Wool is 100% Biodegradable

Did you know that wool is one of the coolest materials around? Sheep wool is 100% biodegradable! This means it is a natural, renewable product that can be broken down by fungi and bacteria in soil. 

As it decomposes, the released nutrients (like nitrogen, sulfur, and magnesium) act as a slow-release fertilizer for plants. Depending on the environment, it can take 3-6 months for the wool to fully decompose. 

Wool isn't only used for clothing either; it's beneficial to the soil too! On the other hand, synthetic fibers like polyester can take many years to decompose and break down into what are called microplastics or microfibers. These tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in diameter can accumulate in aquatic environments like oceans and landfills, causing harm to ecosystems. Wool fibers, however, do not contribute to landfill or aquatic microfiber pollution.

Fun fact: wool is made of keratin—the same substance found in human hair and nails!