Thinking about being eco-conscious throughout the day is easy, but most of us don’t think twice about it when we go to sleep at night.
Usually, since we’re asleep we’re not conscious of what’s going on around us. However, there are a few ways you can invest in sleep with the environment in mind – healthy sleep habits pay you back in dividends. Time to cash in.
The Big Investment: The Mattress
Since we spend around a third of our lives on a mattress, make sure it’s environmentally friendly. Find a mattress that doesn’t use chemicals that are toxic to the environment. Latex, made from the sap of the rubber tree, is a natural sleeping surface, but be wary of brands that don’t use 100% natural latex.
Blended latex mattresses contain petrochemicals to cut down on cost. Plant-based memory foam is made to cut down on the environmental impact of typical memory foam. Either of these mattress materials will make excellent places to curl up for a great night’s sleep, while having a positive impact on the environment.
Looking to recycle your mattress?
Eco-Friendly Bedding
Organic cotton sheets are a great addition when thinking about sleeping environmentally friendly. They breathe well and weren’t farmed with harsh chemicals so you can rest easy knowing that you aren’t breathing in anything you don’t want from your sheets.
An organic wool comforter is perfect for year-round use because of wool’s natural ability to regulate body temperature no matter if it is warm or cold. This allows your body to be relaxed and get better sleep all year long.
Find a Used/Recycled Bed Frame
While your mattress is what you’re sleeping on, there are eco-friendly options when it comes to your bed frame. Instead of purchasing one new, think about finding a used wood or metal bed frame.
Look for materials that will be sturdy and hold up for years to come. If you want to buy new, consider investing in a bed frame made from recycled materials. The longer your bed frame lasts, the less you’re contributing to your carbon footprint.
Wear Upcycled PJs
What you sleep in can also have a large impact on how you sleep as well. Picking out a nighttime outfit might not be as hard as figuring out what to wear during the day, but you can be extremely environmentally friendly with your choice.
Layering pajamas during the winter can be extremely helpful in keeping warm without using any energy. During the summer, recycling old t-shirts as sleepwear is also a great idea for staying green.
Use a Fan to Cool Your Room
Air conditioners and heaters are notorious for being major factors in energy usage. Instead of setting the temperature at the thermostat, control your sleeping conditions in your room. During the summer, an overhead fan will use less energy than your air conditioner and, depending on where you live, the evening breeze can help cool you down as well (this may not be an option in certain parts of the US). As mentioned before, a wool comforter during the winter will lock in heat and provide a soft, calming sleeping experience.
Cut Down on Electronics Before Bed
Your bedroom is the place where you go to sleep. That should be the main purpose. Keeping electronics out of the bedroom not only helps sleep, but also you can be less tempted to use electricity late at night. This will cut down on your energy costs and help you sleep more environmentally conscious.
Using one or all of these ideas will definitely make an impact on how eco-friendly your sleeping routine is.
Want more healthy sleep advice? Read 15 Soothing Bedroom Plants to Help You Sleep.
Feature image courtesy of planetchopstick