Feature Photo by cottonbro studio
Today I wanted to talk about sustainable bedding: I’ve talked about how the world is facing a multitude of environmental crises, from pollution to deforestation, and the textile industry is a significant contributor to this, therefore sustainable bedding is one way to make a difference. In fact, the textile industry is one of the largest culprits, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions.
THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY
If you need more facts to be convinced of this industry’s downsides, consider this:
- 190,000 tons of micro-plastic fibres end up in the ocean each year
- 85% of human-made debris found on shorelines are microfibres
- 200 tons of fresh water are needed to dye one ton of fabric, while 750 million people worldwide have no access to fresh water
- 20% of industrial water pollution comes from the treatment and dying of textiles
- 1 kg of chemicals is required to produce 1 kg of textiles
- 70 million trees are felled each year to make textiles
Many people are realising that it’s our responsibility to protect our planet from further harm. As a result, the demand for eco-friendly products is increasing, with more people buying recycled and organic items. As a result, more companies are incorporating sustainability into their core business practices, which not only helps the environment but also leads to customer loyalty and increased profits.
how to embrace eco-friendly habits in your home
It’s time to take action and protect our planet from human-made damage. By embracing eco-friendly habits in your own home, you can create a cleaner and more sustainable environment for yourself and future generations.
From composting and saving water to the type of loo rolls you use, there are countless ways to reduce your impact on the planet. By teaching your family, children, and friends about these practices, you can create a positive impact on their tomorrow and contribute to a healthier planet. That’s exactly what I’m doing with my sustainable lifestyle articles, and this one is no exception.
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One of the changes you can make in order to lead a more sustainable lifestyle is by starting to look around in your own home and adopt a few simple changes that can help the planet. Today, I’d like to turn your conscious eye to the bedroom and to consider the benefits of choosing sustainable bedding.
WHY CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE BEDDING?
When it comes to selecting bedding, comfort and style are often prioritised over sustainability. However, choosing the right materials can have a significant impact on both the environment and your health.
Environmentally Friendly
Using sustainable and organic materials for your bedding is better for the environment. Conventional cotton farming, for example, is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. Choosing organic cotton supports sustainable farming practices that protect soil and water from harmful chemicals. Materials like bamboo, hemp and Tencel also require less water and resources to produce, making them a more sustainable choice.
Health Benefits
Sustainable and organic materials reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic cotton, for example, is grown without the use of these chemicals, making it a safer option.
Comfort and Durability
Sustainable and organic materials are known for their comfort and durability. Organic cotton is softer and more breathable than conventional cotton, making it a comfortable option.
Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, making it great for hot summer nights.
When looking for bedding, it’s important to consider whether or not it’s sustainable and ethical. Sustainable bedding is made with natural and organic fabrics that require less water, fewer resources, and no harsh chemicals like pesticides, bleach, or microplastics.
Ethical companies are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and minimising their environmental impact throughout all stages of production. This includes using a closed-loop system to recycle solvents, chemicals, and waste for future batches of products, thereby reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing.
FAIR TRADE PRACTICES
In addition to environmental considerations, ethical bedding companies also prioritise fair trade practices. This means ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, sustainable livelihoods, and community development for everyone involved in the production process.
To ensure that a company is truly ethical, look for certifications such as Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, GreenGuard, Forest Stewardship Council and Vegan Society. These independent organisations have strict standards that businesses must meet throughout the farming and manufacturing process in order to be certified. The finished product goes through rigorous chemical testing to ensure that it’s organic, does not contain harmful substances, and is made ethically throughout the entire supply chain. So, when you’re shopping for bedding, be sure to choose a company that’s committed to sustainability and ethical practices to ensure a better world for all.
BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
Thanks to organisations such as GOTS and Fair Trade, I was able to put together this list of brand recommendations. If after today, you are looking to switch your bedding to something more sustainable, here are my top picks.
