FT NEWS

We spend about a third of our lives in the bedroom, so it pays to make it a place that’s as good for our wellbeing as possible. Investing in healthier alternatives for everything from beds and bedding to paints and furniture may cost a little extra, but it can also increase comfort, contribute to good health and protect resources.

Green bedding
Start with healthy sheets
It’s best to avoid petroleum-based polyester sheets, no-iron sheets or dark cotton sheets (the darker the colour, the more chemicals that have been used to fix the dye). Instead, choose sheets made of natural fibres, derived from environmentally friendly sources. In the warmer months, go with organic cotton, bamboo or linen sheets and, in winter, consider organic flannel.

Comfy comforters
Consider a natural option like goose down or organic wool. Choose this over the mass-produced synthetic, poly-filled comforters. For those who are allergic to wool, the best options are organic-cotton comforters and blankets, which are also more affordable.

Healthier pillows
Choose pillows that contain natural materials, such as down, wool, organic cotton or natural latex. When the weather’s nice, air out your pillows in the sun to kill any hidden mould that could potentially be growing.

Mattress matters
When choosing your next mattress, consider one that is made of natural materials, including organic cotton, linen, natural latex or wool. The latter is the perfect option for your mattress as it both insulates and absorbs humidity well. This is particularly important, as your body tends to produce a lot of moisture during sleep.

Green furniture
Keep your bedroom clutter-free
Keep furniture to a minimum so that you can vacuum and dust regularly and easily.

A clean bedroom that is free of clutter is essential for people who suffer from dust allergies.

Which bed is right for you?
When selecting your bed, opt for a base that is made of natural materials, including wood from a sustainable source. Ensure that it is sealed with non-toxic stains or varnishes.

Green living
Keep dust to a minimum
Consider vacuuming your mattress when you change your bedlinen to remove dust. If you are asthmatic, protect the mattress with an allergy-free cover that will deter dust-mites.

Hanging your duvet (if you have one) out to air on a cold morning is effective in killing off dust-mite eggs, not to mention, it guarantees allergy-free bedding.

A word on paints
The worst offenders are oil-based paints. This is because they contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resins, pigments, deodorisers, stabilisers as well as preservatives. Although commercial water-based paints might contain low levels of VOCs, it’s their chemical content that is still three times higher than that of natural paints.

If possible, use natural paints in the bedroom. The process used to make these paints produces far less toxic waste than synthetic paint manufacture. Natural paints are also less likely to trigger sensitivities and allergies than paints that are high in chemicals.A word on paints
The worst offenders are oil-based paints. This is because they contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resins, pigments, deodorisers, stabilisers as well as preservatives. Although commercial water-based paints might contain low levels of VOCs, it’s their chemical content that is still three times higher than that of natural paints.

If possible, use natural paints in the bedroom. The process used to make these paints produces far less toxic waste than synthetic paint manufacture. Natural paints are also less likely to trigger sensitivities and allergies than paints that are high in chemicals.

Play it safe with electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs)
Remove any electrical appliances or electronics – TVs, stereos, laptops, mobile phones – from within two metres of your bed. These devices emit light, which can signal your brain to stay awake, interfering with a good night’s sleep and leaving you with elevated stress-hormone levels in the morning.

Opt for a battery-operated clock and, if you can’t live without your electric blanket during winter, make sure you unplug it at the wall before you climb into bed.

Open the windows
Instead of opening a synthetic, chemical-based air freshener that works to numb your sense of smell, open the windows every day and use baking soda (simply place the powder in a bowl, or mix a little with water and wipe over a surface) to absorb and neutralise the smells around your bedroom.