Approved by Subject Editors on August 04, 2004
Reviewed by Marian Keeler
Wool is a natural biodegradable product and a renewable resource. Use of wool instead of synthetic fibers reduces toxic pollutants and synthetic waste disposal. Wool is recyclable, where color is required, vegetable dyes are used, but typically the color is just the 'stuff of sheep." Wool is washed, spun and made into fiber without chemicals which could potentially cause environmental destruction. Wool comes from sheep that have been raised organically in isolated fields in New Zealand, these fields have not been treated with pesticides or chemical fertilization. Raw materials are all tested before assembly into the carpet product. The wool receives no moth treatment. Cotton for some backing enhancements is organically grown. A variety of vegetable and non-metallic dyes as well as an undyed choice is available. Jute is harvested and made in Bangladesh, thus creating jobs for the local economy. Sheep are raised in New Zealand. Organic cotton is used for the denser carpets for added strength. Nature's Carpet has a series of styles, backings, dyes and densities in their line. The carpet itself is assembled in Denmark and Australia (2 mills in Denmark, one in Australia), so embodied transportation energy costs are high, but since shipping transport is used, this is a less impactive form of transportation.
If properly maintained, carpet should last 5-10 years, excluding stair installations. Wool can be shredded after its useful life and incorporated into soil as compost. It does not get recycled the way a synthetic product does.
