I’ve recently been discovering all of these amazing features of wool. It’s not only a fascinating fiber, but a fiber choice that has positive side effects for the environment (unlike the synthetic fibers that are so popular today). You can purchase so many household products made of wool:Carpets, rugs, blankets, upholstery, wall insulation, duvets, stuffed pillows, dryer balls, clothing, artwork, slippers, shoes, and winter gear. These are just the tip of the iceberg of what you can make with this textile. And here are all of the ways this fiber is saving the world!

All The Ways Wool is Amazing

Sustainable

The beauty of this fiber is that keeps coming back! No need to worry about depleting this resource. It’s naturally grown right on the sheep, year after year!

Biodegradable

This is a completely natural fiber, so at the end of its life, it’s going to biodegrade, and add nutrients into the soil or ocean (with nothing toxic left behind). This is great news for things like clothing and carpets made of wool. It’s also going to natural biodegrade in water, so laundering it doesn’t harm our oceans!

Breathable

This is a naturally breathable fibre. It helps improve indoor air quality by locking away volatile organic carbons more rapidly than other fibers. It also helps regulate humidity.

Naturally flame resistant

This is so much safer than man-made fibers. Man made fibers are not only toxic when they catch on fire, but the flame resistant coating added to clothing and furniture (to prevent rapid ignition) is toxic to us in our everyday lives.  Wool doesn’t ignite, melt, drip, or stick to skin. In extreme heat, it produces less smoke and noxious fumes. 

Lasts longer

Wool is easily recyclable. Since it’s so durable, it’s possible to re-use wool from one source and create something else with it! You can upcycle it to knitwear, insulation, and geotextiles.

Naturally odour repellent

This may be my favourite part about this fiber. It absorbs sweat, then releases it into the air, before bacteria even has the chance to develop and make not so great body smells. Its natural ability to get rid of dirt and bacteria means it also doesn’t have to be laundered as frequently as other fibers. That’s less energy and water used! It also means you smell better, longer. That saves more than just the earth, ha!

If you found these facts fascinating, you can find more cool facts about wool over at The Campaign for Wool.  Credit for information in this article goes to the Campaign for Wool Instagram page, @campaignforwool

~Suzanne