In the modern era, more and more people are trying to lead a more sustainable life. Sustainability is not only good for the environment but also it’s better for our health and well-being. But, choosing sustainable living requires commitment. And the best way to step into a sustainable life is to start from your own home.
Making a few eco-friendly changes within your home won’t have an impact as big as switching to an electric car. But, to incorporate sustainability in your life it is important to take small steps. For instance, change can start from one room of your home, which can further be spread to your entire house.
Here we have provided you an easy guide that will help you with your transform your bedroom into a more sustainable one:
1. Switch To A Green Mattress
Conventional mattresses are full of toxic petroleum-based chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but also hazardous to your health. The cotton used in the foam is synthetic and when the mattresses end up in a landfill, it may take several hundred years for them to decompose completely.
A mattress is like the centerpiece of your room. It makes complete sense to start your sustainability transformation by changing your mattress from a conventional one to a green one. Green mattresses are made from plant-based materials. They are more comfortable and healthy, especially if you have allergies. Being made from organic materials, green mattresses are completely biodegradable, so you’ll be doing our environment a favor by going green instead of conventional.
2. LEDs Over Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs take about 60 watts of electricity and last for about 1200 hours. Whereas LED bulbs take only 7 watts of electricity and last for a whopping 25000 hours. Although LEDs may have a greater upfront price, they’ll make up for it your monthly electricity bill.
Another sustainable alternative to incandescent lighting is fluorescent lighting. They have a life span of 8000 hours with an energy consumption of 14 watts. But out of the two options, LEDs are the best choice.
3. Use Environment-Friendly Cleaning Products
A lot of people are unaware of the fact that the cleaning products we use every day contain loads of chemicals and toxins that are harmful to the environment. To be more sustainable, you’ll have to switch to all-natural cleaning products. Another alternative is to make your cleaning products at home but most of us don’t have the time for DIYs. So, next time when you are shopping, make sure to check the label on the back to make sure that the product is 100% organic.
4. Opt For Used Furniture
Do you need any furniture around your bedroom? If you do, go for the one that’s been already used. Whenever we buy a completely new piece of furniture, we put a strain on the environment. Because new furniture creates more demand. And the production of new furniture requires resources on the cost of our environment. Not to mention the fuel and funds required for its shipping. In conclusion, if you need a piece of furniture around the house, check a thrift store or a garage sale first.
5. Check Your Paint/Wallpaper
Yes, even the paint on our walls can contain substances that are unfriendly to both our health and the environment. For instance, your wall paint can contain lead which is extremely hazardous for your health. You have to make sure that your paint and wallpaper are healthy.
6. Go For Natural Material Rugs
Textile fibers often used in carpet manufacturing include polyester and other synthetic fibers. There are several ways to reuse and recycle these fibers, but they are still made of plastic and will ultimately break down and pollute the ocean. As a result, it is better to opt for carpets made of organically biodegradable fibers rather than plastic.
Jute, bamboo fibers, wool, and cotton are some ideal rug materials. All of these fibers will ultimately decompose on their own and return to the ground. Plastic is a pollutant that lasts for a long time. Due to wool's inherent fire-resistant characteristics, it's a great material to use.
7. Choose Eco-Friendly Blankets And Bedding
Sustainable and eco-friendly blankets and beddings are more common than you think. Using blankets and bedding made out of synthetic material like fleece creates a lot of microplastic waste. Whereas, wool can be quite itchy and some people are even prone to rashes when using wool. The best option is to use eco-friendly blankets and bedding that are not only comfortable but protect our oceans as well.
8. Add Plants To Your Décor
House plants are an excellent way to add some greenery to your bedroom while still being environmentally friendly. They're gorgeous, vibrant, and exciting, and they do all of this while purifying the air you breathe and thriving in their natural habitats in your bedroom. Additionally, houseplants have become increasingly fashionable in recent years, which is a welcome plus.
Final Word
We are always learning more about the impact of our actions and purchases. Therefore, there are now more possibilities than ever to create an eco-friendly bedroom. It is essential to do thorough research to ensure that the products you purchase are produced in a sustainably.
It doesn't matter whether your mattress and sheets are new or old; take care of them. An environmentally-friendly bedroom is one in which you can extend the life of your furnishings and accessories.
