Five Eco-Friendly Aspects of Pure Wool Shawls

Using natural wool as a fabric dates back to hundreds of years. Wool garments have evolved from items that purely serve a functional purpose to those that combine traditional concepts of sustainability and culture with modern values of fashion and style.

Think about the ever-dynamic wool shawl for instance. This multi-purpose garment can be styled in various ways, over different outfits. You can use it as clothing that keeps you warm or as an accessory that completes your outfit. Apart from their versatility, pure wool shawls and clothing are also eco-friendly and sustainable.

Here are five eco-friendly aspects of pure wool shawls and scarves that help the environment.

1. Pure wool is a renewable resource

Pure wool is a biodegradable and renewable resource that does not harm the environment like many of its synthetic counterparts which take hundreds of years to decompose, and can even seep into our water systems. Wool on the other hand is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of different types of sheep and other mammals like yak. The fleece is gently sheared off the animal to gather natural wool, making the animal lighter for the warmer months of the year. Once it grows back, the process is repeated. 

Also, since wool is a natural and organic fibre, it doesn’t negatively impact the soil once it degrades.

2. Lower negative impact during production

Many synthetic fibers require fuel-intensive production processes which usually involve harsh chemicals and relies on non-renewable energy to power the entire end-to-end production. However, wool shearing and production are not overly fuel or chemical-dependent and therefore have a much lower carbon footprint. For example, handmade woolen shawls made on handlooms require no electricity for the weaving process.

3. Pure wool articles are durable and long-running

Wool has great longevity and durability. With a higher resistance to heat, fire, and tearing, pure wool shawls and clothing have a good cost-to-benefit ratio. You can store and use your favorite woolen wear for years on end without piling up on textile waste. Yak wool is especially known for its high quality and exceptional durability that comes with unmatched warmth and a soft texture.

Learn more about what makes yak wool a sought after material for shawls and scarves.

4. Pure wool provides natural temperature regulation

Depending on the breed of the sheep, wool has different crimp (natural waves) levels. This feature and the overall breathability helps regulate body temperature by absorbing moisture while maintaining warmth in cold weather. Keeping warm with layers of wool is a good supplement to solely relying on energy-based heating systems.

Countries like the US and Canada can get very cold during the winter months. In such extreme weather conditions, woolen shawls and blanket scarves made of pure sheep and yak wool can protect you from the biting cold.

5. Ethically-sourced pure fool fabrics support sustainability

It’s important that you purchase a pure wool shawl and other woolen wear from a provider that uses ethically-sourced wool, produced via sustainable farming. A key practice in sustainable farming is rotational grazing. This is a land management technique where the nutritional needs of the animals are fulfilled without completely emptying the soil of its nutrients. Ethically sourced pure wool comes from farming techniques that champion land and animal management to promote conservation, biodiversity, and soil fertility.

Pure wool shawls, especially the ones that are hand-woven by local artisans not only follow ethical practices but also play a big part in preserving the diminishing art of handloom and handicraft and support cottage industries. All MARICHI woolen shawls and blanket scarves are made with ethically-sourced wool and hand loomed by local artisans from small Himalayan villages in India. 

MARICHI’s goal is to offer best quality pure wool shawls and scarves while also supporting a sustainable system that promotes the skills of local craftsmen and protects the traditional designs and tribal styles and patterns of the Himalayan region while bringing them to the rest of the world.

Around the world, there has been an increased sensitivity towards the need for circular production systems and sustainable modes of living. Fast fashion and synthetic clothing might be easily available and cost-effective. However, they can be bad for the environment. So, where possible, it’s important to utilize items that are environment-friendly and durable, thus reducing the waste we generate.

Pure wool shawls and scarves are lovely accessories that are fashion staples and also help you give back to the environment and practice sustainability. Hope you found this article helpful!

Read more on the benefits of using pure wool for winter clothing.

If you are looking for beautiful shawls and blanket scarves that can be worn by both men and women, you must check out for beautiful collection of handmade pure wool shawls that come in attractive colours, beautiful tribal patterns and are made of 100% authentic pure wool.