Alpaca wool is possibly THE most sustainable material out there on the planet. Yes, you heard us right. Natural? yes. Ethical? yes. Sustainable? yes! Despite all the obvious benefits, Alpaca wool is yet to attain global attention. The Movement began in early 2019 and has been on a roll since. Slowly but surely, nature lovers all over the globe are beginning to replace their beloved yet environmentally harmful industrial wool with the luxuriously sustainable Alpaca alternative. Why you ask? We're here to break it down!
Summary
The Alpaca Movement strives to promote sustainable and ethical living through the purchasing of products made entirely from ethically-sourced alpaca wool. Alpaca wool is a luxurious yet sustainable material that is comparable to cashmere, though it produces a much smaller environmental footprint. It is regenerative, and also helps support the indigenous communities from which it is sourced. There are many benefits to using alpaca wool including, but not limited to:
1) Versatility: A luxurious item used by fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and many more that is now making it to the home decor market!
2) Sustainability: Alpacas feed on resources high up in the Andean mountains. No overgrazing, no excessive land occupation, and no deforestation!
3) Support: Towards economic and social development of indigenous Peruvian communities. A thousand year old tradition.
Join us in the Alpaca Movement, as we strive toward a future that promotes social consciousness and environmental sustainability!
Benefits of Alpaca Wool
Using alpaca wool produces plenty of benefits, but to keep things simple, these can be summed up into three main points.
1) Versatile, durable and high-quality: Alpaca wool is taking over the industry as the alternative to premium cashmere. Unlike cashmere, alpaca wool does not pill and thus has a greater longevity. It only comes second to silk in terms of material strength, and is considered one of the most durable fibers. It is an extremely versatile material as it can be used on its own or blended with other sustainable fibers to create a wide range of products.
Quality-wise, alpaca wool does not disappoint. Because of its longer fibers, it is lighter and softer to the touch and maintains heat very well, making it the perfect material for the colder seasons. It is also hypoallergenic as it does not contain lanolin. While luxurious, it is also less expensive than cashmere, making it a more accessible material for socially-conscious consumers.
2) Sustainable and cruelty-free: Alpaca wool is a sustainable material as alpacas have a light environmental footprint. Alpacas feed on grass, leaves, wood, bark, and stems, and they do not devastate the natural environment unlike other grazers. Alpacas are domesticated yet adaptable and can easily acclimate to harsher environments, making them a great animal to keep.
The sourcing of alpaca wool is cruelty free as they are shorn only once a year in preparation for the warmer summer months in order to avoid heat stress. Shearing alpaca wool is therefore beneficial to both the farmers and the alpacas. Alpaca wool is a valuable source of income for farmers as one of the primary means to maintaining their livelihood. Alpaca wool also regenerates, adding to its sustainability as a textiles material.
3) Supports economic and social development in indigenous Peruvian communities : For centuries, alpaca wool has been one of the main sources of livelihood for indigenous communities in the Peruvian Andes. Around 3.5 million alpacas are bred and raised on multiple small farms independently owned by families. This traditional way of living continues today, with these communities continually relying on Alpaca breeding as their sole source of livelihood, despite the extreme conditions and limited economic opportunities. By purchasing products made from Alpaca wool, you help support the farming and weaving sectors of these communities, while allowing them to maintain their traditional lifestyles.
So finally, Why join the Alpaca Movement?
As a socially conscious consumer, you seek out brands that reflect your ethical principles. By purchasing from ÄYAHome, your vision for sustainable living is brought to fruition. At ÄYAHome, we endorse sustainability through our chic, high-quality products made from ethically-sourced alpaca wool.
Alpaca wool is a sustainable and high-quality material, and it is taking over the industry as the cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternative to cashmere. Our alpaca wool is sourced from Peru, and supports the local indigenous communities that rely almost solely on alpaca breeding for their livelihood. Through joining the Alpaca Movement, you can help support these indigenous communities, while reducing your environmental footprint. The Alpaca Movement is the next step towards a sustainable and ethical lifestyle.
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