We spend a third of our lives in bed – why wouldn’t you choose sustainable bedding? It might be a bit more of an investment, but sustainable bedding is well worth it in terms of our health and the environment.
Why switch to sustainable bedding
Cheap, poorly made bedding uses harmful ingredients like AZO dyes, formaldehyde, Parathion, and Alidicarb. Formaldehyde helps fabric remain wrinkle-free and has been linked to cancer among other illnesses. Parathion and Aldicarb are insecticide treatments used on textile crops. The World Health Organization has classigied these ingredients as “extremely hazardous.”
These toxins can take time to showcase their harmful symptoms. Rashes, allergies, insomnia, and fatigue are all signs of toxic bedding.
Then there’s the environmental effects to consider. Insecticides and pesticides contaminate groundwater, which then finds its way throughout our water systems. These chemicals also contaminate soil and harm soil fertility. All of this is to say that these pesticides wreak havoc on animals, biodiversity, and the environment. The mass deaths of bees, frogs, and bats are all linked to pesticides.
Apart from the chemicals in bedding, plastic is commonly found in bedding as well. Microfiber bedding usually contains polyester, which is a synthetic fabric made from plastic. Synthetic fibers fill down-alternative pillows and duvets. Memory foam is also often made from polyurethane.
When we wash bedding made from plastic, it releases microplastics which enter our water systems and pollute the ocean. Used duvets and pillows often end up in the ocean or the landfill as well, as they are extremely hard to recycle.
Sustainable Bedding Options
Sustainable bedding brands use natural fabrics, like cotton and linen. They use organic fabrics to avoid contributing to pesticide pollution. They also put more care into where they source their raw materials and ensure that employees are treated fairly. Here are a few of my favorites:
Coyuchi makes bedding from organic cotton and relaxed linen. They also use climate beneficial wool, which is made using closed-loop farming. That means they’re saving 150 pounds of CO2 per garment in comparison to conventional production. They also promote the welfare of the animals and protect soil health.
This brand sources cotton from regenerative cotton farms that use a closed loop production system, so all water is recycled and reused, with no water wasted. Every ingredient they use in their production is sustainable and organic. They pay their farms a fair trade premium.
Under the Canopy makes organic, fair trade bedding. They also aim to make sustainable bedding affordable, so their bedding is one of the most reasonably priced options on the market. They also adhere to several certifications– fair trade, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX.
Curious to learn more? Check out my guide on natural fibers here. Before you go, be sure to comment below with your favorite sustainable bedding brand!
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