At Iksplor, we believe in the power of nature and the impact of conscious choices. Our mission is to keep your family comfortable and cozy in 100% merino wool layers while also taking responsibility for our beautiful planet. In honor of Global Recycling Day, we’re diving into the world of circularity in fashion and how recycling, reusing, and upcycling can make a big difference—especially in the context of the sustainable, eco-friendly materials that we use.

Merino Wool: A Natural, Renewable, and Biodegradable Resource

We chose merino wool as our fabric of choice for a reason. Not only is merino wool incredibly soft and comfortable, but it is also a sustainable, renewable resource that is biodegradable. This means that when your Iksplor layers have reached the end of their adventure, they won’t sit in a landfill for centuries—they can safely return to the earth.

Merino wool comes from merino sheep, which grow a new fleece every year. The wool is not only gentle on the skin but also serves a purpose far beyond style and comfort—it’s part of a natural, eco-friendly cycle. By using merino wool, we’re reducing our reliance on synthetic fabrics that can take hundreds of years to break down, helping us keep our carbon footprint smaller and our planet healthier.

Recycling and the Circular Economy: Reducing Waste in Fashion

As part of our commitment to the planet, we’re embracing circularity in clothing. Circular fashion focuses on making the most of our resources by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Global Recycling Day is the perfect time to talk about how we can all play a part in the circular economy.

The fashion industry is known for its wastefulness, with billions of pounds of textiles ending up in landfills every year. Recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce textile waste and curb the overwhelming flow of discarded clothing. By designing garments made from sustainable materials like merino wool and encouraging the reuse and recycling of clothes, we help extend the life of these garments, reduce waste, and minimize environmental harm.

At Iksplor, we don’t just stop at creating sustainable products. We’ve taken additional steps to ensure that our layers can be reused and repurposed, making it easier for you to keep the life of your clothing going strong.

Iksplor More: Keep Your Layers in Action

We understand that kids grow quickly, and their outdoor adventures can sometimes be tough on their clothing. That’s why we created Iksplor More, a space where our community can buy and sell gently used Iksplor gear. Whether your little one has outgrown their beloved base layers or you’re looking for an affordable option to keep the adventure going, Iksplor More helps extend the lifespan of our garments.

This initiative is all about embracing the idea of upcycling and giving pre-loved items new life. By purchasing or selling secondhand gear, you’re not only making eco-friendly choices but also saving money and contributing to the circular economy. Together, we’re ensuring that our merino wool clothing stays on the trails and out of landfills longer.

How to Care for and Extend the Life of Your Merino Wool Garments

Taking care of your Iksplor merino wool pieces means you’re not only getting the most out of your gear but also helping reduce waste. Here are a few tips for keeping your layers fresh, functional, and ready for the next adventure:

1. Check for stains: Before washing, rub any stains with a bar of soap, wash, and don’t dry until the stain is completely gone.

2. Machine wash: Be sure to wash with similar items, using a wool detergent when possible, and always wash in cold water to preserve the fabric.

3. Dry properly: Avoid wringing out or hanging to dry. Toss your merino wool (except beanies) into the dryer on low heat or lay them flat to air dry.

4. Get back to iksploring: Once your layers are clean, get back outside and enjoy the adventures ahead!

In addition to caring for your garments, we offer iron-on merino wool patches to help repair any small holes or tears. This helps prevent clothing from being discarded too early, allowing it to stay in circulation longer.

Composting Your Wool: Truly Biodegradable

Merino wool is not only renewable and sustainable, but it’s also fully biodegradable. So, if your Iksplor layers have truly reached the end of their life, you can simply compost them. Merino wool naturally breaks down over time, returning to the earth without harming the environment. If you don’t have a compost, no worries! Send your well-worn layers back to us, and we’ll either find them another home or compost them for you.

A Call to Action: Make Mindful, Eco-Friendly Choices

As we celebrate Global Recycling Day, we encourage you to join the movement of conscious consumption. Whether it’s recycling your old garments, repairing your clothes instead of replacing them, or choosing eco-friendly materials like merino wool, every action you take can have a lasting impact and sets a positive example for your children. Together, we can create a circular fashion system that supports the planet for generations to come.

Let’s continue to embrace the adventure, reduce waste, and protect the earth—one merino wool layer at a time.

Happy Global Recycling Day from Iksplor! 🌎💚