I can shop eco-friendly at the grocery store by choosing organic, locally grown products. If I’m ever in the market for a car, I know to look at hybrids. But I never even thought I could even shop green when it came to one thing I use everyday in my home: my bed.
Most conventional mattresses are made out of man-made, nonrenewable materials that are treated with chemical fire retardants. Even if your conventional mattress is cotton, chances are that pesticides were used on that cotton. If you’re getting around eight hours of sleep a day, you’re exposing yourself to the chemicals and pesticides used on your mattress for that entire time. Health effects include headaches and allergic reactions. There are three main types of eco-friendly mattresses, all of which come from natural and renewable resources: natural latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. You might find yourself getting better nights of sleep with one of these green mattresses—and not just because you feel good because of your eco-conscious choice!
Even if you aren’t in the position to buy a new mattress, there are other ways you can make your bed more eco-friendly. Purchasing a mattress pad made out of either natural latex, organic wool or organic cotton is a great way to spruce up your bed and the quality of your sleep. What’s more, eco-friendly mattress pads are much less expensive than buying an entirely new mattress.
There are even more eco-friendly options when it comes to pillows. Look for a pillow with a case made out of organic cotton. As for the pillow stuffing, you’re probably already familiar with pillows that use down, but there are numerous other natural choices. Animal-based filler materials include wool and horsehair, but if you’d prefer something plant-based, there’s hemp, buckwheat, natural latex, and kapok tree fiber. If you’re looking for a pillow made out of recycled materials, you’re in luck, because the stuffing in Natural Elements pillows partly consists of recycled green soda bottles.
The artificial dyes used in traditional bed sheets and comforters can aggravate some people’s allergies. Choose bedding that’s made from organic (read: pesticide-free) cotton, wool or bamboo and low eco-impact dyes. Many retailers are introducing eco-friendly bedding to their merchandise. One company devoted to organic and green products is Gaiam, and it’s got a large selection of bedding products that are environmentally friendly, good for your body, and stylish.
Once you’ve given your bed a green makeover, you can recycle your old mattress and donate your old bedding. Animal shelters will often gladly accept blankets and sheets. And when it’s time to hit the hay in your now eco-friendly bed, may you have sweet dreams!
Source: BecauseAction.com
