A new level of eco friendly, reusable, sustainable packing is coming

Cut Styrofoam Packing Out by Using Wool

Have you ever been on a weekend drive and found some place that is really unique, fun; some place you want to keep a secret?

The Australians are leading the way to use cast-off wool pieces to keep plastics out of the oceans!

This interesting video highlights a company in New South Wales, Australia that has created highly effective packaging that is also sustainable and reusable.

A quick google search found several other companies using wool for packing materials - Woola, Woolcool, and Puffin Packaging. Interestingly, these companies were all started in EU member countries.  Kudos to the EU for their 2008 directive on reducing Packaging Waste!

There are many ways to improve eco-friendly packaging but the one we’re most interested in is using cast-off wool that we already have but can’t utilize because it is too short to be cost effective for processing and eventually using for clothes, rugs, or crafts.

As a sheep farmer, we understand weighing the cost of cleaning & processing a fleece versus what price we can expect to sell it for before we even begin to work the wool into batts, roving, and yarn. To find a new market for the underused wool would be a game changer for sheep farmers around the world!

If you hear of any companies in the United States that are exploring using wool for thermal packaging, please let us know!

Fresh Wool is here

From Wool to Roving and beyond

Have you ever been on a weekend drive and found some place that is really unique, fun; some place you want to keep a secret?

Jackson

Our sheep have been shorn! It’s officially Spring now :)

We will have fleece available until we start processing them. If you want a fresh pelt, contact us ASAP!

Our wool starts as a pelt, is hand combed or carded, then potentially spun into yarn as the finished product. Often we pause after carding and work with the roving instead of spinning it down into yarn.

Here’s a fun video on how to make your own carding board.

A “new” nature spot

Chehalem Ridge Nature Park

Have you ever been on a weekend drive and found some place that is really unique, fun; some place you want to keep a secret?

Gaston is proud of our newest nature park - Chehalem Ridge!

Chehalem Ridge Nature park has stunning views of the Tualatin Valley and Coast Range along with native forests and wildlife spread across 1,260 acres.

Walking, off road biking, and horseback riding are encouraged on the 10 miles of trails. There’s even a picnic spot and free parking!

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Park.

Make plans for a hike, stroll or meander this Spring! 38263 SW Dixon Mill Rd, Cornelius

Here is an excellent local articles describing the process to create and develop this nature Park: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/now-open-discover-chehalem-ridge-nature-park

And for the All Important Trail Maps: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/chehalem-ridge-nature-park or https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/chehalem-ridge-trail-via-timber-road