Many of us discuss our health products, nutrition, and now since we have gotten a little in depth with sustainability maybe even our cleaning products…
What about the bedroom?
In the previous blog posts I shared that I am in a 30 day eco newsletter which gives advice and types for new/old home owners to relook at what they are using and if it is helping them towards a clean and healthy life for themselves and the environment. Shout out to ECOHUB for this awesome information and knowledge!
They have done a great job shedding a light on all things, to find more click here!
I took down the things that I found most interesting and possible for me, let me know if they work for you.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR BEDROOM A SACRED PLACE:
Use Essential oil diffuser
I personally love mine because it adds such a nice tone to the room and environment after being away from home all day. Saying to yourself, ok it‘s rest time, and just that makes a huge difference.
Sleep with a mask
Have you ever read the articles about the importance of dark deep sleep? A proper shut eye? The temperatures and lighting and how it can make a huge difference on our quality of sleep?
Keep it tidy
Passionate minimalist… this has been a great way to organize myself at home, and symbolically my mind… By having just the things you need, ready and organized, you can really enjoy a space more… Gordon Ramsey has a video in his masterclass where he explains his kitchen space and essentials, and there was one part that caught my attention, „Have it all out and ready to use.“ I am paraphrasing here, but the point is simplifying and seeing what you have will create an environment where you want to try it out more.
Some ideas of mine:
Lay out your yoga mat in the bedroom to stretch more
Having the water glasses near the sinks to drink more
Buying and seeing the veggies in the fridge to eat more greens
Cleaning up your counters so that you see the candles and incense
Having your teas boxes out in the kitchen and accessible, ready to go!
Keep technology out (avoid checking email before bed and when you get up);
I personally have the toughest time with this… Since I am on a different time zone from my family I really want to keep in contact and chat after work, that ends up taking my night away and it can really be draining since I have been working all day on a screen to then move to a smaller and brighter screen… Whennnnnnn I should be sleeeeeeping!!!!! (Anyone know the struggle?)
I am always looking for ideas from others, take a look at this YouTube video from my favorite Breakfast Criminal, Ksenia and her night time rituals..
SIDE NOTE: I am really struggling in my head, should I go for the YouTube world or not… interested in a Ritually one?
Buy a battery powered alarm clock.
This was actually a topic I discussed with my roommate that is a great way to get rid of the phones in the bedrooms. Back to the basics. Investing in that as soon as I find one that I really like, travel size, eco friendly.. Have now found an attractive one like this before…
What‘s in my mattress?
The biggest concern when buying a conventional mattress is the chemical concoction of toxins found in many of them. You’ve got petroleum based petrochemicals, plastic, vinyl, and flame retardants.
The first flame retardants were created by Obadiah Wyld in 1735 and were comprised of alum, borax, and ferrous sulfate. Fast forward to today where there are more than 175 different types of flame retardant chemicals found in everything from our TVs to furniture to mattresses.
The problem with flame retardants is that they give off VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that find their way into the dust in our homes and because we are always touching surfaces where these chemicals are found, our hands pick them up and we inadvertently ingest them. We also breathe them in at night when we are sleeping.
The most common fire retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs first raised concerns in the 1970s after fish, shellfish, birds and other marine life were found to have higher concentrations of the chemicals.
In 2007 a study found high levels of PBDEs in milk from mothers in the Pacific Northwest.
Being fat soluble, PBDEs accumulate, and their large size means slow elimination from the body. Studies have revealed that teens and babies have higher concentrations than adults and are more at risk.
WHEN SHOPPING:
CHOOSE:
Products made without polybrominated diphenyl ethers
Products manufactured Locally (wherever that may be for you).
