The benefits of wool are numerous on the farm and the environment. Learn why the practical fiber has uses worldwide.
There has been a recent rise in attention to fast fashion and microplastics in the clothing industry. It is estimated that 35% of the microplastics in the ocean are linked to the clothing industry. Each year, 11.5 million tons of clothing end up in landfills, with about 60% being made from plastics. Making new clothes with this type of rapid turnover adds to damage to the environment, and often involves low-paying, unsafe working conditions. As we become more aware of the environmental and social impact of what we wear, evidence rises for the benefits of returning to wearing wool.
Environmental Benefits of Wool
Of the available fibers in the textile industry, wool has the least direct environmental impact of any option. Pure wool clothing is 100% biodegradable, resulting in less microplastics in our water and oceans. The wool that does end up being thrown away decomposes in months, as opposed to polyester which can take up to 200 years. In addition, wool clothing lasts longer, resulting in less waste in landfills. While a “fast fashion” polyester shirt is expected to have a lifespan of 35-50 washes, wool can last for decades. With proper care, you may never need to replace a wool top in your lifetime.
Wool is also a naturally renewable and sustainable substance. It doesn’t require additional land or water like linen or cotton. Wool is a byproduct of raising sheep. Wearing it decreases waste since most of these animals are raised for meat but still need shearing every year. Currently, it is estimated that 200,000 tons of raw wool are unused annually – wool that could be transformed into clothing, insulation, rugs, upholstery and other common needs.
Financial Benefits of Wool
While cattle are more common in the United States, worldwide, sheep are a more sustainable resource. Sheep farmers, on average, make more money than cattle farmers. Despite this, sheep are considered less financially viable, and their full potential is rarely exploited. The current popularity of synthetic clothing makes wool an unrealistic resource for many farmers to process or sell. In Europe, this means that sheep ranchers require subsidies from the government to keep their livelihood sustainable.
A mainstream demand for wool would help farmers become self-sustaining. “Waste wool” from meat sheep can not only help farmers directly but also provide new employment in creating value-added products. Increased usage would likely lower prices, making it even more affordable for both farmers and consumers. Even if only used as mulch, this discarded wool can generate financial opportunity, rather than being burned or buried.
Practicality of Using Wool
While wool fabric may have a larger up-front cost than synthetics, its extended life span makes it a comparatively more practical buy. While it may seem expensive to pay $80 for a wool t-shirt, paying twenty to forty dollars for a polyester t-shirt isn’t uncommon. Since the wool t-shirt is likely to last more than four times longer, in the long run, the savings are obvious.
Shoppers might also hesitate at buying wool if they live in warmer climates. There is a tendency to associate wool with cold temperatures and cozy sweaters. However, wool is incredibly versatile, insulating sheep and humans alike against cold and heat. Wool will wick sweat during athletic activities and is the only substance that can keep you warm, even when wet.
Wool & Animal Care
One of the reasons given for not wearing wool is concern about conditions where sheep are raised and possible injuries during shearing. However, fiber producers are likely to be more careful with their sheep, not wanting to risk the health and profit from their animals. Shearing conditions in many countries are improving due to public demand, and this improvement can only continue if wool is seen as marketable, rather than a waste product.
This article on the benefits of wool was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
