Bella Notte LinensWhen we talk about green we think in terms of sustainable products, improved air quality and increased energy efficiency. But, how much do we really think about green in relationship to our sleep environment?
The average person spends at least one-third of their life sleeping on a mattress. Many mattresses are made with flame-retardant chemicals and petroleum-based, pesticide-filled materials. As we toss and turn during the course of our night’s sleep harmful dust, toxins and allergens can be released into the bedroom air.
How does one go about choosing a “green” mattress? There are top-of-the line companies who offer eco-friendly mattresses made of 100% bio-degradable, natural tree-rubber latex, organic essentials oils and plant extracts, pure wool as well as wool and cotton blends. However, these can cost thousands of dollars.
Conventional manufacturers such as Sealy, Simmons and Serta, are jumping on the green bandwagon using recycled steel coils and organic cotton materials. For healthy basics, look for soy based mattresses and organic cotton, wool or kapok pillow inserts and ask for 100% fibers as well as verifying that your purchase has not been treated with chemical fire retardants.
But, there are other ways to go organic in the bedroom without changing your mattress. Simply modify your sleeping accessories – sheets, mattress covers, pillows – in environmentally friendly ways. Sheet sets by Sferra Brothers offers Egyptian Cotton Percale sheets made in Italy are a luxurious choice but can be a bit pricy. Pottery Barn and Land’s End offer a somewhat more reasonably priced product. And what about Bamboo? Bamboo sheets are fantastic for a variety of reasons. While their pure cleanliness makes them ideal for use with people with allergies, their soft elegance offers only the greatest of sleeping comfort.
Now, let’s take this “green” initiative a step further and consider the pajama’s we wear as well as the carpet, window coverings and accessories that we use to decorate the bedroom. Again, we should try to use low-impact fabrics (textiles with a minimal impact on the environment over their entire life cycle), non-toxic dyes as well as manufacturers in the USA.
A completely natural bedroom can offer a marked improvement for chemically sensitive people. Relief from symptoms such as headaches, stiffness and allergies have been reported by many who have made their bedrooms more eco-friendly.
Want to know how you can create an eco-friendly bedroom for yourself? We have many “green” fabrics in our offerings and have partnered with Hunter Douglas Window Coverings to give you a better choice.
Give me a call at 940-565-8337 to schedule your appointment or visit my showroom on the historic downtown Denton Square. We are here to help you with all of your decorating needs. We are a full line Hunter Douglas Gallery dealer as well as interior decorators. We have all you need in window fashions and decorating ideas of your home.
And as always - Happy Decorating!!
