Dictionary entries for the word 'wool' must be urgently updated to include plant–based alternatives, woke scientists say. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) argues that wool derived from linen, hemp and bamboo has existed for centuries. 'Adding plant wool to the Oxford Dictionary would recognise a simple truth: wool doesn't need to be taken from suffering animals. In contrast, hemp – a plant wool used for thousands of years to make clothing – is ranked as a 'Class A' material, PETA said. Please add "plant wool" to the Oxford English Dictionary to reflect that we need not steal from animals; we can instead work with nature to grow wool.'

Source: Daily Mail March 10, 2026 16:56 UTC