Desert Breeze: 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket
Desert Breeze: 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket
Indulge in ultimate comfort and sustainability with our handcrafted alpaca and merino wool blanket. This exceptional blend offers unparalleled softness, warmth, and breathability. Perfect for chilly nights, this blanket is a testament to luxury and eco-consciousness.
Key Benefits:
Premium alpaca and merino wool blend: Experience the unmatched softness and warmth of natural fibers.
Handcrafted with care: Appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Easy care and maintenance: Enjoy the convenience of machine-washable luxury.
Versatile size options: Find the perfect fit for your space.
Rustic western design: Add a touch of timeless style to your home.
Wrap yourself in the warmth of tradition and the promise of a good night's sleep.
What We Love
1. 100% natural wool: Soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating for year-round comfort
2. Ethically sourced materials: Made from sustainably harvested wool, ensuring minimal environmental impact
3. Certified eco-friendly production: Adheres to stringent sustainability standards, verified by eco-certifications
4. Naturally hypoallergenic: Perfect for those with allergies, offering a safe, chemical-free option
ASSESSMENT AS OF: JANUARY 2024
Sustainable Features
Price Point
Estimated Life Expectancy
What We'd Like to See Improved
Savings & Benefits for Switching from Conventional Options
- 100% Natural, Premium Wool Woven Blanket! Alpaca wool is fine, soft, and the fibers are straight. Merino wool is fine, soft, and has a natural crimp which adds loft. Blending these two wools results in a luxurious blanket that is thick, warm, and breathable.
- Easy Care and Maintenance! This alpaca wool blanket is surprisingly easy to care for. Simply hand wash in cold water or machine wash on delicate with mild liquid detergent (we recommend Outback Gold Wool Wash).
- King size blanket: 86 x 103 inches, weight 7.2 lbs. The surface of both sides is brushed for a soft, wooly texture. Reinforced binding protects the edging and increases durability.
- 100% Made in Peru! The raw wool is cleaned, spun, and woven in our mill in Peru with natural fiber sourced from Huacaya alpaca and Merino sheep high in the Andes mountains.
- High-Quality and Durable! The edges are protected with polyester, so this heavy wool blanket can withstand frequent use while the pure wool blanket maintains its softness and warmth over time.
- Versatile Size Options: Whether you're looking for a full size blanket for your guest room, a queen blanket for the bed in your master suite, or a king size blanket for a spacious feel, our Andean Collection has got you covered.
- Rustic Western Design: As a woven blanket with a rustic striped design, this blanket is perfect for those who enjoy a rustic or western aesthetic. It's an ideal western blanket for adding a touch of rustic charm to your home decor.
MaterialWool Blend, WoolColorTan and BrownBrandDesert Breeze DistributingSpecial FeatureBreathableStyleCountry Rustic
Summary
Wool blankets are naturally biodegradable, breaking down over time without leaving harmful microplastics behind. In contrast, polyester blankets, made from petrochemicals, contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution. These synthetic fibers shed microplastics during washing, which enter waterways and pose a serious environmental threat. By opting for wool, you help combat this issue and contribute to a healthier planet.
Wool is a natural insulator, offering superior warmth and breathability compared to polyester. It regulates body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without the need for synthetic additives. This makes wool not only an eco-friendly choice but also a more versatile and comfortable one.
Wool products are also free from the harmful chemicals often found in synthetic materials. Polyester blankets may contain off-gas toxins that can impact indoor air quality and pose health risks over time. Wool, being naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, offers a safer and healthier alternative for your home.