Ethical Bedding
Ethical Bedding is a proud recipient of several awards for its sustainable practices as a B Corporation. They allocate at least 1% of their revenue annually to global sustainability initiatives and ensure that product longevity and environmental impact are perfectly balanced.
Best known for their eucalyptus sheets, they also offer a range of other products including pillows, duvets, protectors, and toppers. By using only the most eco-friendly raw materials, such as renewable eucalyptus, bamboo, and locally sourced plastic bottles, they have established themselves as one of the most responsible bedding brands in the market. On top of that, since they have been featured on Dragons Den, their popularity has grown even more.
Some noteworthy facts about the brand’s sustainable practices include:
- Their eucalyptus production uses 95% less water usage than traditional cotton production – 150 litres vs. 3,000 litres
- No farming land is required, as the raw materials are grown in biodiverse forests – in contrast, cotton uses 2.5% of the world’s arable land
- No pesticides, herbicides, or toxic chemicals are used in their processes, which is a stark difference from cotton production which uses about 2,000 toxic chemicals
- 30% less energy is required to manufacture their eucalyptus sheets, which takes about 19 kWh compared to 27 kWh for cotton sheets
- The brand has a unique closed-loop system that is used to reuse 99% of the chemicals, water, and waste from their production process
- They have a very simple and transparent supply chain as they try to offset every atom of carbon produced
You can choose this brand for a good night’s sleep, knowing that you’re supporting a company that prioritises sustainability!
Delila Home
Delilah Home puts organic cotton and hemp at the forefront of their textiles for bedding, towels, and even pet beds. Their products are free of allergenic, carcinogenic, and toxic chemicals that are commonly found in conventional cotton textile production. This makes them the perfect choice for individuals with allergies, skin sensitivities, respiratory problems, or simply an eco-conscious mindset.
Additionally, Delilah Home ensures that every farm and employee is treated with the utmost care and respect. They partner with Fair Trade factories that are certified to the highest textile standard and pay their workers above the living wage. Moreover, they donate 10% of their profits to local charities like 1% for the Planet and Operation Warm.
Not only can you feel good about making a sustainable and ethical purchase, but you can also trust in the exceptional quality of their beddings with this brand.
West Elm
West Elm is a renowned brand widely recognised for its sleek and contemporary designs for all home decor items, including their 100% organic cotton, Tencel, and linen bedding sets, all of which are made in certified Fair Trade facilities.
Additionally, their organic duvet covers, woven from GOTS-certified textiles into beautiful textures, are our personal favourites!
Shipping is free and returns are hassle-free, making it super easy to upgrade your home decor to a sustainable one with West Elm.
Plush Beds
PlushBeds sets a high bar for mattress and bedding manufacturers, surpassing even the strictest testing and certification standards in the industry. Their factory is one of just six that holds both GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certifications, which are verified by Control Union®. Third-party safety and sustainability commissions conduct PlushBeds’ rigorous inspections and testing, and third-party organic consultants regularly audit the company to ensure they are doing everything possible to minimise their footprint while providing the cleanest products.
PlushBeds uses only certified organic cotton or wool obtained in an ethical, worker-friendly, and sustainable manner. Plus, renewable resources are sustainably sourced to make every product the company offers – from mattresses, to beddings and toppers.
PlushBeds’ unwavering commitment to ensuring customers sleep safely and peacefully every night is reflected in their eco-INSTITUT Certified and GreenGuard Gold Certified products.
Since 2008, the company has also given scholarships to numerous students who are dedicated to improving the environment.
Sijo
Sijo understands that temperature regulation is a top concern for many sleepers. That’s why they’ve made it easy to stay cool and comfortable all night long with their sustainable, AiryWeight eucalyptus sheet sets. These TENCEL™ Lyocell sheets are crafted from the pulp of FSC & PEFC-certified eucalyptus wood, making them eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and naturally antimicrobial. Additionally, they are soft, moisture-wicking, and naturally cool, providing maximum comfort.
If you’re looking for a light and soft bedding option for those hot Summer nights, Sijo’s Tencel sheets have got you covered.
