10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

The bedroom should be reserved for relaxation and rejuvenation. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it makes sense to make your bedroom as eco-friendly and non-toxic as possible. Here are 10 tips for making your bedroom a green, restful sanctuary.

1. When choosing a new mattress, beware of conventional mattresses. They’re usually made with synthetic materials that off-gas toxic byproducts, including PBDEs and petrochemicals, and many mattresses are also covered in formaldehyde-based coatings to make them stain-resistant. Fire retardants are also often used to coat mattresses. Instead, look for natural fibers, which can be more expensive but are a worthwhile investment that can last a decade or longer. Options include organic cotton and natural latex mattresses. 
2. If you can’t afford a new mattress right now, consider adding a pure wool or natural latex mattress topper to your current bedding, and encase your mattress and pillows in organic cotton barrier cloths to protect yourself from dust mite allergens. 
3. The next time you buy bed linens, go organic. Cotton farming accounts for about 25 percent of worldwide insecticide use and 10 percent of pesticide use. Those chemicals leave a residue on the finished sheets that lingers. Organic cotton farming leaves no chemical residue on the finished material, which is much safer for you and the planet. Other natural fibers to consider include linen, silk, jersey and flannel – just be sure the material is organic and that it specifies that no chemical retardants or stain protection chemicals were added. Don’t just look at the content of your sheets – be aware of what all your bed linens are made of, from the mattress pad to the comforter. Avoid down comforters and pillows, particularly if you’re in a humid climate, since they draw moisture and can be slow to dry out, producing mold and attracting dust mites. 
4. Choose your pillow wisely – again, look for organic cotton, wool, buckwheat hulls or natural latex foam pillows. Don’t forget to add a pillow protector, which can lengthen the life of your pillows and protect against dust mite allergies. 
5. When decorating your bedroom, keep it simple. A clutter-free, simple bedroom is relaxing and can be a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life. If it's not restful or sensual, it's got to go. When shopping for furniture and décor, opt for eco-friendly materials or check out resale shops and antique stores. Not only are you avoiding the cost (both monetary and environmentally) of new materials and the waste that goes along with creating new products, you’ll avoid the off-gassing period from the manufacture process. 
6. When possible, remove old carpeting, which is a breeding ground for dust mites and mold. Replace floors with hypoallergenic cork, ceramic tile or wood floors treated with a non-toxic finish. Use rugs that can be easily washed and air dried outside in the fresh air. Avoid paints, stains and sealants with VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and air out rooms and bedding regularly by opening windows to circulate the air. 
7. Use all-natural cleaning products that don’t contain chemicals or additives to clean your bedroom. These are much healthier for you, as well as more eco-friendly. 
8. Don’t use air fresheners – commercial fresheners are loaded with phthalates and are toxic! If you want a bit of scent, try making your own linen spray. 
9. Replace your lightbulbs with eco-friendly CFLs or LEDs, and use the lowest wattage necessary. Opt for low-dose mood lighting and beeswax candles instead of harsh overhead lighting. 
10. Keep the electronic items out of the bedroom, using only necessary items such as a lamp or alarm clock. Keep electronics turned off, and unplug them or use a power strip to shut them down when not in use.