BENECIA, CA, November 10, 2008— Wools of New Zealand Brand partner, Bellbridge Carpets, recently partnered with Harvest Park Middle School in Pleasanton, CA to evaluate the effects of recycling wool carpet. Students from the school’s Ecology Club designed an experiment to measure differences in plant growth when traditional cocoa fiber liners were used versus liners made from recycled Bellbridge carpet.

The group constructed five planters and filled them with the same type and number of flowers. Each basket was mounted on a 4" x 4"x 8' post and watered via a solar-powered irrigation system. The only difference between the baskets was the content of the liner material:

• Basket #1 was lined with New Zealand wool carpet.

• Basket #2 was lined with New Zealand wool carpet and small one inch square pieces of wool carpet cut up and added to the potting soil.

• Basket #3 was control basket lined traditional cocoa fiber.

• Basket #4 was lined with New Zealand wool carpet.

• Basket #5 was lined with New Zealand wool carpet and small one inch square pieces of wool carpet cut up and added to the potting soil.

Students measured and photographed the flowers at regular intervals over a three-month period. It became clear after the second month that the wool-lined baskets were outgrowing the traditional-lined basket in height, density and intensity of color. When the flowers hit their peak, at three-months, it was concluded that the wool lining promoted healthier, more vibrant flowers in comparison to the control basket which appeared to lack vigor.

“New Zealand wool is known as a natural, rapidly renewable and safe fiber,” says Bruce Bell, president of Bellbridge Carpets. “Few realize that New Zealand wool is also a great source of nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and magnesium—all the basic elements that are good for soil and can aid plant growth. We were pleased to partner with Harvest Park Middle School to visually illustrate the eco-benefits of New Zealand wool.