Incorporating wool blankets into your home not only enhances comfort and well-being but also supports efforts to reduce plastic consumption and protect the environment. The long-lasting nature of wool ensures that you won’t need to replace your blankets as often, further reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Country of Origin:
- Peru
Sustainability Explanation:
1. Manufacturing: 8/10
- Not made close to its target market
2. Distribution: 8/10
- Not made close to its target market
3. Cost: 5/10
- Costs nearly 4X as much as a competing polyester option
4. Packaging: 5/10
- Contains a significant amount of plastic packaging
5. Effectiveness: 8/10
- Very effective as a wool winter blanket - comes in a range of standard bed sizes
6. Lifespan: 7/10
- Will likely last multiple decades with proper care
7. Fun: 8/10
- Very cozy and easy to use - great for cuddling up on the couch or to put over a bed
8. Relevance: 8/10
- Perfect to keep you feeling secure and warm
9. Disposal: 8/10
- Is biodegradable, just throw it in the compost
10. Recycling: 5/10
- Not easily recyclable in most municipal facilities
Desert Breeze 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket Benefits:
1. Sustainable Materials:
- Made from 100% natural, renewable wool, which is biodegradable and eco-friendly
2. Long-Lasting:
- Wool is durable and can last for many years, reducing the need for frequent replacements
3. Health Benefits:
- Wool is hypoallergenic, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals, providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment
4. No Microplastics:
- Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool does not shed microplastics, which can harm marine life and ecosystems
5. Temperature Regulation:
- Wool naturally regulates body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, promoting better sleep
Polyester Blend Comforter Drawbacks:
1. Plastic-Based Materials:
- Polyester is made from petroleum-based plastics, contributing to fossil fuel consumption and pollution
2. Microplastic Shedding:
- Polyester sheds microplastics during washing and use, which enter waterways and harm aquatic life
3. Non-Biodegradable:
- Polyester takes hundreds of years to break down, contributing to landfill waste and pollution
4. Health Concerns:
- Synthetic fabrics may contain harmful chemicals like flame retardants and VOCs, which can affect indoor air quality
5. Shorter Lifespan:
- Polyester comforters tend to wear out more quickly, requiring more frequent replacements, which increases waste and long-term costs
How to Start Using Desert Breeze 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket:
1. Purchase:
- Look for the Desert Breeze blanket from sustainable retailers or online marketplaces that prioritize eco-friendly products
2. Care:
- Follow the care instructions for wool, such as gentle washing and air drying, to maintain its durability and longevity
3. Replace Synthetics:
- Gradually replace synthetic blankets or comforters in your home with wool alternatives to reduce microplastic shedding and plastic waste
4. Educate:
- Share the benefits of using natural wool blankets with friends and family to encourage more sustainable choices
5. Disposal:
- When the blanket eventually reaches the end of its life, compost or recycle it to minimize the environmental impact
Summary
Polyester blend comforters are an affordable option upfront, but their long-term environmental cost is much higher due to significant plastic consumption. In contrast, the Desert Breeze Wool Blanket, while initially more expensive, offers greater long-term savings and a far lower environmental impact. Made from natural wool, the Desert Breeze blanket minimizes plastic use and supports sustainable living.
The key advantage of the wool blanket lies in its durability and eco-friendliness. Unlike polyester blend comforters, which are derived from synthetic fibers that contribute to plastic waste, wool is a renewable and biodegradable resource. Over time, a polyester comforter may need replacement due to wear, adding to the cycle of plastic pollution, while a high-quality wool blanket can last for years, offering cost-efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Wool blankets like the Desert Breeze are also more likely to be free from harmful chemicals, providing a safer and healthier sleep environment. Polyester blend comforters, on the other hand, often contain synthetic compounds that may release toxic chemicals, such as phthalates or microplastics, which can pose health risks over time. Choosing wool is not only better for the planet but also for personal well-being.
Though these comparisons are based on general product trends, specific details and pricing may vary. However, the essential takeaway remains that investing in a Desert Breeze Wool Blanket is a smarter and more sustainable choice. It balances higher upfront costs with long-term durability, health benefits, and a reduced environmental footprint.
Lifetime Plastic Avoided
Desert Breeze 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket
1. Lifespan Estimate:
The typical lifespan of a high-quality natural wool blanket can be around 20 years with proper care
2. Number of Purchases Over 50 Years:
Given a 20-year lifespan:
Number of purchases = 50/20 = 2.5
Rounding up, this would be 3 purchases
3. Plastic Content Estimate:
This blanket is made from natural fibers (alpaca and merino wool) and contains minimal plastic, mostly from packaging. Assume the packaging contains about 50 grams (0.05 kg) of plastic per blanket.
4. Total Plastic Consumption Over 50 Years:
Total plastic consumption = 3×0.05 kg = 0.15 kg
Polyester Blend Comforter
1. Lifespan Estimate:
The typical lifespan of a polyester blend comforter is around 5 years
2. Number of Purchases Over 50 Years:
Given a 5-year lifespan:
Number of purchases = 50/5 = 10
3. Plastic Content Estimate:
Polyester is a synthetic material made from plastic, assume each comforter contains about 1 kg of plastic
4. Total Plastic Consumption Over 50 Years:
Total plastic consumption =10×1 kg = 10 kg
Switching Savings/Costs
Desert Breeze 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket
Total Cost Over 50 Years:
Assume the cost of one Desert Breeze 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket is $300:
Total cost = 3×300 = $900
Polyester Blend Comforter
Total Cost Over 50 Years:
Assume the cost of one polyester blend comforter is $100:
Total cost = 10×100 = $1,000
Chemicals Avoided
Desert Breeze 100% Natural Premium Alpaca and Merino Wool Blanket
- Chemicals: Wool blankets are generally free from harmful chemicals. If dyed, natural or low-toxicity dyes are usually used. Wool is naturally fire-resistant, so no additional chemical treatments for fire retardancy are typically required.
Polyester Blend Comforter
- Chemicals: Polyester is derived from petroleum and can contain harmful chemicals, some polyester comforters may also be treated with other chemical finishes that can be harmful to health and the environment.
- Formaldehyde
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- Flame Retardants
References:
- Environmental Working Group (EWG) for chemical safety information
- General product lifespan and cost assumptions from typical market observations