In marking the launch of Wool Week 2021, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has doubled down on her commitment to support increased wool usage in Welsh housing projects, as a means of helping to “reduce energy costs.”
Last year, as part of the Member’s impactful Welsh Wool Pledge campaign, Mrs Finch-Saunders wrote out to a variety of retailers to call for product reviews to increase the use of Welsh wool in product lines. Janet received messages of support from the John Lewis Partnership and Morrison’s Plc, who both committed to including high quality, UK wool in a raft of their product offerings. The campaign also received a commitment from the Welsh Government to use more Welsh wool in public buildings.
This year, Wool Week has been extended to cover a longer period in the Autumnal wool season. Each year, the Campaign for Wool use this period of time to amplify the product’s environmental messages, collections, product launches, events and activities from brands, retailers and crafters.
Speaking of her commitment, Janet said:
“When you examine the virtues of Welsh wool, it is clear that its properties are perfect for bedding and carpets. Used in the home, wool insulation helps to reduce energy costs and prevents the loss of energy, thus reducing carbon emissions. Thanks to the natural material’s high water and nitrogen content, wool is also naturally flame-retardant.
“Many Welsh smallholders are ready to supply fleece and yarn, and weavers stand ready to create decorative internal materials, helping to localise the manufacturing process. By increasing its usage in Welsh housing projects, we can decrease the emission miles in our materials and put money back into the Welsh economy.
“Elected Members have a platform from which to pursue policies that place the best interest of agriculture and farmers at the heart of devolution. By encouraging the Welsh Government, businesses and residents to modify their purchasing practices, we can stand in lockstep with those rural communities who rely on the benefits that our farms bring.”
ENDS
Photo: Sam Carter/Unsplash
