Hundreds of yoga teachers call out lululemon over coal-powered factories

theguardian.com:

The company motto is “Be Human, Be Well, and Be Planet”, a harmonious ideal in line with the yoga world where sports clothing mega-brand lululemon got its start.

“We are deeply connected to ourselves, each other and our planet; each part elevating one another,” the Canada-based company says on its sustainability website.

But now a climate change campaign is targeting lululemon, saying its reliance on coal-powered factories in Asia is inconsistent with its public branding.

So far 477 yoga teachers and more than 500 yoga students across 28 countries have signed an open letter asking lululemon to source its products from factories using renewable energy.

“Burning coal to make hoodies and ‘Hotty Hot’ high-rise pants is unacceptable,” says one yoga teacher.

“The pollution from the production of lululemon’s apparel is a threat both to human health and climate change,” writes another.

Among the yoga teachers signing the letter are current and former ambassadors that have helped the company grow to a multibillion-dollar-a-year behemoth by leading public classes inside lululemon stores.

But it is the contrast between the company’s branding and ethos, and its use of coal that endangers lives and drives the climate crisis, that has made it a prime target.

“They really stand out with a huge disconnect between what they say they value and what they do,” said Laura Kelly, the head of campaigns at Action Speaks Louder, which is organising the campaign alongside North America-based Stand.earth.

“Almost half of the energy which powers lululemon factories comes from coal. But you would be hard pressed to find a company that says they are more ethical.

“Given lululemon’s influence in the market, it’s important for people buying their clothes to