10 Reasons Wool is Wonderful

Seeing sheep graze in the middle of Manhattan is not something New Yorkers get to see every day. So natives and tourists alike flocked to Bryant Park to take in the Campaign for Wool event, an initiative backed by the Prince of Wales to promote using the natural fiber over its synthetic counterparts. The event was used as a platform for retailers and artisans to educate onlookers about their all-natural products. Wool bedding, rugs, clothing and furniture were on display to touch, try and test. Even Knitty City, one of my favorite yarn shops, was there to offer knitting lessons. So what did I learn from this experience? Sheep and their wool are an eco-friendly resource. For those of us adamant about diminishing our carbon footprint, it's a natural fiber that should not be taken for granted. According to the Campaign for Wool, here are ten of the fiber's best benefits:  Natural and renewable. Because wool is a natural fiber, it is 100 percent renewable, sustainable and biodegradable. Sheep are able to produce new fleece each year, making it an incredibly eco-friendly fiber source. Safe. It offers higher UV protection than synthetic and cotton fibers. Flame retardant. Wool is not quick to catch fire. When it does, it burns slowly and dies once the flame source is removed. Biodegradable. Unlike synthetic fiber, pure wool only takes a few years to decompose and can double as fertilizer. Breathable. Wool adjusts to the wearer's body temperature. While it keeps you warm, you never sweat because it absorbs the skin's moisture. It is also hypo-allergenic. Durable. It's a tough fiber that can take a lot of wear and tear. Wool carpets and garments last longer. Easy to care for. Wool has a natural protective layer which repels stains, dust and static. Now there are even natural wool garments you can machine wash and dry. Multi-climatic. It reacts to your body temperature by keeping you warm when you're cold but has the ability to release heat and moisture when you're hot. Natural insulator. Decorating with wool (e.g., on bedding, rugs and furniture) can insulate your home, which is a great way to save on energy costs. Elastic. Wool has memory, meaning no matter how much you wear or wash it, it will always return back to its original shape.