Encased products to reduce exposure chemical exposure
Natural rather than synthetic fibers
Natural latex foam
AVOID:
Wrinkle-resistant fabrics treated with formaldehyde
Polyurethane foam
Second-hand bedding and furniture (or make sure you can leave outside for a bit to off-gas)
GREENWASHING ALERT: Terms like “natural” and “eco-friendly” are unregulated for mattresses. They also don’t mean that the mattress is made of natural materials. A mattress must be 95% organic to meet USDA organic mattress standards and be labeled as organic. Some mattresses may use organic cotton or organic wool for the top layer, but check before assuming an organic label means an entirely natural mattress.
You will also want to take price, safety, and comfort into account when purchasing a new mattress.
BRANDS
Obasan makes high-quality GOTS and GOLS certified mattresses without inner springs. It’s one of the most affordable ones on the market today.
My Green Mattress. These are GOLS, GOTS, and GREENGUARD certified. Latex and cotton/wool are certified organic and safe. Also pretty affordable.
Avocado Green Mattress- Made from Certified organic cotton, 100% natural latex, 100% Joma New Zealand wool. Made in the USA.
Plush Beds are made from certified organic latex, 100% certified organic cotton & wool, also make in the USA.
Zen haven - All natural latex, 100% organic New Zealand wool, and organic cotton, made in the USA.
Saatva - Certified organic cotton cover, plant-based materials, made in America.
Naturepedic made from certified organic cotton and latex rubber without the use of chemical flame retardants. In addition to full-size, Naturepedic offers crib mattresses with high waterproofing performance without vinyl or PVCs (vinyl is a carcinogen and PVCs typically contain phthalates which are hormone disruptors).
Now if you‘re like me, I am always thinking a great amount about price/investment and how to decrease my footprint while doing it…
Here are the mattresses that I have found to be quite great (Yes, IKEA is on here):
* If you have any recommendations, share the link below and I‘ll add it to the post.
IKEA Sultan Heggedal mattress is a Great choice… is it perfect No, but if you are someone like me moving towards that direction its a good match. This mattress is 85 percent latex, the padding is made from wool, corn-based PLA (a biodegradable plant-based polyester) and coconut-husk coir. The outer fabric is made from cotton (not organic), lyocell (from tree pulp) and flaxy linen. Ikea is very transparent and all their mattresses are free from flame retardants. This is definitely one of my favorite mattresses
Tuft & Needle - Price range is great priced compared to most eco mattresses. Tuft & Needle mattresses are made in the USA, established 2013, and they have a quite interesting company story video (check it out here!). Haven‘t had a chance to try them out myself yet, but the reviews I read come from trusted sources like The Good Trade (they post honest reviews in relation to sustainability). Only criticism is that they need to ship more easily to Germany! One day.
WHAT ABOUT MY SHEETS?
Always look for third-party certifications, they are going to ensure that the sheets are what they say they are.
Keep in mind that conventional cotton and other types of textiles are made using synthetic chemicals that can contain plastic and can leach into the skin.
Sheets are often treated with flame retardant chemicals, that are not effective at stopping a fire AND off-gas into the bedroom while you sleep.
And if your sheets come with stain guard you are most likely sucking in toxins as well and when you wash them, those chemicals will still be present.
Price is also a key factor, it the price for organic bedding seems to good to be true, it probably is. In some cases the sheets can be a blend of conventional cotton and or polyester, so make sure to read the label.
If you are opting for white, make sure they are treated with oxygen-based cleaners, not peroxide, which can contain chlorine, which harms the environment.
Avoid products that make the following claims: “100 percent natural cotton”, “undyed and unbleached cotton”, “green cotton”, all of these marketing terms mean absolutely nothing and are a perfect example of greenwashing.
CONCLUSION: WHAT CAN I DO?
Analyze what you have at this moment.
What‘s your situation looking like right now?
What improvements could you make?
Where could you simplify/tidy up?
Is there anything you have been wanting to donate?
Write everything down!
Start saving up in a Money Jar! Motivate yourself to put money towards this.
Buying new plants… because… it‘s good for you! And you know I love my plants ;)
