Ecofriendly sleep simply means sleeping in a greener bedroom. The apparent advantage of anything ecofriendly is environmental sustainability. However, when it comes to the bedroom, eco-friendliness achieves much more than saving earth’s resources. An ecofriendly bedroom is healthy. And, when you are healthy, isn’t your whole life better?
Now the question is, how can you make your bedroom eco-friendlier?
Below we have covered some methods of making your bedroom greener and the advantages of each method.
Ecofriendly mattress
Organic mattresses are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Some of their advantages include:
- Naturally, fire-resistant materials: Meaning they do not use fire-retardant chemicals which can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.
- Breathable material: Cotton and wool are breathable and absorbent meaning they will keep you cool in the summer and warm during the cold seasons.
- Biodegradable materials: When you dispose of these mattresses, there is less impact on the environment due to the biodegradable nature of the materials.
Organic mattress options include natural latex and plant-based memory foam which use wool and organic cotton in the outer layer.
There is also an ecofriendly waterbed option in the organic vinyl waterbed. One advantage of waterbeds is reduced dust, dander, and mite, as there are very few places if any for them to hide. Learn more benefits of a waterbed at mattressgenius.com.
Note that organic mattresses might be more expensive than the traditional foam and spring mattresses. However, they are in the same price range as the more durable and popular memory foam (the synthetic type).
Organic bedding
Enhance your sleep even more by spreading a pair of organic bedsheets on your organic mattress. Don’t stop there; go for organic comforters and pillows.
When it comes to organic bedding, we are talking 100% natural cotton. The advantages include:
Increased comfort
Polyester and other forms of synthetic cotton are soft. But, 100% natural cotton is even softer. More importantly, organic cotton is breathable. Therefore, it allows air circulation and absorbs moisture, which keeps your body from getting too warm.
Less exposure to toxins
During your sleep, you toss and turn. These actions create friction between your skin and the bedding. With synthetic bedding, the tossing and turning expose you to toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances used in the manufacturing process. With organic cotton, you are at no risk of exposure to anything toxic.
Environmental sustainability
The farming of conventional cotton involves a lot of pesticides. Also, the manufacturing process involves chemicals and dyes. All these chemicals pose a risk to the environment as the waste will end up in water supplies and soil. Remember, harmful chemicals in pesticides deplete the nutrients in the soil that promote the natural growth of plants.
Green furniture
There are greener options for your bed, and other furniture in your bedroom such as wardrobes, dressing table, and sofa. Green furniture does not necessarily mean not using wood (although that would be the best way to eliminate cutting trees). It means that if you have to use wood, ensure the creation process had the least impact on the environment. For that reason, you should only buy wood furniture with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
However, the greener way is to recycle furniture. For example, instead of buying a new piece of furniture, hit the used furniture stores. You are likely to get something vintage and unique.
Another greener furniture alternative is to buy furniture made from recycled wood, plastic, and metal. Remember, recycled materials require less processing, hence use fewer resources.
Green furniture means less carbon footprint (through recycling and reusing) and less depletion of the tree cover (wood regulated by a responsible organization such as FSC).
Green paint
Synthetic paints emit VOCs, especially when new. Just like with many other products, there are organic options when it comes to paints.
The point of organic paint is to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals and odors, which can cause respiratory issues in the short term.
Putting plants in your bedroom
Houseplants purify the air. They absorb VOCs such as benzene and ammonia. Besides, they improve the quality of air through emitting oxygen during the day.
So, by putting a plant in your bedroom, you are literally going green and decontaminating the air. Good air quality promotes better health and improves quality of sleep.
Some low-maintenance plants you can put in your bedroom include Chinese evergreen, snake plant, and devil’s ivy. For more effective decontamination, go for ferns and spider plants. The Peace Lily is renowned for electromagnetic radiation decontamination.
Final thoughts
Clearly, eco-friendliness in your bedroom is not all about environmental sustainability. You will sleep in a space with less air contamination from chemical toxins, odors and VOCs. Also, by choosing organic bedding, you will not come in physical contact with harmful chemicals in synthetic fibers. Ultimately, green sleep is of high quality. And, we all know quality sleep is a crucial factor in a happier, healthier life.
Also Read: How to Find the Best Brush Cleaner
Pingback: How Going Green Can Promote Better Sleep for Your Family | EcoMENA