The science is out: Climate change is real, and it’s largely spurred by human activities.[1] The best way to fight climate change? A collective global effort, from governments down to individuals.
Wondering how you can do your part to help Mother Earth? Recycling, of course, but also improving the efficiency of your home. This upgrade can include using more efficient light bulbs, for example. However, it’s not just energy efficient products that can help.
Sustainably made products are also key to fighting global warming. After all, industrial pollution is a large contributor to climate change, with product manufacturing—particularly of raw materials—being some of the greatest contributors to this type of pollution.[2] That means, as consumers, one of the eco-friendliest things we can do is purchase sustainably made products.
Your bedroom can be one easy place to start making green changes. However, if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through the certifications to look for, so you can be a savvy green shopper. We’ve also rounded up a list of 5 eco-friendly bedroom upgrades for you to explore.
Checking the Label
How can you tell if a product is sustainably made? The most sure-fire way, of course, is to check the label. There, you can learn more about the contents of any product as well as the manufacturing process behind it. Some of the most trustworthy sustainable and organic labels include:
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
This widely trusted label applies to the quality, safety, and production of latex. Some GOLS requirements include that a product:
- “must contain more than 95% of certified organic raw material”
- is rigorously tested for harmful substances and emissions
- must meet certain “polymer and filler percentages.”
Notably, every part of the production chain—from rubber plantations to the retailer—must be certified by these standards in order for the final product to receive GOLS certification.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS is a globally trusted standard dedicated to ensuring ethical, safe, and sustainable production. Their rigorous standards detail most aspects of manufacturing, from safety testing to fair labor practices. Some of their environmental criteria, for example, include:
- “The use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals
- Bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching)
- Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited.”
GREENGUARD Gold
GREENGUARD is a UL-run certification that tests for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde. GREENGUARD Gold certification means that a product has undergone rigorous testing for emissions of VOCs. Notably, VOCs can be dangerous to both humans and the environment.
Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX
OEKO-TEX is a gold standard for safety testing. Products that receive a Standard 100 certification have underdone intense independent-party testing for harmful substances.
TÜV Rheinland
If you see this mark, it means a product has undergone rigorous testing for safety. Notably, this company has been in business nearly 150 years and is widely trusted across the globe.
USDA Organic
This label is overseen by the US Department of Agriculture. To receive this certification, products must meet the following criteria:
- “Produced without excluded methods (e.g., genetic engineering), ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge.
- Produced per the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List).
- Overseen by a USDA National Organic Program-authorized certifying agent, following all USDA organic regulations.”
5 Green Bedroom Upgrades
Need some ideas for a bedroom makeover? We’ve analyzed the best brands and materials on the market; check out our picks for some of the greenest ways you can spruce up your living space.
Organic Vegan Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
Sustainably made? Check. Safe for human use? Check. Absolutely no animal by-products? Check. Natural, organic materials? Check. Ethical labor practices? Check. Available carbon-neutral shipping? Check. Medium-soft feel to suit the preferences of most sleepers? Check. Just about anything you could want in an eco-friendly mattress you can find in the handmade Avocado Vegan Mattress.
This hybrid is the green upgrade your bedroom’s been dreaming of; it’s made to be kinder to both you and Mother Earth. Plus, it all comes with a 365-night sleep trial. That means you get to test out this bed for one year before deciding if you want to keep it. For online shoppers, this fact alone makes Avocado a virtually risk-free option.
So, just what can you expect when you rest on this bed? Lots of comfort, for starters. The cotton cover is incredibly soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable—meaning cooler, dryer nights. Included natural latex adds extra durability, breathability, and body-contouring abilities to the mattress. Better yet, natural latex is incredibly sustainable to produce, making it a more environmentally friendly option than alternatives like memory foam.
Comfort isn’t everything this vegan bed has to offer, though; it’s also incredibly durable and supportive. That’s because everything is supported by thousands of top-notch wrapped coils, optimally spaced into 5 zones. The result? Weight is more evenly distributed, ensuring different sections of the body get specialized levels of support. After all, your neck will need to be cradled differently than your feet.
Want some more information about this bed? Check out our in-depth review of the Avocado Green and Vegan Mattresses.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Metal Springs, Organic Latex & Cotton
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD Gold, GOLS, USDA Organic, & GOTS Certifications
- Hand-tufted
- 5-zoned Support
Specifications
- Made by Avocado Mattress
- Hybrid
- 11″
- 25-year Limited Warranty
- 1-year Sleep Trial
- Made in California
Natural Mattress Topper
Birch Plush Pillow Top
Maybe you don’t want to buy a new mattress, even if you wish it were a little softer. In this case, a mattress topper might be for you. This one from Birch Living by Helix is all about providing comfort to you in the most natural way possible. This 3″ topper is made with natural latex, ethically sourced wool, and organic cotton to make for a truly eco-friendly topper.
