5 Items to Make Your Bedroom Eco-Friendly

Given that we spend at least one-third of our lives in the bedroom, we want it to be as healthy as possible.  And it’s easier now, more than ever, to make our bedrooms healthy for us and the environment.  Here are 5 items that are readily available to make your bedroom eco-friendly:

1. No VOC Paint

The bad news is that in addition to creating smog, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) which are found in paint, flooring and as finishes on furniture have negative health effects.  These compounds, such as formaldehyde, are linked with damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs and nervous system and they off-gas for at least a year.  The good news is that there are plenty of no VOC paints available including one high quality paint that can be delivered to your door in any color!

2. Sustainable Furniture

The furnishings industry is the third largest consumer of wood products (after buildings and paper).  When purchasing new furniture, we want to know where the wood comes from to make sure we are not inadvertently contributing to deforestation.  The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies wood when it is from a responsible source.  In addition, North American hardwoods and fast-growing wood alternatives, such as bamboo, are also considered responsible choices.  And of course, the most sustainable way to furnish your bedroom is through thrift, consignment and vintage shops!

3. LED Lighting 

Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s) is a lighting technology that uses 90% less energy than standard incandescent lighting and 50% less than fluorescent lighting for the same amount of light. In addition, LED’s last much longer. One LED bulb will last 27 years if used for 5 hours each day!  Try to keep the brightness of the lightbulbs in a room similar.  Most people prefer a soft, warm light (2700k) in bedrooms, but some people prefer a brighter, cooler light (5000k) or something in between (3000k).

4. Organic Sheets

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the top certification for ecologically and socially responsible practices throughout every step in the supply chain of textiles including cotton. It adheres to a strict set of rules ensuring the welfare of the materials, the environment, and the working conditions of the human hands involved along the way.  The last point is an important one because, unfortunately, cotton is still grown in 19 countries using child and forced labor. Naturepedic's luxurious sheets are made in a GOTS certified facility and are super soft!

5. Eco-Friendly Pillows

Certified organic latex is a great material for pillows. Unlike synthetic latex, which is made from petroleum products, organic latex comes from the sap of the Rubberwood tree and is very durable. Much like organic cotton, latex also can be certified by third-party organizations to ensure that you are getting only the highest quality certified organic latex. The Global Organic Latex Standard, GOLS, certifies Naturepedic's latex, which you can find in many of their products including their Organic 2-in-1 Pillow. This pillow works well for most sleepers because it features a quilted surface on one side and a smooth stretch-knit on the other. In addition, a handy zipper lets you adjust the amount of shredded latex fill in the core.

Opting for one or more of these five easy, eco-friendly suggestions will make your bedroom healthier for both the environment and you!