When it comes to our choice of fibres, natural material always comes out on top for us and so many of our lovely customers. Yet, worryingly the fast fashion market continues to grow at an exponential rate. As a whole, the industry is set to be worth a whopping $184.96 billion by 2027. For those of you unfamiliar with fast fashion and why it is a problem, Ethical Consumer offers a rather succinct explanation:
“Fast fashion is widely considered to be low-quality apparel produced rapidly to follow current trends in the industry and sold at rock-bottom prices. Although the monetary cost is low, textile workers and the environment are paying a high price. Fast fashion is cheap because workers are not paid adequately. Clothes are poorly made, widely purchased, rarely worn and quickly thrown away.”
It’s an industry where low-cost materials like throwaway synthetics are king, with their widespread use presenting more problems for the environment. To really put things into perspective, we’re here to share just how the ecological footprint of synthetic materials compares to naturally good, earth friendly wool.
Wool is natural and renewable
Sourced from the fleece of sheep, alpacas and goats, wool is as renewable as it gets. The charming characters that so graciously produce the materials we use to craft our homewares regrow their fleeces annually, with the sourcing process itself undertaken without harming these beautiful creatures thanks to the ethical practices our trusted suppliers live by.
Synthetics are cheap but harmful
Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon may be cheap, versatile and durable but due to their status as a petroleum product, they are incredibly harmful to the planet.
This fossil fuel is a real drain on energy, with the process used to create synthetic materials releasing significant greenhouse gas emissions. When comparing the production of polyester to other materials like cotton, there’s twice as much carbon generated.
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Wool is fully biodegradable
When wool is disposed of, you don’t have to worry about it remaining in landfill for years to come. This natural material decomposes into the soil within just a few short years, releasing valuable nutrients back into the environment. These nutrients have been linked to better plant growth, with the wool itself aiding water retention, infiltration and soil aeration to improve conditions that we can all benefit from.
When worn or used to add cosy touches to the home, wool provides decades of use. Its natural temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties mean wool is particularly easy to care for, which means fewer replacements, even less waste, and no need for excessive, energy intensive maintenance.
Wool is also the world’s most recycled fibre, with its ability to be repurposed or upcycled renowned.
Synthetics are TOO durable
While the durability of synthetic materials initially appears to be a positive, after that cheap synthetic clothing item or home accessory has been binned, its robustness becomes something of a negative.
The long lifespan of synthetic materials and their non-biodegradable status causes major environmental issues. Discarded synthetics take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to landfill overflow and pollution. Synthetic textiles also shed microplastics during washing, which accumulate in waterways to pose a threat to marine ecosystems and human health.
Go eco with So Cosy
Natural, renewable, biodegradable and oh-so-cosy, is there anything wool can’t do? With qualities like this, it’s no wonder wool is a top-rated material for homewares and accessories. Discover what all the fuss is about and look after the world around you by shopping with us today.
Earth-Friendly Wool Blankets