What Makes Merino Sustainable?

Most of the products here at Joining Yarns are made with merino wool.  This is an intentional choice on my part to use high quality, sustainable materials.  Merino wool is often praised as a sustainable material, but what makes it so environmentally friendly? In this blog post, we'll explore the various ways in which merino wool is sustainable and why it's a smart choice for conscious consumers.

Renewable and Biodegradable

Merino wool is a natural fiber that comes from merino sheep. These sheep are bred specifically for their high-quality wool, which can be harvested each year without causing harm to the animals.  What about mulesing?  Well, that's a topic for another post, but the short answer is that there are many ranchers whose practices are mulesing free.

In addition, merino wool is biodegradable, which means that it breaks down naturally over time without causing harm to the environment. This is in contrast to synthetic fibers, which can take hundreds of years to break down and release harmful microplastics into the ecosystem.  Merino can be composted at the end of it's long life.  Sounds like a win to me!

Low Impact Production

Merino wool is also a low-impact material when it comes to production. The sheep require minimal resources to maintain, and the wool can be processed without the use of harsh chemicals. In addition, many manufacturers use sustainable practices to minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint.

Long-Lasting

Merino wool is known for its durability, which means that products made from this material can last for years with proper care. This is in contrast to fast fashion, which relies on low-quality materials and cheap production methods to keep up with changing trends. By investing in high-quality merino wool products, consumers can reduce their overall environmental impact by buying less and keeping items for longer.  Out at markets, I've had folks tell me stories about their heirloom knits that they still wear after 20 years or more!

Versatile

Merino wool is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of products, from clothing to home textiles. This versatility can reduce the need for other materials, further reducing the environmental impact of production. For example, a merino wool sweater can be worn in a variety of settings, eliminating the need for multiple items of clothing made from different materials.  Merino is an increasingly popular choice for active wear, believe it or not.  If that sounds too toasty for you, the truth is that wool is temperature regulating, and will vent hot air to keep you from getting too warm!

Conclusion

Merino wool is a sustainable material that offers a range of benefits besides just being ridiculously soft. Its renewable and biodegradable nature, low-impact production, long-lasting durability, and versatility make it a smart choice for conscious consumers who want to reduce their environmental impact. By choosing merino wool products, we can all make a small but significant contribution to a more sustainable future. 

To shop merino wool products at Joining Yarns, click here!