The Vital List: Get A-Rested
Friday, August 31, 2007
Considering we spend 1/3 of our lives asleep, what we put near our bodies (while snoozing) can be as important as what we put in them. Opting for natural and eco-friendly products can help the earth, eliminate toxins and give you a better night’s sleep—which goes to show you don’t have to be conscious to be health-conscious.
1
Non-haz mats
A healthy bed starts from the ground up. Mattresses are often made with synthetic rubbers and fillers that pollute the environment inside your room and out, so look for a model with natural fibers. Our picks? Green Fusion Design Center’s Green Sleep collection uses natural rubber for a safer, durable alternative. Or try Magniflex’s new soy-based, organic foam GeoEthic mattress, which is available by phone at 888-642-4800.
Photo courtesy of Green Fusion Design Center
2
Top this
Want to stop overheating in your sleep? No sweat! Natural fibers absorb moisture and control body temperature, giving you a more pleasant rest. Vivetique’s Pure Grow Wool™ line has some of the most breathable bed toppers around, including lining for cribs. Anna Sova’s organic cotton bedding is not only comfortable, it’s produced under ethical working conditions so you can rest easy.
3
On the pillow
We release skin particles and moisture while we sleep, creating a perfect breeding ground for dust mites, germs and other impurities (and let’s not even discuss the one-third of people who snooze with their pets). A dirt- and allergen-filtering pillow like FabricTech’s PillowBarrier™ can ensure that your bedtime breathing is clean and pure, even if Fluffy stays.
4
Clean green
Even the cleanest bedding needs a good cycle to stay fresh, although washing isn’t always green. To limit environmental harm, look for a natural detergent that promises to make the entire laundry process biodegradable. We love Ecover’s plant-based detergents and Seventh Generation’s vegetable-based line, both of which fight dirt … without a trace.
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I have kids with allergies and asthma so I am always interested in products to help them. These were great.