06. What if we (re)talked about ethics?

Hello knitters and cheer up!

Today we're going to continue our adventure of exploration around ethics . So cast off , let's set sail for a better world!

After navigating the troubled waters of the textile industry and its impact on the environment , we now address the issues of animal welfare and social problems.

Far from being as "abstract" for the consumer as the pollution of groundwater or fly-tipping on the other side of the world, the mistreatment of animals and humans affects us because it calls for empathy, it is more direct, more brutal .

RESPECT FOR ANIMALS

Mulesing free

Wolly Roger is proud to say that all its yarns are guaranteed mulesing-free, meaning that the animal breeders who produce our beautiful fibers do not practice mulesing . None.

Mulesing is a common practice in Australia, which produces 75 % to 90% of the merino wool used in the textile industry. It is a surgical procedure, often performed by farmers and without anesthesia. It involves removing the skin around the lamb's tail to prevent parasites from settling in the folds of the skin. This practice only affects merino sheep, and Australia is the last country in the world to practice it.

Wolly Roger doesn't have a tail (neither do I) but we can well imagine that having the skin of the bottom cut off without anesthesia must be extremely painful, so we have simply chosen to offer merino wool from Uruguay , South Africa , Portugal or Arles , where mulesing is not practiced because it is not necessary.

Family farms

If you've ever seen images of factory farms, you'll probably get a chill down your spine. Some market players, for profit, view and treat animals as commodities.

But as good pirates that we are, we naturally could not afford to get our supplies from these thirsty drinkers.

Wolly Roger loves outdoor farms like the Attali family 's or the South African cooperatives from which our branded yarns come Cowgirl Blues .

Peace silk

Silk has always stirred passions. At the heart of a thousand-year-old trade network between Asia and Europe, its manufacture is now a source of questions. And for good reason: if you've read our article on materials, you've probably understood that the way this fiber is made is hardly compatible with the values we hold dear.

While it's difficult for us to offer only peace silk yarns at the moment, we're working hard on it. In the meantime, you'll be able to discover Jaipur Peace Silk in our store starting in spring 2022 in a variety of colors.

Vegan​

It's hard to avoid animal fibers in the world of knitting and crochet. We understand the beliefs of every wool pirate and want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves according to their principles.

So that vegan friends can find the right shoe for their wooden leg, we have chosen to offer 3 yarns made exclusively from plant fibers , Studio linen , Reborn plain denim and Morning greeting .

GOTS

We haven't mentioned labels so far, but the topic is important because labels allow us to know with certainty that a thread's production meets strict specifications. In this case, the most reliable label for the textile industry is, of course, the GOTS label.

Regarding animal welfare, the GOTS label guarantees that animals are fed and cared for organically. They have access to a minimum, ventilated, lit, straw-covered area, as well as access to the outdoors. More details on the GOTS charter here .

W olly Roger offers yarns with GOTS certification, including Bio balance and Northern Lights .

RESPECT FOR HUMANS

GOTS 2 the return

Not only does the GOTS label guarantee good animal welfare practices, it also benefits textile workers. Let's take a look at some of these health and social requirements.

In terms of health, since certified textiles must be free from harmful chemical inputs such as heavy metals, chlorine bleaching agents or formaldehyde at all stages of cultivation and processing, farmers and workers are not in contact with harmful products.

In terms of workers' rights, certain practices that are sadly common in the conventional textile industry, such as child labor or forced labor, are prohibited in order to obtain this certification. Working conditions (hours, pay, safety, freedom of association) must meet extremely strict criteria to ensure the well-being of the people who make the raw materials and finished products.

Integration through work

Some people face challenges in the job market. Whether for individuals or demographic groups, access to employment is a fundamental right, ensuring both livelihood and social connection.

Some of our suppliers, such as Malabrigo and Cowgirl Blues, prioritize employing people who tend to be left behind in the job market, particularly women in the autumn of life.

Local/national production

In a market open to the world, textile companies from all countries can compete to offer consumers products at the best price.

But who are you sure you're saving money?

By purchasing a product that has crossed the seas, not only does our environment suffer, but our industries as well.

Sheep and goat farming, spinning mills, dyeing mills, these are all jobs that are disappearing and in doing so, contributing to the rise in unemployment and our social security contributions.

Supporting French businesses is now a civic act, a way to support our neighbors, our farmers, and our loved ones. This is why Wolly Roger offers French wools like 1880 from Fonty all stages of production of which were carried out in France. We are also very proud to offer yarns of Attali Farm which benefits from the Alsace Brand label.

Oe ko-tex & azo-free

Because knitting must remain accessible and because not everyone can afford labeled products, we are nevertheless committed to providing you with only yarns free from azo dyes (these are synthetic dyes containing recognized carcinogenic components ).

To go further, most of our products have the O eko-tex certification which not only guarantee products without azo dyes but also have not been in contact with other harmful compounds such as formaldehyde and nickel.

This list is not exhaustive, but it represents a summary of the important rules from which Wolly Roger does not wish to deviate. We hope that in the future, the textile industry will make better choices for the well-being of all, but this will not happen without us.

We have the power.

Take care and see you soon for new adventures!

Jessica