5 Tips That Will Help You Embrace Sustainable Bedtime Habits

When we talk about sustainability, it’s often associated with zero-waste movement, recycling, using fewer plastics and embracing slow-fashion. When it comes to sleeping and bedtime habits, that’s often less mentioned, but there are certain things that you could always do, that will improve the way you sleep and also contribute to the environment. For that reason, here’s a list of tips that will help you add more sustainability to your bedtime and sleeping habits:

1. Choose eco-friendly bed sheets

The simplest way to have a sustainable sleeping experience is to start with green bed sheets made of fabrics that are chemical-free and organically-grown such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, and jute. Additionally, make sure to read the labels and reviews, so you’ll be absolutely certain you’re making the right choice. The bed sheets should be made of high quality and durable materials, so you won’t need to replace them that often, especially if you’re striving to live in a more eco-friendly household. 

2. Pick a green mattress

A good mattress can make or break your sleeping experience because you choose one that is too soft, which can cause you pain and back issues, while a mattress that’s too hard will add extra pressure to your backside which will further disrupt your sleep. Nowadays, the most popular choice is foam mattresses, but most commercial mattresses are made of petroleum-based foam, so it’s important to look for green alternatives such as plant-based ones. Unfortunately, mattresses nowadays contain some chemicals, so make sure to do your research and then choose something that has a low percentage of chemicals.

3. Focus on sustainable sleepwear

There are so many cute and comfy pajamas around, but sadly, a lot of them are made through unsustainable manufacturing practices. Keep in mind that many fast fashion brands rely on cheap labor and using harmful chemicals during the production process, that further pollute the planet and can even cause allergies. So, if you’re looking to find a quality and ethically-made women’s sleepwear, be sure to do your research and read the labels so you’ll be able to determine whether the pajama is made of the natural and organically-grown fabrics. 

4. Choose the right bed frame

Choosing the green bed frame is important since most of non-organic bed frames contain formaldehyde and other dangerous chemicals. If you pick the green bed frame, your mattress will have better air circulation. So, in case you’re planning to opt for a sustainable bed frame, be sure to look for those made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled steel and wood. Besides, a lot of green options are also non-toxic and generally, much better for your health, so they’re definitely a much better choice for you.

5. Turn the lights off

Some people prefer to sleep with the lights on, but keeping the lamp open will increase the energy consumption of your home, which isn’t favorable to our planet, plus it will increase your energy bills, which is something you should avoid. Therefore, learning to sleep in the dark can be more beneficial for you, you just need to embrace it, and if you really must leave the lights on, make sure to opt for eco-friendly and power-saving LED lights that will give you a source of light without consuming a lot of energy. 

Final thoughts

Living a more sustainable lifestyle maybe won’t save the planet, but it will surely alleviate the consequences of global warming and consumerism. Opting for sustainable bed and sleepwear made of organic materials will provide you with peaceful sleep. Embracing more sustainable bedtime habits can definitely be beneficial for the environment, while you’ll be content knowing that you’re doing your part when it comes to keeping the environment safe and free from excess waste and chemicals.

Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is an ecopreneur, consultant, advisor, speaker and journalist with expertise in waste management, waste-to-energy, renewable energy, environment protection, conservation and sustainable development. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. Salman is the Founder of EcoMENA, a popular voluntary organization based in Qatar. He is also the Founder and CEO of BioEnergy Consult, a reputed consulting firm active in biomass, waste-to-energy and waste management segments.
Salman is a professional environmental writer with more than 350 popular articles to his credit. He is proactively engaged in creating mass environmental awareness in different parts of the world.
Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org or salman@bioenergyconsult.com

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