The environment impact of yarn

Lavender · #1 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 09:11 PM

I have been pondering this topic for a while now. I worry about the carbon miles on some of the yarns for sale here in Australia and the amount of yarn that we buy from overseas. I choose to use woollen nappy covers to save the environment, but is that really what we are doing?
I came across this blog post. It was enlightening and may just change the way I buy yarn.

What do you think?

http://hookandi.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-action-day.html

Rinelle · #2 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 09:19 PM

Interesting read S. It's so hard to really be environmentall conscious isn't it? My current plan (once I start knitting/crocheting again), is to use up my current stash (acrylic, but it was passed on from my grandma, so better than buying new I reckon), and maybe one day get an angora goat that I can spin the wool from (OK, so a really ambitious goal, but I can dream). My mum used to unpick jumpers to re-use the wool, if you get the right sort, you can get a lot of wool this way, although not necessarily the colours you want.

mummabare · #3 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 10:06 PM

Ive been buying mine from the opshop...and my nan also unpicks jumpers and blankets...I havnt tried this yet...I wonder how hard it is to do? I see quite a few bright and colorful blankets at the opshop.

Rinelle · #4 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 10:13 PM

It shouldn't be that hard at all Kristi. My mum used to just pull the jumper apart, cut of the casting on/off bit, then pull at the wool until she got a bit that continued. Then the biggest chore was winding it all into balls.

Susannah · #5 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 10:33 PM

It's a very difficult one. I prefer to buy organic wool first, but I also like fibre like soy and bamboo. If only they could sort out the processing of bamboo. I guess consumers have to push for it. Important to remember that a huge amount of the Amazon is lost for soy farming, so while it's a good by-product the original product is very damaging to the environment. I do have a little boutique yarn supplier which only use local wool and it's minimally processed (it's just not as soft as some of the imported stuff).

I've only just started unravelling jumpers for wool. The main thing to watch out for is that the seams are stitched not overlocked. If they have been overlocked then the best you'll get are 30-50cm lengths of yarn which aren't much good for knitting

Lavender · #6 (**permalink**) 17-10-2007, 10:52 PM

I made the decision to only use Australian wool when I started my business, but I have started to use bamboo and corn and cotton more now that I am designing patterns for sale. I really think I will change over to organic cotton but the cost is what holds me back.
I also buy from op shops and my friends and family keep an eye out for me too.
I haven't tried undoing a jumper yet, but I will have to have a look next time I am at an op shop.
I think I will be looking back on that blog spot when I next decide to buy some yarn and certainly putting some thought into the enviromental impact of the yarn rather than just how it feel, looks etc.

Meridith · #7 (**permalink**) 18-10-2007, 08:02 AM

I've located a local farmer who is nearly-organic and certainly not cruel to his animals. Plus they do speciality yarns (including small handspun lots). We've technically decided to purchase through him (once everything else is organised). Beautiful yarn with practically no itch factor.

Have a look around, you might find someone like that too! Markets are a great place to start looking.