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I think by now, we have all have a good understanding of why Fast Fashion is not only harmful to our planet but also for humans. But just recently, I had to realize myself that I must take a much broader approach when it comes to the garment industry. Fact is, Fast Fashion doesn’t stop at clothes. Yes, we wear clothes all the time but the other half of the day we spend in bed wrapped in fabrics. But this fabric doesn’t get as much attention as clothes do. This is surprising because sheets and covers are often made from synthetic materials, dyed with chemicals, and made under questionable conditions. So isn’t it more than time to get informed about how we can make our bed a bit more sustainable? I thought so! So let’s shed some light into how I gave my bed a sustainable makeover with help of Hessnatur, the German pioneer of sustainable clothing.
Why should we care?
The average person spends at least 8 hours in bed sandwiched between mattress and comforter – EVERY NIGHT. Meaning, we are in contact with our bed fabrics half of our life, so it is worth raising some questions here: What effect do different materials have on my body? What are they made of in general and who made them?
Synthetic fibers in mattresses and sheets can emit harmful substances while we sleep in them. Mattresses are generally made from plastics (aka. oil) and become hazardous waste after we use them.
Sheets made from synthetic fibers can be problematic too. Washing synthetic fabrics release micro plastic into the water systems which eventually end up in our drinking water.
Also, the majority of pillows and comforters are filled with downs. Downs seem like a great thing at first. And although labels for ethical down production exist, I don’t think it is sustainable and ethical to invest – even indirectly – in an animal based industry. So with that all being said, let’s dive into my essentials for a Sustainable Bed Makeover, shall we?
My Sustainable Bed Makeover with HessNatur
It is so easy to loose yourself in the jungle manufacturers praising their sustainable mattresses and bedding options. But I am grateful that there are some established companies that I can rely on for sustainable products and transparence – Hessnatur being one of them. As a true sustainability pioneer, Hessnatur was the first German fashion company to join the Fair Wear Foundation in 2005. And according to a consumer study in 2019, the company was named as the most sustainable clothing brand in Germany.
Some aspect that are especially important to me when picking my bedding:
- no negative effects on my the health and the environment
- made from natural materials
- vegan (no downs)
- locally made – if possible
- made under fair conditions
To navigate through the different materials, I love that the Hess Natur website lets you filter for materials and vegan option. Good to know that the majority of products are made in Germany, and lots of them are GOTS certified too. Amazing, huh?
Sleeping on clouds
The queen of my new bed setup is the mattress. A sustainable mattress is an investment into a healthy sleep AND a much better conscience too. And we shouldn’t shush away from a possible higher price cause remember, it is a real long-term investment in our health and the future of our earth.
The options for mattresses are endless. Cold foam mattresses consist partially of petroleum-based foam. Spring mattresses are generally made of synthetic foam, box spring beds that are often plastic based and not very breathable. Viscose foam mattresses are also petroleum-based and not very breathable. After a lot of research, I decided to go for a 100% natural latex mattress with an organic cotton cover. Naturtal latex is the only mattress material I can truly recommend because of its durability, natural materials, and amazing insulation. My favorite is the vegan Basic mattress with organic cotton cover which has seriously given me some dreamy nights until now!
I have got you covered
Good bed covers must be made of down? Wrong! We don’t need animal products for amazing warm covers. If you want to know more, look into how down covers are made, it’s not fun nor is it sustainable. I opted for a vegan universal bed cover. Universal covers are amazing cause they keep you cozy in winter and breezy in summer. I opted for an organic cotton filling which is – compared to down covers – washable and perfect for people with allergies.
Ready for some pillow talk?
Most would agree that pillows are the next most important thing after the mattress. It is super important to rest your head properly for a good night sleep. I choose these unbleached pure organic cotton pillows. Making my bed setting complete is a set of warm organic cotton comforter and pillow cases. Reversible of course so you can change up the bed look according to season. Choose the warm brown for the wintery and the soft rose for the summer months.
Sustainable Bed Makeover: Make your space extra cozy
So now that we have turned our bed into a sustainable and cozy space, we can add some tiny bits and bobs to make it extra pretty too.
- My recommendation especially for the darker winter months: Add an atmospheric light. if it a bedside lamp or fairy lights, it just gives you that coziness which want me to to stay in bed all day. Make sure to opt for light bulbs that emit warm rather than cold light.
- I love to place plants around my bed that look amazing and filter the bedroom air at the same time. Since my windows are on the opposite side of the bed, I opt for plants which do not require too much light.
- To give the space your own individual touch, add some trinkets, photos, books, little souvenirs that remind you of great times.
- Make your linen and pillows smell great. I always have 2 bottles of pillow spray with lavender handy that help me too relax after slipping into bed.
Liked my Sustainable Bed Makeover? For more inspiration around fair fashion and sustainability, check out these posts:
Boho Outfit the Fair Fashion Style
Sustainable Christmas Guide Part 1