Recycled Wool Jumpers to keep you ethically cozy this winter

As the temperature drops and we find ourselves reaching for cozy layers to stay warm, it's essential to consider the impact of our shopping choices on the environment, especially through the madness of this season.

I had never heard of Recycled Wool before I got this Kings of Indigo jumper a few years ago, but now recycled wool is so much easier to find. I have linked a selection that I found below,

Recycled wool not only offers style and warmth, but it also supports brands making an effort and a commitment to conscious shopping, below I will delve into why recycled wool holds a special place in my heart, the environmental importance it carries, and the broader significance of conscious shopping.

Environmental Benefits of Recycled Wool

The fashion industry is notorious for its wasteful practices but by repurposing existing wool garments, we reduce the demand for virgin wool production, decreasing the need for resource-intensive processes like sheep farming and also helps divert waste materials from landfills and reducing the demand for new raw materials. Here is how wool is recycled from the International Wool Textile Organization:

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Due to its durability and quality, the wool fibre has been recycled for over 200 years. There are various forms of wool recycling:

1. Closed loop system. This is a mechanical process through which garments
   are ‘pulled’ back down to the raw fibre state and re-used as a raw material to make yarn again, producing garments with a very high economic value. Wool knitwear is particularly well suited for this process and can yield yarn with which a new garment can be created.

2. Open loop system. Here the wool product becomes the basis for industrial products such as insulation or mattress padding. These products can also have a very long life.

3. Re-engineering: More and more companies recycle their old or unsold products into new products. For example: creating a bag out of an old wool jacket. The same is done using waste collected during production such as trimmings, which get manufactured into other products.

Less Wool = Less Waste

Discarded clothing is a growing problem. In the UK, a 2016 survey conducted by a supermarket chain revealed that 75% of consumers throw away used garments, instead of reselling or recycling them.3 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 16 million tons of used textile waste is generated each year in the United States, and the amount has tripled over the last 25 years.4

Choosing long-lasting, readily recyclable wool over other fibres can help reduce the amount of textile waste in landfills.

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Choosing recycled fibers not only conserves valuable resources but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with traditional wool production. By reusing old wool garments, we're cutting down on the need for new wool production and all the not-so-eco-friendly processes that come with it. When you purchase recycled wool knitwear, you support the movement towards cruelty-free fashion. Recycled wool garments are created from existing materials, eliminating the need for the farming and shearing of additional animals, thereby promoting a compassionate approach to fashion.

Durability + Care

Recycled wool knitwear is not only a sustainable choice but also a wise investment. These garments are often crafted using high-quality fibers, ensuring durability and longevity. With proper care, they can withstand the test of time, resulting in reduced overall consumption and waste. Hand Wash or wash your wools on a delicate cycle with gentle or wool-safe soap. to dry, take your wet garment and place it on a towel on the floor, roll the towel up tightly with the garment inside, wring out the excess water and then hang or leave to dry flat somewhere with lots of air.

Why Conscious Shopping Matters

Conscious shopping is about making thoughtful choices that align with our values and the well-being of our planet. Choose to vote with what you buy and when you buy it and who from. You can also look into second-hand and vintage stores that can be a treasure-trove of vintage knitwear.

Conscious shopping allows us to be more selective about the brands we support, favouring those committed to eco-friendly production practices, fair labour conditions, and a minimal carbon footprint. By investing in recycled wool knitwear, we show the fashion industry what we want.

So opting for recycled wool knitwear this season not only ensures style, warmth, and durability, but also helps you to begin your joourney (or continue it) in conscious shopping. By making sustainable choices, we actively contribute to the well-being of our planet and pave the way for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.

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