What is it?
Wool is the hair, or fleece, from sheep. It has natural flame resistance and moisture-wicking properties and is durable and stretchy.
Where is it found?
Wool is used in mattresses, mattress pads, cloth diaper covers, rugs, socks, outerwear, blankets, and many other textiles.
Why should I be concerned?
The raising of sheep for their wool is:
- cruel and exploitive to the sheep, even when they are raised "organically", and to other animals (such as kangaroos, who are killed by the thousands each year in Australia to protect sheep farms)
- a highly inefficient use of resources and energy (animal agriculture uses massive amounts of resources and energy when compared to the farming of plants)
- seriously damaging to the environment (waste from sheep farms pollute our air, water, and soil) animal agriculture is the #1 biggest contributor to global warming
Additionally, wool can be highly allergenic, especially to young children.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, please see the PETA FactSheet: Inside the Wool Industry, PETA's Save the Sheep website, the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database ingredient report for lanolin, the FAO report Livestock's Long Shadow, and the University of Chicago study: Vegan Diets Healthier for Planet, People Than Meat Diets. |
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