Your guide to environmentally-friendly sleep solutions
As science and research show evidence of worsening global climate change issues, the need to adopt a more environment-friendly and sustainable way of living is emphasized in today's world.
Eco-friendly consumption and efforts to conserve resources and reduce waste are promoted now more than ever. As a result, more and more environment-friendly and sustainable product options are also emerging. Still, there are not many ways people can incorporate sleep-related solutions to decrease carbon footprint.
Many miss the opportunity to integrate eco-friendly principles in sleeping. But with the proper knowledge and perspective, it is possible to make sleeping an Earth-friendly action. Here's everything you need to know:
What Does it Mean to be Environmentally friendly?
Being environment-friendly or eco-friendly simply means being friendly towards the Earth, hence not causing any harm to it. It is a practical philosophy that includes opting for products and methods that do not harm the planet or overuse resources like water and energy. The term also encompasses the consumption, production, and distribution of sustainable products which do not contribute to waste or pollution and help reduce carbon footprint.
More than just a buzzword, becoming environmentally friendly requires a real-life application and a long-term commitment to being kinder to Earth. It should be a conscious choice done daily or even at night as you sleep.
A Simple 5-Step Guide to an Environmentally-Friendly Sleep Solution
Sleeping seems like a mundane activity people do to just rest and recharge. But if you look closely, it still contributes to your carbon footprint— the light you use at night, your home and bedroom decors, your sleeping paraphernalia, including your favorite scented candles, blankets, and pillows. So how are all these made, and where do you think they will go once worn out?
It may seem uninteresting to some, but there are things that you can do to make sleeping environmentally friendly.
1. Opt for Sustainable Lighting
A considerable portion of the human carbon footprint comes from electricity, and almost 5 percent of global CO2 emission comes from lighting alone. Lights that utilize old technology like incandescent and halogen use higher amounts of electricity (about 60 watts and 42 watts, respectively), enabling power stations to produce pollutants. For your lights at home, especially at night, consider opting for CFL lights or, better, LED lights, which use less wattage of only around 9 to 14 watts.
As much as possible, utilize natural lighting during the day. This way, you will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but you also save money from electricity costs— it's a win-win!
2. Upgrade Your "Lights-Out" Mode
The city lights from buildings and cars are an adorable sight, but they can also harm the planet excessively and for a prolonged period. The artificial lighting that makes the world glow at night causes light pollution, affecting humans and animals. It causes a great deal of stress and can disrupt sleep for humans. As light scatters, it reaches even animals in the sea and air that naturally relies on the darkness and the light from heavenly bodies. It confuses them, causing them to disrupt their routine and paths, which can be fatal.
To avoid contributing more to light pollution, try to sleep with the lights off when you can. It is also best to schedule lights out as early as possible. If you need reduced light to sleep, you can use blackout curtains to keep the light inside your room from scattering out.
3. Upgrade Your Sleeping Environment
Making minor modifications to your sleeping space can make a significant impact in reducing your carbon footprints. Start by making your room airy, so you don't have to use much air conditioning. You can also place indoor plants in your bedroom to help purify the air.
Consider investing in breathable yet sustainable beddings and accessories. Mattresses made from organic materials and have a cooling effect can help reduce the need to use a fan or air conditioning units, plus it gives you a more comfortable sleep. You can shop Talalay latex mattresses that are durable and, if possible, made from biodegradable and renewable resources. The longer you can use your mattress, the less waste you contribute to the planet. Go for sustainable bedding materials, like pillows, linens, sheets, and blankets made from organic and natural materials instead of synthetic or polyester ones.
In addition, when you are revamping your room to make the shift towards sustainability, choose non-toxic and eco-friendly paint for your walls. It's good for you as well as for the planet.
4. Upgrade Your Home Decor
Home decors may seem like small things that people simply put for aesthetics. But it doesn't always have to be that way. Add substance to beauty and make your home decor count in being eco-friendly. Use plants as decor. They are pretty to see, plus they give off oxygen.
Whenever you can, try to live minimally and only keep things you can use for a long time. Steer clear from single-use or items. For one-time or annual occasions, Decors can be saved to be upcycled the following year. Try to recycle and upcycle home decors and furniture items. If not, dispose of them properly by giving them to recycling facilities and other organizations that can repurpose or break them down the most sustainable way possible.
5. Look For Eco-Friendly Brands
There are many eco-friendly products today as alternatives to the daily items you use or consume. For example, there are those reusable shopping bags, utensils like spoons, forks, and straws made up of bamboo or metal, as well as reusable tumblers and food containers, among many other eco-friendly things. In addition, organic soaps and environment-safe toiletries, as well as ethically produced and biodegradable clothing, are also making their way to the market today.
When it comes to sleeping, you can still incorporate eco-friendly sleepwear and sleep accessories, like linens and pillows that are organic and produced sustainably and ethically. Try to find durable ones you can use for a long time to create less waste. Of course, it's a plus if they are hypoallergenic, so you can still be comfortable.
Moreover, be careful of brands that use "greenwashing," which only presents their products as eco-friendly when they are not. Finally, as being eco-friendly is a commitment, invest time to do a bit of research about the brands you consume. Even the slightest effort to educate yourself about environmental consciousness and eco-friendly brands can significantly impact.
Rest Easy and Sustainably
There are vast ways to adopt eco-friendly and more sustainable living. It doesn't always have to be grand or revolutionary. You can always start with small steps by modifying simple things in your daily routine, like your sleep. Make your sleeping habit and environment more eco-friendly, and rest better knowing you are making a positive change for the planet.
