World Ocean Day is a global initiative that celebrates and raises awareness about the importance of our shared oceans. With their rich biodiversity and vital role in supporting life on our planet, oceans are a precious resource that require our care and protection. This year, under the theme "Show your love for the Ocean," we want to share the connection between organic merino wool and the well-being of our oceans. By choosing wool over other alternatives in clothing and home furnishings production, we can make a positive impact on the environment, including our precious oceans.
A Commitment to Protect 30% of the Blue Planet
The conservation focus of World Ocean Day 2023 is to protect at least 30% of the oceans by the year 2030 (30×30). Governments, corporations, and individuals are all called upon to contribute toward this cause. While it may seem surprising, wool plays a role in this endeavour.
Wool is Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Wool is an incredibly sustainable and eco-friendly fabric with numerous benefits for the environment. It is part of the planet's natural carbon cycle, known as biogenic carbon. Clean wool contains approximately half of its weight as pure biogenic carbon, which stands in stark contrast to fossilized carbon, the primary driver of climate change. Although sheep farming does result in greenhouse emissions, organizations like the International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO) support responsible and sustainable farming methods that reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in pastures and soils.
Wool's Biodegradability: A Solution for Ocean Pollution
One of the key advantages of wool is its complete biodegradability. Unlike the tons of plastic and non-biodegradable materials that pollute our oceans, wool will break down naturally if dumped into the water. Fabrics like nylon can take up to 40 years to decompose in aquatic systems, while wool fibres break down entirely within four to five months. By reducing the use of materials like nylon and increasing the utilization of wool, brands can actively support the 30×30 movement and contribute to cleaner oceans.
How Wool Clothing Brands Contribute to the Cause
Clothing manufacturers creating garments made from 100% pure organic merino wool have a positive impact on the environment. One notable example is Sheep Inc., a brand that aims to be carbon-negative and avoid contributing to the negative impacts of the fashion industry. Through partnerships with supply partners that naturally offset more carbon than they produce, Sheep Inc. achieves carbon negativity. They exclusively source wool from farms that follow regenerative farming methods, ensuring the integration of flora and fauna to promote natural carbon sequestration and mitigate the traditional environmental impact of farming.
Discovering the Benefits and Uses of Wool
All of our merino wool products are manufactured in fair working conditions in Germany or Switzerland, certified with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the IVN-Best quality mark, which is one of the most demanding in the world. Along with the strict ecological guidelines, these two standards also contain social criteria that must be complied with in order to retain the certification including the ILO (International Labour Organization) core standards. Wool not only provides exceptional quality but also aligns with sustainable practices, making it a desirable choice for conscious consumers.
On World Ocean Day 2023, we celebrate our shared oceans and the need for their protection. Choosing organic merino wool over other alternatives in clothing demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our oceans. Wool's sustainable nature, its role in the carbon cycle, and its biodegradability make it a perfect choice for reducing the environmental impact on our blue planet. By supporting brands that prioritize regenerative farming and carbon-negative practices, we can contribute to the 30×30 movement and create a positive future for our oceans and the entire planet.