I am sitting here wearing two layers of merino wool which I purchased from the Icebreaker outlet store - so they were affordable. They are much warmer than a polypropelene alternative and can be worn for several days without getting stinky - even for me. I also have on a pair of organic cotton pants and shirt from Sitka, plus a pair of wool socks.
The New Zealand wool industry, once the backbone of New Zealand's economy and identity has been eclipsed by dairy - a much more intensive form of farming which harms the environment far more than sheep, simply because the animals are bigger and defecate into our waterways more. A big part of this shift to dairy is the drop in demand for wool - carpets in particular - which have been seriously hurt by the rise in synthetic alternatives.
Wool carpets, unlike the cheap synthetics that we see these days, also purify the indoor air. It absorbs contaminants like formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide for up to 30 years without releasing them.
So if you want to keep jobs in New Zealand, reduce the impact on our waterways and live with less toxins on your body or in your house, support local businesses like Opus Fresh and Icebreaker, demand wool carpets for your house, natural fibres for your furniture and clothes.
Do you have examples of synthetics that could be replaced by natural materials? If so, please email me or share in a comment below.