Wool Month is an annual event where each October wool producers and businesses celebrate the use of Wool.

In this blog I’m going to be highlighting some personal experience and thoughts.

In May this year I was contacted about a report which was being commissioned by the Institute of Wastes Management. Wool is considered a waste material.

A presidential report was being commissioned raising awareness of commonly over looked waste streams highlighting innovation. WOOL SHrED was contacted about this report as WOOL SHrED was identified for innovation and creating new markets for wool. The report came out at the end of June.

My question is, should wool be considered a waste product?

I recently gave a chat to a group of gardeners at Wisley Flower Show. When asked how many of them had or used wool products in their homes or garden, not many hands went up. My heart sank. However after a good 30 min chat and lots of questions and answers, I felt the area buzz with energy about the topic of using wool.

It’s a case of reinventing the wheel. Wool is an under utilised, under purchased, little discussed, misunderstood, natural, versatile, biodegradable material. I think it’s more a trend setting product. I believe wool should be redefined as a quality material in its own right.

Education, publicity and marketing are the way forward. Let’s get people talking about and investing in wool innovation and products. That’s why next year I will be focusing on giving chats to those who have initiated interest in being more sustainable and open to using wool in the garden. (I’m also very happy to signpost to other UK wool businesses)

What are your thoughts about wool…… Waste or Wonderful?