Despite only being 3″ thick, this pillow top sports great body-contouring abilities. As a result, your body will get the customized pressure relief it craves. And, thanks to its thoughtful design, it allows for maximum airflow, meaning you stay cooler as you rest.
Online shoppers should also rest easy knowing that Birch offers a 100-night sleeping trial and 10-year warranty on this product. That means you’ll get more than 3 months to test out your topper before deciding if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, the warranty is incredibly competitive for mattress toppers in the industry. So, you know that Birch is confident that their topper will stand the test of time. If you want to soften up your bed on a budget, this choice is hard to beat.
Key Features
- Organic Cotton, Birch Wool & Natural Latex
- OEKO-TEX & GREENGUARD Gold Certifications
- Handmade
Specifications
- Made by Birch by Helix
- 3″
- Available in 6 Sizes
- 100-night Sleep Trial
- 10-year Warranty
- Made in the USA
Eucalyptus Bed Sheets
Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set
Looking for safer bedding for you and the planet? There may be no better option than eucalyptus bed sheets. Not only is eucalyptus-derived fabric soft, cool, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking, but it is also made in a sustainable fashion to boot.
When it comes to eucalyptus bedding, Sheets & Giggles is an industry leader. For starters, they are committed to ethical labor practices and sustainable production. Specifically, they follow a closed-loop production system. Now, this system is effectively the gold standard of eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Why? Because this process reuses as many resources as possible to drastically eliminate waste. Even better, Sheets & Giggles ensures that this process uses no pesticides or insecticides and significantly less water than cotton alternatives.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there. This company is also partnered with One Tree Planted, which means they plant a tree for every order they receive. Best of all, though, is the 10% off future orders when you donate gently used bedding to a local shelter. Upgrading your bed while simultaneously paying it forward? Yes, please!
Key Features
- 400 Thread Count
- 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell
- Sateen Weave
- Fits Mattresses Up to 20″ Thick
- Free Returns
- Philanthropy-focused
Specifications
- Made by Sheets & Giggles
- Available on Amazon
- 4 Pack
- Available in 7 Sizes
- Available in 5 Colors
- Made in India
Bamboo Bed Sheets
Bamboo Bay 100% Viscose from Bamboo Sheets
Eucalyptus sheets are great, but they can be a little pricey. Bamboo bed sheets are a little easier on the wallet and still incredibly environmentally friendly. Bamboo, for example, uses significantly less water to grow than cotton, and its bug-resistant properties void the need for pesticides. So, eco-conscious shoppers on a slightly smaller budget might appreciate this 6-piece sheet set from Bamboo Bay.
Each piece is made with 100% viscose from bamboo, meaning it isn’t blended with subpar materials. That means you get all the goodness of bamboo: wrinkle resistance, smoothness, coolness, and more. Bamboo Bay doesn’t use low-quality bamboo, either. Instead, their sheets are woven from long-staple fibers, known for being softer and more durable than shorter fibers. All in all, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to green up your bedroom, this set is worth exploring.
Key Features
- 300 Thread Count
- 100% Viscose from Bamboo
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, TÜV Rheinland certified
- Fits Pockets Up to 16″ Deep
Specifications
- Made by Bamboo Bay
- Veteran-owned Business
- Available on Amazon
- 6 Pack
- Available in 2 Sizes
Natural Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Last but not least, don’t forget about where you’re resting your head at night. This pillow from Brooklyn Bedding could be just the eco-friendly makeover you’ve been needing. This item is made of natural latex, which is known for being similar in comfort and conforming levels to memory foam. Unlike heat-trapping memory foam, though, latex is much cooler. Best of all, Brooklyn Bedding ensures their latex is ethically and sustainably sourced.
What makes this pillow stand apart from the competition? For one, this latex pillow is designed to be safe for those with allergies. Secondly, Brooklyn Bedding offers this pillow in either a low or high-loft option. In other words, you can choose how thick you want your pillow to be. Brooklyn Bedding recommends side sleepers choose high lofts and stomach sleepers low lofts. Back sleepers can choose either, unless they snore (in which case, opt for the high loft).
Key Features
- Natural Talalay Latex
- Washable Cover
- Designed to Be Hypoallergenic
- 30-day Full Refund
Specifications
- Made by Brooklyn Bedding, creators of the Titan mattress
- Available in 2 Sizes
- Available in 2 Lofts
- Made in the USA
Final Thoughts
When it comes to saving the planet, everyone needs to work together and do their part. Individuals can help through practices like recycling and being more environmentally conscious consumers. Our picks above are just a few sustainably made products that can help you make your home a greener space.
References
[1]Shaftel, H., Jackson, R., & Callery, S. (Eds.) (2019). Climate change: how do we know? Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
[2]Vallero, D. (2014). Chapter 2 – Air Pollutant Emissions. In Fundamentals of Air Pollution (Fifth Edition) (787-827). Oxford, UK: Elsevier, Inc.
Disclaimers: Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may not be representative of the site and site owners.
