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Snoozing on a bed of toxins is certainly no dream. But there's no need to let chemical nightmares keep you up at night. We break down your bedroom's essential elements-furniture, decor, and accessories-to help you banish the bad mojo for good so that you can rest easy.
Tips for going greener in the bedroom
1. Sleep easier. As of July 2007, all mattresses sold in the U.S. are required to meet stringent fire safety tests. While fire retardants serve the very important purposes of reducing risks associated with fire, some, such as boric acid and antimony, have been identified as carcinogens. Greener mattress makers opt for materials such as natural latex, wool, and melamine, which reduce exposure to toxins, and also avoid stain- and water-repellent finishes, which can be sources of formaldehyde. They may cost more, but trust us, you and your family will sleep a lot more soundly. If you want to make bedtime safer, but aren't ready to invest in a new mattress, a hypoallergenic cover can create an added barrier between you and what you're sleeping on.
2. Furnish with good ideas. Materials such as varnishes, finishes, particle board, and MDF in many furnishings can off-gas volatile organic compounds, also called VOCs, which can cause poor indoor air quality and are associated with health problems such as eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, and liver and kidney damage. To keep your interior up to snuff, look for furnishings made from solid wood or that use low-VOC materials and finishes. Sara Snow shares her eco-friendly furnishing tips in the video below.
3. Get better linens and things. Cotton is the world's most-sprayed crop when it comes to pesticides, and while those toxins won't likely rub off on your skin, keeping them out of the ground makes a big difference in eco-systems where the crop is grown. Luckily, organic cotton sheets are increasingly easy to find, as are eco-friendly pillows stuffed with buckwheat or natural latex.
4. Get cozy. Bedtime should be all about getting snuggly, so throw an extra blanket on that bed and then turn down the thermostat a few degrees before hitting the sack in wintertime, which will help you save energy-and a few bucks on your utility bill. Worried about waking up to a chilly house? Using a programmable thermostat, which works like a timer, means you can get your house all toasty again before you pull back the sheets to rise and shine. That's a green tip so easy, you can do it in your in your sleep. Looking for a window into more tips? Click on the clip with Sara Snow below.
5. Light things up. Everyone knows that cigarette smoke clogs up the air, but most people don't consider the soot that traditional paraffin candles spit out. If you love the mood of a dimly lit room, but dislike the idea of compromising your health, soy or beeswax candles, which are virtually free from soot and toxins, offer a terrific alternative. Look for varieties scented with essential oil and that have wicks containing no metals.
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