Bellbridge Wool Carpets, Benicia, CA has launched an exciting recycling project with a leading Napa Valley wine producer, Nord Vineyards.
Following the impressive results from ‘Wool… the blooming success’ project with Pleasanton Middle School in California; Bellbridge has partnered with Nord Vineyards who have ‘installed’ Bellbridge wool carpets among their Cabernet Sauvignon vine. The goal was to investigate additional sustainable practices for reuse of wool carpets.
The carpet is laid in some areas face down to the soil and in other areas with backing to the soil. Wool carpet is expected to deliver 4 benefits to the growing of the vine and the grapes.
- Weed Blocker: Carpet laid between the vines will inhibit weed growth that would otherwise take moisture and nutrients away from the vine.
- Fertilizer: As wool degrades it releases significant amounts of essential elements, including high levels of Nitrogen that promote vigorous plant growth. Carpets will be cut around the vines to ‘feed’ the plant.
- Moisture Barrier: Wool carpet will act as a barrier to help hold the moisture in the soil reducing evaporation during the peak hot weather in California, thereby conserving water consumption.
- Erosion Mat: The carpet will help prevent erosion of the land as hilly exposed terrain is a common feature of the Napa Valley. This could be a major benefit.
The amazing properties of wool carpet go beyond performance and beauty, this ‘afterlife’project with Nord Vineyards really shows the sustainable and environmental-friendly properties of this incredible, natural fiber. — Bruce Bell, President of Bellbridge
Julie Nord, owner of the Nord Vineyards is also a qualified soil scientist; this large scale project involves thousands of feet of used and scrap wool carpet that would otherwise end up in landfill. The project will be closely monitored and is an exciting use for Bellbridge wool carpets.
Nord are also introducing sheep to the same vineyard. The sheep will feed on the grass between the vines, reducing the need for manual cutting with equipment, and thereby completing a sustainable recycling model. From fine carpets to fine wine! Visit Nord Vineyards Website
