The RH range of 40-60 is within the human comfort zone. A hard lichen indicates a relative humidity level below 30-40, and a very soft lichen a level of 55 or above. Your Nordgrna reindeer moss panel can also be used as a humidity-indicator. The picking of the lichen is subject to a rigorous review (ISO 9001) conducted every 3 years and encompasses all company activities. This also makes lichen sensitive to pollutants they only grow where air quality is high. The collection of lichen maintains employment for rural communities, and is a requirement in some forest areas where overgrowth of the lichen inhibits propagation of plants and animals. Picking lichen requires a governmental permit and approval of landowners, which include forestry companies, municipalities, and private individuals. The lichen grows the fastest during the spring period, and is not collected during the winter period during which the ground is covered in snow.

No more than 20% of the amount is picked at a time, and the area is not revisited again for at least 4-5 years.

The lichen is picked in a checkerboard pattern, and only from parts above a specified length in order to allow for the best possible conditions for regrowth. Our reindeer moss is picked by hand, following strict rules in terms of environment and sustainability across an area of about 5.000 km² (5800 mi²).

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