September 13, 2019 | Categories: Home, Sleep
Your bedroom is the true heart of your home (sorry, kitchen!). Why? Because you spend about a third of your life sleeping, and much of that happens in the bedroom. Yet many of us neglect to make this space as healthy as possible. Right now, your bedroom could be chock-full of clutter, dust, dirt, and your mattress might be an environmental nightmare. It’s time to turn your bedroom into the cleaner, greener haven it should be. Try these six tips to get started today. (And try these sheets to sleep comfortably all year long.)
Create a Sustainable Bedroom
You want your sleeping surface to be as non-toxic as possible. Unfortunately, conventionally-made mattresses contain synthetic materials, like polyurethane foam, that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air—and your lungs!—and cause adverse skin reactions and breathing problems, experts say. When it comes to looking for a natural, long-lasting alternative, latex may be your best option.
Look for a hybrid mattress made with inner coils and certified organic Dunlop latex harvested from trees. It’s free from synthetic foams, chemical adhesives, and chemical fire retardants (their fire retardant is made from silica and better for your health). Plus, the top layer of the mattress that’s closest to your body is made from certified organic cotton and wool. Their manufacturing process is also certified by eco-INSTITUT, which means the mattress passed testing for quality and health of materials. Awara also teamed up with global climate advocacy group, ClimatePartner, who plants trees for every Awara mattress sold. Combine all that with the fact that Awara is designed to last a lifetime and has a forever warranty, and you don’t have to worry about your mattress sitting in a landfill for the next 100 years.
You’ll want to protect your new Awara mattress from allergens, like dust mites, with an organic mattress cover. Look for packaging that reads, “certified asthma and allergy-friendly,” or a stamp from Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Opt for 100 percent organic cotton, so you know you’ll be sleeping on a chemical-free surface.
Ready for a makeover? Swap out your old bed frame for a new one made from sustainably sourced wood or another natural material, like bamboo. Look for nightstands and accent chairs that have low-VOC paints and glues. You could also shop a local thrift store for gently used furniture and “upcycle” it with low-VOC paint. And don’t forget to donate your old furniture to charities or thrift shops.
Ever wake up feeling stuffy or like it’s hard to breathe? Your room might be filled with dust, pet fur, smoke, and even pollen if you left your windows open. Those allergens can do a number on your respiratory system. Your best best is to set up an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help relieve allergy and asthma symptoms. HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air filtration, traps microscopic particles in the air to improve the air quality. Bonus: You may get a reimbursement on your electric bill or a rebate if you buy eco-friendly versions. Check with your town’s electricity provider to see if they offer rebates for high-efficiency products.
Taking small steps to make your bedroom more eco-friendly can be a boon for your health and the earth. Think of your new green sleep zone as an elevated version of the tree house you always wanted.
Read the full article on Home Well Designed.
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