What is a Fibershed?

A fibershed is a geographical region where natural fibers are produced, processed, made into textiles, worn or used, and ultimately composted. Like a watershed, all the elements are interrelated. A regional fiber system includes everyone involved in producing and using textiles: farmers, fiber processors and spinning mills, weavers and other fiber artists, dyers, clothing and shoe designers, retailers, consumers, and gardeners. The geographic focus of a fibershed enables people to become more aware of and connected to the natural textile resources that can be grown or cultivated within that region. 

The original Fibershed began in northern California in 2010. Today, Fibershed is a non-profit organization that works to rebuild regional textile manufacturing, mitigate climate change through climate beneficial farming practices, improve ecological and community health, contribute to racial and economic equity, and transform the economic systems behind textile production. Learn more about Fibershed’s mission, vision, programs, and impact at https://fibershed.org/