Campaign for Wool

HRH the Prince of Wales is a true friend to knitters and shepherds worldwide. The campaign was started at the beginning of 2010, and is international, extending beyond the United Kingdom to include industry associations in Australian, New Zealand, Norway, and even the International Wool Textile Organisation. The goal, of course, is to raise awareness of the versatility of wool.

The home page at http://www.campaignforwool.org/ reminds us that wool can be used not only for clothing and accessories, but in home furnishings and even building materials. So I guess the Yarn Harlot was right when she talked about using stash to insulate your home! If you download the presentations, you will discover wool has wonderful properties such as:

• Green: Wool is produced naturally by allowing sheep to graze. This is a sustainable method of farming that has been practiced for hundreds of years. It is not only good for the sheep, but it is good for the land and the natural species that share habitat with the flock. Sheep are sheared annually and harmlessly. Wool products often have a greener manufacturing footprint than comparable synthetic products. When wool products do wear out and are discarded, wool will decompose safely in only a few years. And wool itself tends to lock up carbon dioxide which has been identified as a contributor to global climate change.
• Durable: Wool can last hundreds of years. It can be bent thousands of times without damage to the structure. Quality wool goods -- whether clothes or home furnishings -- will wear better and last longer, making them a good investment. This is not only good for your budget but good for the planet, because you won't have to replace wool goods as often. And the small amount of oil in wool can help repel spills, as well as protect from dirt and grease damage, which means wool products will continue to look good while they last.
• Safe: Wool tends not to burn, and will usually self-extinguish when removed from the flame. This is good in homes, but also good for people in dangerous lines of work who might be exposed to open flames. Synthetic fibers can melt on to the skin and cause injury beyond just the simple burn. Synthetics can also give off noxious or toxic fumes when they burn, but wool is much less dangerous when it burns. Wool carpets tend to be non-slip, so they can be a safer choice for someone with mobility challenges.
• Breathable: Wool can absorb and release humidity. Wool in the home can help maintain a more consistent environment. Wool clothes keeps you warm or cool, as need be. And wool can absorb water without becoming cold or damp. In building materials, the insulating qualities of wool are consistent across a wide range of temperature and humidity.
• Clean: The microscopic structure of wool causes it to trap dust in the home, which can be easily vacuumed away later. Because wool clothing will absorb moisture including perspiration, wool can reduce personal body odor.
• Quiet: In the home, wool can reduce sounds and echos from room to room.

In addition to educating us all on the wonderful properties of wool in fashion, interiors, and building materials, The Campaign for Wool has also staged some out and out fun. Last October the Savile Row Field Day involved setting up a couple corrals of sheep on Savile Row in London to remind consumers of the advantages of wool garments. Wear your woolens with pride!