Go Green, Baby Favorite: Wool!

If you don't know by now, I love wool. Wool has so many amazing properties, which is why I am making it today's Go Green, Baby favorite.
So, why wool? First and foremost, wool is renewable and sustainable. It's biodegradable unlike oil-based synthetics (which contribute to pollution, yuck).
Wool is naturally non-allergenic, fire retardant, wrinkle resistant, and water repellent. Some people do have reactions to the natural lanolin in wool, but it's rare. Most people that have wool "allergies" are actually having a reaction to the harsh and toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing and treatment of conventional wool garments and bedding. Look for organic wool from small distributors, you'll notice the difference! Since wool is naturally fire retardant you don't have to worry about any of those toxic chemicals next to your skin. It's natural wrinkle resistance makes the care and upkeep easy, and the water repellent makes this the perfect choice for all things baby (diaper covers, bedding, clothing).
When people think of wool they think itchy and hot, but that's not true at all! Wool has a natural insulating quality. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In the winter wool wicks moisture away from your skin keeping you warm and dry, and wools insulating qualities trap warm air near your skin. In the summer, wool pulls excess heat and moisture from your skin keeping you cool. Of course you won't wear a wool sweater in August, but there is such a wide variety of wools including cashmere and merino wool, that are thinner and perfect for summer.
Wool is naturally mildew and mold resistant, which makes it perfect for things like mattresses and bedding, especially if you co-sleep with a baby. A wool mattress is high on my list of wants and needs. Elijah sleeps with me, and since I breastfeed, well, you can imagine that sometimes accidents happen. Diapers leak sometimes too! Wool mattresses are pretty expensive, but well worth it, it will probably last you longer than any other type of mattress, and it has all these amazing qualities! There are also mattress toppers, sheets, and comforters.

 Tell me what your favorite wool items are!