Non-Toxic & Green Home Makeover: Bedroom

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The next stop in my Non-Toxic & Green Home Makeover series is the bedroom. If you missed out on the last post, head over here to find out how to create an eco-friendly kitchen. The bedroom is such an important room to keep non-toxic since it is where we spend each night in close contact with our pillow, mattress, and linens. Find below some excellent green products to replace conventional versions.

Furniture

When shopping for bedroom furniture there are several things to consider including durability, finishes, and materials used. Although often pricier, solid wood furniture is long lasting, durable, and has potential to become an heirloom piece making it an eco choice over disposable furniture. Another benefit of choosing solid wood furniture is that it is not loaded with chemicals (i.e. formaldehyde) as it’s cheaper alternative, particleboard. The finish on furniture is also important as it should be a non-toxic oil or water based stain (preferably Green-Guard certified). The materials used in furniture are another significant consideration. If you opt to buy a wooden piece, make sure it is sustainably harvested (FSC certified) and made in the USA. Bamboo furniture is a great alternative to wood as it grows back extremely fast when cut and requires no use of pesticides or fertilizers.

   

Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are currently one of the most popular choices for bedding yet they may be lurking with and off-gassing toxic chemicals including petroleum, volatile organic vompounds (VOCs), and synthetic fragrances. Instead opt for a natural memory foam from a plant based origin. A couple of my favorite alternatives to conventional mattresses are Essentia and Lifekind.

Essentia creates breathable memory foam mattresses from Oeko-Tex certified natural latex (processed hevea milk) and have unbleached organic covers (GOTS certified). All adhesives used in their mattresses are Green-Guard certified

Lifekind creates organic innerspring and rubber mattresses that are Green-Guard certified and naturally flame retardant (with the use of wool).  They contain natural rubber latex that is sustainably harvested from tropical rubber trees and manufactured into cores in the USA (independently tested and certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100). They are also created with U.S. grown organic cotton batting, cover material, and thread that are all certified by Oregon Tilth to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Pillows

Having a pillow made of organic and natural materials is another important aspect to a healthy sleeping environment. Essentia creates a natural memory foam pillow that is breathable, hypoallergenic, and super comfortable. Check out my review of the pillow here to learn even more. Another option is Lifekind’s cotton pillows made of 100% certified organic cotton.

Sheets

   

Purchasing organic sheets is a simple step to take in making your bedroom more eco-friendly  and is a good way to start the makeover process. There are several soft and comfortable varieties available from organic linen to cotton.