Introduction

Hi all, my name is Donna and I'm a member of the Green Party in the US. I live in Colorado. A couple of years ago (I thought), I wrote an article about organic wool. I just found the file and it's from 2002, so I'll have to update it. But the general idea is still current so here's my conclusion from my research and a few links to places that sell organic or eco-friendly wool yarn.

Donna Druchunas
www.sheeptoshawl.com

SHOULD I BUY ORGANIC WOOL?
The benefits of certified organic and eco-friendly wool products are similar. Deciding whether or not to purchase only certified organic wool products is not simple.

For large-scale consumers and product manufacturers, buying certified organic wool may be the only viable method for ensuring eco-friendly products. In addition, consumer demand and export requirements may dictate that large-scale producers and manufacturers obtain organic certification.

For the small-sale consumer, there are options. When you buy certified organic products, you are supporting the organic industry and encouraging other wool producers to adopt practices that support a healthy environment. However, many small non-certified farmers and wool producers offer products equal or excel certified organic products in quality and ecological soundness.

For now, the best option may be to shop around and study the farming techniques and wool production processes used by the producers of fleece or yarn you are interested in purchasing.

SOURCES FOR ECO-FRIENDLY FLEECES AND YARNS
While this list is not comprehensive, it does include a variety wool growers, producers, and organizations across the spectrum of eco-friendly and organic methods. Organically certification is indicated by a *. For additional information on the practices of each farm or mill, visit their web sites.

* - places that had organic certification when I wrote the article

FARMS, FIBER AND YARN
Beaverslide Dry Goods, Montana--www.beaverslide.com
Marr Haven, Michigan--www.marrhaven.com
Spring Creek Organic Farm, Idaho--www.romneywool.com
Spruce Haven Farm, Meaford ON--www.bmts.com/~beggs
*Thirteen Mile Lamb & Wool Co., Montana--www.lambandwool.com

FIBER PROCESSING AND YARN
Bartlett Yarns, Maine--www.bartlettyarns.com
Belle Vallée Wools, Belle Vallée, ON--www.bvwools.com
Custom Woolen Mills, Carstairs, AB--www.customwoolenmills.com
*Green Mountain Spinnery, Vermont--www.spinnery.com
La Lana Wools, New Mexico--www.lalanawools.com (natural dyes)
*Taos Valley Wool Mill, New Mexico--www.taosfiber.com/woolmill/