Why Organic Wool Yarn?
Unfortunately, conventional sheep raising and wool processing practices are not very eco-friendly. Although the practice is less popular than it once was, many sheep are still subjected to strong insecticide dips to kill mites, ticks, and other insect pests. These dips are harmful to the sheep, to human workers, and to the environment. Another old-fashioned practice now dying out but still practiced in some areas is the brutal practice of “mulesing” – cutting off chunks of flesh under the sheep’s tail to create smooth scar tissue that will provide less habitat for flies and other pests. Many conventionally raised sheep are also routinely fed antibiotics to help them gain weight and produce more wool quicker, and to keep them healthy in overcrowded conditions. The shearing process may be humane or not, depending on the skill and patience of the shearer. In general, hand-held clippers are more humane than electric ones, and smaller flocks tend to be sheared more gently than larger ones b
