The 2024 Wool Compost Experiment!
A VICTORY FOR NATURAL FIBERS AND DYES
Last October, we set out to test one of the core principles of our brand: unlike synthetic fibers—or even synthetically treated natural fibers—our naturally dyed wool fabrics are designed to break down quickly and safely return to their origin: the earth. While we knew decomposition would happen eventually, we secretly hoped it wouldn’t take an embarrassingly long time.
Our research suggested that wool could decompose in as little as four months under the right conditions, but was my PNW vegetable garden an “optimal” composting environment? I wasn’t sure.
So, on October 14th, I buried a piece of fabric about two inches deep beside my garlic, snapped a photo, and crossed my fingers.
“DAY #0” - the fabric sample on the day it was buried. Measuring approximately 5x8 inches, it was dyed a vibrant yellow to ensure it could be easily spotted later.
About a month later, I dug up the fabric to check on its progress. While I was a bit disappointed to find it mostly intact, there were promising signs of white fungal growth beginning to appear. (photo “DAY #33)
And then again, in the middle of the holiday rush, about two months after burying the fabric, I made my way back to the corner of the garden with a small trowel in hand. Holding my breath, I carefully dug into the soil and searched for the fabric.
As I brushed away the soil, I was relieved to see remarkable progress over the past 30 days! The fabric had lost its original rectangular shape and crumbled easily into small pieces as I attempted to lift it.
After the first two months, I began to think that maybe—just maybe—our little composting experiment might actually reach completion within the four months I had been hoping for.
25 days later, unable to wait for the exact three-month mark, I gave in to my curiosity. Optimistically, I pushed aside the straw mulch I had added in December and began to gently scoop away the soil. At first, I found nothing. So, I dug a little deeper—then a little more. By the time I reached about six inches below the surface, it hit me: the fabric was completely gone.
I carefully searched for traces—yellow yarns, tiny threads, any sign of the original material—but there was nothing.
And that was it! I could hardly believe it. In just 88 days (or less), our small square of fabric had fully decomposed, leaving no trace behind—only the nutrients it added to my little vegetable garden. :)
Nothing but nutrient-rich soil.
Many of you likely know that most clothing sold today is made from synthetic fibers—materials derived from petrochemicals that can take centuries to break down in the environment. As we wear these garments and as they decompose at a glacial pace, they release microplastics and harmful toxins into our homes, our yards, our neighborhoods, our forests, and our oceans.
Reversing this trend won’t be easy, but I believe every small action matters. If each of us takes a moment to thoughtfully consider our daily choices, those collective efforts can create meaningful change over time.
Thank you for joining me on this little journey! I hope you found it as fascinating and hopeful as I did.