If there’s only one thing at a time you can do for a healthier, more sustainable life, start in your bedroom. This is where you spend a significant part of your life, and it should be as toxic free as possible, particularly so for babies and children.

Did you know that conventional mattresses are generally made with a significant amount of plastics, glues, resins and chemicals? Developments in more chemically-free, natural mattresses have grown almost exponentially in the past 10 years. There are now many alternatives such as natural innerspring mattresses, wool, latex and cotton with little or no chemicals used.
Conventional bed linens have included plastic based products all treated with chemicals, such as polyester mattress pads, polyester-blend sheets, and acrylic blankets. Natural bed linens made from cotton, wool, hemp or linen — some from organic sources — are beautiful, durable and healthier alternatives. There are many natural options for sheets, blankets, toppers, mattress pads, bed spreads and dust ruffles in this category.
Healthy bed pillows are important for the simple reason that you inhale so close to them. Whether your pillows are natural or conventional, frequent airing on a clothesline or 15 minutes in a dryer (with the exception of buckwheat pillows) will help keep them fresh. Replacing them at least once every year is helpful for allergy and dustmite control.
Many insomniacs have regained their ability to sleep just by changing their bedding from conventional to natural, more chemically-free alternatives. For most people with airborne allergies or asthma, chemicals may play a contributing role in their problems. For most sufferers, dustmites are indicated as a cause. Dustmites are also known to cause eczema. Frequent linen laundering in hot water with unscented products is very important to keep them under control.
Barrier cloths and protective encasements are an excellent way of controlling dustmites, as well as containing and lowering the offgassing of conventional mattresses and pillows. Dustmites can also be controlled by increasing the ventilation rates in your home, using exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, dehumidistats, air filters and air filtering HVAC systems.
When purchasing bed frames and headboards there are several options, including recycled materials (such as antiques), raw materials (such as wood or metal) and now there are organic cotton with hemp surfaced wooden frames. There are a few things to consider for health and sustainability in your frame and headboard, including the sustainability of raw material sources, the types of finishes and glues that may be used and adequate air circulation to your mattress.