RURI'S CORE VALUES

At the core of RURI’s values is a love for our planet and environment. As well as their dedication to producing and creating garments as sustainably as possible, and encouraging consumers to shop more consciously, RURI wants people to get more in touch with nature.

Hong Kong is famous for being a “Concrete Jungle”. Away from the urban center, Hong Kong is in fact an “outdoorsy” person’s heaven, with green trails perfect for hiking, and the water surrounding the islands ideal for swimming.

Inspired by the nature surrounding Hong Kong, RURI has created a line of sustainable activewear. The Billy Swimtop, Ceci Swimbottoms and Lina Swimsuit are made from recycled polyamide, the upcycled fabric of the Robin Yoga Top, Perry Leggings and Carla Bra Top, and the zero waste Lola Seamless Leggings help you to get out, explore and be as green as possible whilst getting more in touch with the nature.  

LANTAU ISLAND OF HONG KONG

The waters surrounding Hong Kong are its heart, both culturally and environmentally. As a brand based in Hong Kong, RURI is committed to protecting the environment of its homebase, especially the waters surrounding the island, and the inhabitants dwelling within. Such commitment is reflected in RURI’s careful production process.

RICH BIODIVERSITY

Lantau is rich in biodiversity from its wide range of habitats to its thriving wildlife. Sand flats, muddy shores, freshwater wetlands and mountains are a few of the habitats which are home to some of the most iconic animals living in Hong Kong, including the Chinese White Dolphin, Three-striped Grass Frog, Rommer’s Tree Frog and “The Living Fossil” Horseshoe Crab. With a rapid decrease in population over the past 20 years as a result of exploitation and a loss of breeding grounds, 8 “Sites of Scientific Interest” (SSSI) have been set up on the island to monitor and protect the species dwelling there.

As well as full time residents, the coastline of Lantau Island is a stopover site for migratory waders during the spring and autumn. A variety of species can be spotted for short stopovers to feed and rest before continuing their onward journey.

HIKING HEAVEN

The mountainous 147 square kilometer island is a hiking heaven, with spectacular views of the mountain ranges and endless coastline. Opened in 1984, the Lantau Trail is 70 kilometers long and is divided into 12 sections, ranging from easy to challenging hiking routes, starting and ending in Mui Wo. Highlights of trekking the island include Lantau Peak, Sunset Peak and Fan Lau.

The two tallest peaks on Lantau, Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak, are popular destinations for hikers because of their spectacular views and their breathtaking sunrises. Lantau Peak, the second highest peak in Hong Kong, is the highest on Lantau Island at 934 metres. Named “Phoenix Mountain” in Chinese, the peak is in fact composed of two peaks named “Fung Shan” (Male Phoenix) and “Wong Shan” (Female Phoenix). Sunset Peak has equally stunning views, but what sets it apart is that it is one of the few places in Hong Kong where hikers can watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds. The peaks offer a welcome change of scene from the daily cityscape year round, but in the autumn they gain a touch of magic when the Miscanthus, or Chinese Silvergrass, grows and sways in the wind during the golden hour.  

Fan Lau is the most southern point of Lantau which can only be accessed by foot or speedboat. Famous for its views, lucky hikers can also chance upon Chinese White Dolphins playing in the water along the trail, something that is tragically becoming a rare occurrence due to the decrease in their population as a result of pollution and habitat loss. 

HUMAN IMPACT AND THE LANTAU TOMORROW VISION

Despite an effort to move towards conservation, the impact caused by humans is still present, ranging from recreational activities to threats of large scale development. 

Amongst the recreational activities harming the environment in Lantau is clam digging, with thousands digging in Shui Hau on weekends. In order to reduce the damage, a Code of Conduct has been established.

Development in Lantau generally goes by the principle of “Development in the North, Conservation in the South”. However, over the past ten years increasing pressure has begun to offset the balance between development and conservation. Amongst the projects which are calling for large scale land reclamation are the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge, the third runway of HKIA and an increase in new towns. 

Perhaps the most concerning of these developments is the “Lantau Tomorrow Vision”, a project launched in 2018 which proposes the creation of a third core business district. In order to realise the project, 1,700 hectares of artificial islands created by land reclamation near Kau Yi Chau and Hei Ling Chau are set to be developed. The project has been met with opposition due to its high cost and environmental impact. As an alternative to land reclamation, the suggestion of developing the existing 1,300 hectare brownfield land in the New Territories and the Fanling Golf Course has been proposed. Should the project come to fruition, the damage to the environment will be irreversible.

RURI AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The impact of humans, especially but not exclusively due to large scale developments, will cause huge damage to the environment which it will not be able to recover from. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect the nature around us, and to change our mindsets to think and live more consciously.

This is at the core of RURI’s values. RURI not only creates its garments using upcycled and sustainably sourced material, as well as working with producers dedicated to using sustainable practices, but it also wants its consumers to think more about how they live their life, not just about how and what they buy, but also how they interact with and think about the environment.

RURI encourages us to think locally. Support local, sustainable businesses to reduce our impact on the environment and to work with our community. For example, RURI is a supporter and purveyor of Yim Tin Tsai Sea Salt who produce high quality Sea Salt using sustainable practices, whilst simultaneously preserving a piece of Hong Kong’s cultural history.

RURI works with organisations, and uses their platform to help raise awareness of the impact our lives have on the environment. By changing our habits and being more aware of the impact our actions have on our planet, we can slowly begin to make a difference.

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All photos by Daphne Wong & James Kwok.  Thanks to Wildlife Avengers.
Visit their Instagram to view and explore more stunning photos.
@daphnewongphoto | @jameskwok_wildlife | @wildlife_avengers