Australian Made: Why Supporting Local Bedding Manufacturers Matters

Over recent decades, consumers have seen major changes in how the products they purchase are sourced and manufactured. If we look back through history, we would find a rich tradition of goods that were created by craftspeople who utilised locally available raw materials and had great pride in what they produced. As we shifted from individual production to manufacturing, companies and workers still cared about the quality of the products they created.

Then everything changed, as many companies began to focus on maximising profits instead of caring about the quality of the goods they produced. The drive to reduce costs and make the most money possible became the overarching goal. Instead of using quality, local resources for manufacturing, it became acceptable to use inferior raw materials from overseas. Instead of relying on local craftsmanship, production was often moved off-shore so companies could pay low wages. As a result, production quality decreased dramatically and consumers could no longer count on being able to buy products that would last for years.

Look for Products That Are Made in Australia

Fortunately, you can make a difference and help support Australian craftsmanship and manufacturing when you make purchasing decisions that support the local economy. If you go online you will be able to find a pure wool quilt that is 100% Australian made and produced.

When you see the Australian Made and Owned logo, you will know you are buying a product that is considered the highest level of Australian manufacturing. Instead of purchasing an inferior product, you will be buying top quality goods.

Support Local Manufacturing in Australia

Manufacturing in Australia has seen a long period of prolonged decline. By purchasing your pure wool quilt from a local, quality manufacturer, you will be supporting an industry that is vital to Australia’s self interest.

A resurgence of Australian manufacturing is especially vital given current international tensions with China. To maintain Australian self-sufficiency, it’s critical that we have a strong local manufacturing base. Australian employment also benefits when local workers are hired to staff the local manufacturing companies.

You Will Be Supporting Australian Farmers Too

In addition to supporting Australian manufacturers, when you purchase a product that is made with 100% Australian raw materials you will be supporting Australian farmers too.

If you look for the Woolmark certified label, you will know that your doona is made from wool certified and sourced from Australian sheep farmers in South Australia and Victoria.

Down vs. Wool Bedding: Which Is Better

From the moment we wake up, we find ourselves running at a fast pace as we try to tackle all of the obligations and responsibilities in our life. Instead of getting to awaken peacefully we likely woke up to the klaxon call of an alarm clock, startling us out of sleep. The leisurely morning breakfast is a thing for weekends only, and we're lucky to even grab something to eat as we run out the door. Once we get to work we find there are endless tasks awaiting us, and more projects and meetings than one should have to face.

It's no wonder that we are usually totally exhausted at the end of the day. With the hectic pace of our life and all of the stresses we take on, getting a good night's sleep is priceless. Sleep helps your body recover, soothes your nervous system and is a true gift to your body and your well-being. One of the best ways to help assure that you get the restful sleep you need each night is to select bedding and quilts that give you comfort all night long.

Look for a Hypoallergenic Filling

If you are susceptible to or suffer from allergies or skin conditions, then wool can be a far better choice than down filling. A pure wool quilt is naturally hypoallergenic, and can also repel the dust mites that can trigger allergies.

This is especially helpful for individuals who suffer from asthma. Since down is not hypoallergenic, it can be the wrong choice for anyone prone to allergies or skin sensitivity.

Regulating Moisture and Temperature

With a pure wool quilt you'll be able to naturally regulate the thermal conditions as you sleep. The qualities of wool allow it to draw any perspiration away and move it into the atmosphere. This creates a dry environment for your sleep.

Down can keep the moisture trapped, and result in more humid surroundings. This can also degrade the down, and cause clumping. People who are naturally warm sleepers may find that down makes it difficult to fall asleep.

Consider Kindness to Animals

Much of the world's down comes from production in China. Some years ago, a documentary revealed that some of the world's best down from that country came from live plucking ducks and geese. During this practice, the feathers are pulled from the birds while they are alive.

Wool, on the other hand, can be sheared from the sheep without harming them. This is far more humane, and produces a product that is still all natural and yet does not hurt the animals. Shearing is typically done only once or twice a year.