WOOL

Wool is a protein hair fiber that is sourced from animals including sheep (e.g. merino wool), goats (cashmere, mohair) or rabbits (angora). In the fashion industry, the term wool is generally used to refer to wool sourced from sheep. Similar to cotton, the production of wool also relies on pesticides and other chemicals, although in significantly lower volumes. Pesticides are used mainly to protect sheep from infections caused by parasites; but their unsafe handling can pose serious health hazards to farmers and cause water pollution through run-offs from farms. Cleaning of raw wool requires wet scouring at high temperatures, often resulting in considerable fiber loss. The process also puts high demands on water use, energy use and causes further water pollution by releasing effluents into local water streams. More chemicals are later applied to wool in dyeing and finishing processes such as “super-wash”, that prevents wool from shrinking (felting). Animal welfare is another concern in wool production. Animal injuries during shearing for the mohair and wool trade are not uncommon as laborers tend to be paid by volume, rather than by the hour, and quick work results in cuts and careless handling of sheep. The controversial practice of mulesing, a painful removal of flesh around the buttocks to protect (especially merino-producing) sheep against the parasite flystrike, is still a widespread practice in Australia and is often performed without the use of anesthetics.(1-4) Yet, wool has numerous natural properties such as high strength, warmth, water and odor resistance, and if responsible practices are used in its sourcing, production and care, woolen garments have a strong potential for longevity through both physical and emotional durability.(5-7)