Cork comes from an oak or cork oak and is grown in the Mediterranean. Cork is harvested by removing the bark from the tree approximately every 9 years. It is the only tree in the world where you can remove all its bark without damaging the trees. This harvesting practice has been going on for over 1,000 years and is considered the most sustainable and environmentally friendly harvesting practice in the world.
¿Why yoga products made of cork?
Cork is one of the most special and sustainable materials on our planet.
Cork is:
Harvested, not cut- Cork is made from the bark of an oak tree, not the tree itself, so no trees are cut down. The bark is harvested from the tree every 9-12 years by hand. Completely renewable and sustainable, harvesting the bark does not harm the tree. Every time the cork is harvested; the cork bark is regenerated. Cork oaks or oaks live up to 300 years.
Positive for climate change- Harvesting cork bark helps absorb CO2, a greenhouse gas that causes climate change. In fact, harvested cork oaks absorb 3-5 times more CO2 than unharvested trees. Cork oaks in Portugal alone help offset 10 million tons of carbon each year. Cork oaks are also importantoxygen producers.
Support for biodiversity- Approximately 6.6 million acres of Mediterranean cork forest span across Portugal, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Tunisia, and France. These oak forests support one of the highest levels of forest biodiversity in the world, second only to the Amazon rainforest. They are home to more than 40 species of birds, including the endangered Iberian imperial eagle.
Hence our name: UNIONYOGA
Supporting the union of our forests and those who live in them. And showing that if there is union it is much easier to fight against climate change.
Biodegradable and recyclable- Cork comes directly from nature, so it is completely biodegraded and can be easily recycled without producing toxic waste. Any cork waste from mat production is reused to make other products and we use recycled cork in our products whenever possible!!
Forest fire prevention: The thick bark of oaks acts as a protective barrier against fire and heat. This protection extends to the forest itself and the animals within it. In fact, the scientific name for these tree species is pyrophytes, which literally means "fire plants."
0% Waste: every part of the cork bark is used. Items like bottle stoppers are made of cork. The rest is ground for floors, fabrics, boards, etc. Grinding the cork creates dust. That powder is vacuumed and packed in containers and compressed into biomass. The factories burn that biomass and provide 60% of their own energy to operate the plants.
¿How Cork Can Improve Your Yoga Practice?
A perfect balance between cushioning and traction, as well as beautiful, eco-friendly and lightweight - cork is the next big thing for Yogi.i