Sustainability is extremely important in all of the choices that we make for our homes. Are you looking for sustainable products to furnish and decorate your bedroom? From paint for your walls to sheets for your bed, you can sleep well knowing that you are choosing sustainable products for the bedroom that are good for your health and the health of the planet.

From paint for your walls to the mattress and sheets for your bed, you’ll sleep well knowing that you chose sustainable bedroom products that are good for your health and the health of the planet.

Non-toxic paint

You have a myriad of choices when choosing paint for your walls. Certainly, there are many considerations, such as cost, color, and coverage on the walls, to name a few. If you want to make choices for sustainability, the toxicity of the paint needs to be at the top of that list.

Many paints on the market contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These paints can release dangerous chemicals into the air for years after application on the walls, causing harm to people and to the planet.

There are a number of low-VOC paints on the market. However, there are no regulations about how much of these dangerous chemicals can be in paint that is labeled low-VOC. Your best choice is a no-VOC paint. These paints do not contain any of the dangerous, carcinogenic substances that are found in paints containing VOCs.

VOCs are not the only dangerous substances in paints. In order to ensure that you are using paint that is safe for both people and the environment, make sure that the label says “non-toxic” or “natural.”

Choose recycled over new furniture

Disposing of furniture that still has utility fills landfills with extra waste. Plus, it incentivizes companies to make new furniture and waste natural resources. Instead of buying new furniture, buy from a second-hand store and keep nightstands, dressers, and bedframes out of the trash.

Many used furniture pieces can be brought back to life with a fresh coat of paint. (Remember to choose a non-toxic paint to protect your health and the environment.) Not only does using recycled furniture help to protect precious natural resources, but this sustainable choice will also save you money. That’s a win-win.

Why choose organic and natural bedding?

Natural and organic bedding is an important part of creating a healthy, non-toxic environment in your bedroom. Did you know that your bed sheets may contain chemical residues from pesticides, dyes, formaldehyde, phthalates and more? Some sheets are even infused with chemicals to make them wrinkle resistant or stain resistant.

Your bedding may be a huge resource hog and involve environmentally destructive processes. Conventional cotton uses up 30% of the world’s pesticides and the chemicals used to process and finish it adds to the problem. Polyester is a type of plastic that comes from petroleum, a non-renewable resource.

It’s also important to consider how the sheets you buy were produced. Your sheets may have been produced using child labor or in a factory with unhealthy working conditions for its employees.

Along with a non-toxic mattress and fresh, purified air in your bedroom, your eco-friendly bedding will set you up for a healthy night’s sleep.

Sleep on an organic mattress

The majority of your time in the bedroom is spent sleeping, and your mattress is one of the most important elements of a sustainable bedroom environment. When selecting a mattress, pay close attention to the materials used to manufacture it. The most sustainable choices are those made from natural latex, organic cotton, organic wool, bamboo, and hemp. These materials are also non-toxic, providing a healthier environment for you to sleep in.

Many mattresses are made from materials that are not sustainable and actually harm the environment. When you choose a mattress made from an organic, sustainable fiber, you are making a choice that helps protect the Earth.

Whether you prefer the firmness of steel coils or the luxury of pure foam; natural latex or eco-friendly foam; certifications for sustainability or low VOCs – there is a mattress that is perfect for you.

Natural latex is a popular alternative to traditional memory foam. Like memory foam, it is very supportive and provides cushion for pressure points. Unlike some memory foam, natural latex has good temperature regulation and is resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew. (Note that some people are allergic to latex. ) Natural latex is made with the liquid extracted from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree, or rubber tree. The process of harvesting natural latex is highly sustainable and does not result in the death of the tree. The best brands use latex that is certified organic by GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) and some brands use OEKO-Tex certification for non-organic latex.

A good non-toxic mattress will be covered in certified organic cotton instead of polyester or conventional cotton. The gold standard is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified because it ensures the organic status of textiles every step of the way, from farming to finished product.

Wool is often used in non-toxic mattresses as a chemical-free flame retardant. Wool does not easily ignite and meets Federal flammability standards. Wool also provides breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The best brands use organic wool that has been certified by GOTS.

When shopping for a mattress be aware of a type of traditional memory foam that is marketed as low-VOC or Eco Foam. This foam is traditional polyurethane foam that has been certified by CertiPUR-US to be low VOC and made without the worst of the flame retardants (PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP – ”Tris”). However, it may contain some other flame retardants. This foam is also certified to be made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates. Eco Foam is low-VOC foam made with a minimum of 30% soy or corn oil as a substitute for part of the polyurethane. This makes it a bit more eco-friendly than traditional foam.

Purchase organic bedding

Not only should your mattress be free of toxins, but your bedding should also be organic and non-toxic. Synthetic fabrics can have a detrimental effect on the environment, putting fibers into waterways and poisoning marine life. It is important to know which fabrics are the most sustainable so that you can make well-informed decisions when you purchase bedding. Organic cotton and bamboo are two sustainable sources for making bedding. They don’t contain dangerous toxins that can hurt both you and the environment.

Choosing sustainable bedding does not mean you should compromise on luxury or comfort. Egyptian cotton sheets are some of the most luxurious sheets you can put on your bed. They are also a sustainable product, meaning you can feel good about your impact on the environment while you sleep.

Key certifications for natural and organic bedding

It’s important to look for independent certifications to guide you to the best bedding choices. Here are some certifications to look for:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Internationally recognized as the toughest organic textile standard because it goes beyond verifying the organic farming process to include every step of manufacturing. Products must contain at least 95% organic fiber, use non-toxic dyes, and not be treated with bleach, formaldehyde, or any other toxic substances. Strict social and environmental standards are also required.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 – A comprehensive, third-party testing and certification system for textile products at all stages of production. All components of a product are required to be free from a variety of harmful substances including formaldehyde, banned colorants, pesticides, heavy metals, and more.
MADE SAFE – A certification that ensures products are non-toxic. Products are screened for a wide range of toxins including behavioral toxins, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals and more. In addition, MADE SAFE goes above and beyond by lab-testing products for safety.
GreenGuard Gold – Provides assurance that products designed for use in indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits. Gold certification considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals, such as children and the elderly.
Fair Trade Certified – A product certification that promotes equitable trade practices, working with farms and factories around the world to empower workers and improve wages, benefits and conditions.

Keep green plants in your bedroom

Green plants can improve your mood and filter allergens out of the air, creating a healthier environment in your bedroom. Plants filter the air and eliminate pollutants like VOCs. Not only is removing pollutants good for you, but it is also good for the environment.

Additionally, plants provide oxygen to the air and filter out carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. While a few green plants in your bedroom will not turn the tide of the climate crisis, it does its part to lower your home’s carbon footprint.

Use eco-friendly light bulbs

A major source of greenhouse gas emissions is the production of electricity. Cutting down on your electrical consumption is a sustainable choice that you can make as you think about lighting in your bedroom. Light bulbs like compact fluorescent and LED bulbs last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also use significantly less energy.

Embrace Sustainability

Living sustainably means making deliberate choices about the materials and products we use in our homes. When you are thinking about furnishing and decorating your bedroom, think about your impact on the environment and choose sustainable products for the bedroom. From paint to mattresses, bedding, lighting, and plants, you can make a difference with the choices you make every day.

About the Author

Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for home décor and maintenance. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.