing facilities, including all ILO Fundamental Principles, payment of a minimum wage (which is different from a living wage), worker health and safety provisions, working hours, and protections for subcontractors.
Animal welfare
Finally, Alo Yoga’s animal rating is also “Not Good Enough”. Despite not using fur, angora or exotic animal skin, the brand still uses leather, down, exotic animal hair, and wool. We found no evidence Alo Yoga has a policy to minimise the suffering of animals or that it traces any animal product to the first stage of production.
Overall rating: We Avoid
Based on information from our own research, we rate Alo Yoga “We Avoid” overall.
“Ahimsa”, or non-violence, is one of the core principles of yoga, and it asks yogis to cause no harm in thought, speech, or action to any living being. Sadly, it seems that Alo Yoga is not living by this principle.
The brand doesn’t share enough information about how it impacts the planet, people, and animals. Its lack of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste or protect workers and animals in its supply chain is worrying.
Alo Yoga needs to be more transparent and step up its ethical and sustainable practices if it really wants to spread good.
Note that Good On You ratings consider hundreds of issues, and it is not possible to list every relevant issue in a summary of the brand’s performance. For more information, see our How We Rate page and our FAQs.
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