Why you should switch to sustainable bed linen

We spend a third of our lives in bed - why not choose sustainable bedding? It may be a bit of an investment, but sustainable bedding is worth it in terms of our health and the environment.

Why switch to sustainable bed linen?

Cheap, poorly made bedding uses harmful ingredients such as AZO dyes, parathion and alidicarb. Parathion and aldicarb are insecticide treatments used on textile crops. The World Health Organization has classified these ingredients as "extremely hazardous."

These toxins can take some time to show their harmful symptoms. Rashes, allergies, insomnia and fatigue are all signs of toxic bedding.

Then there are the environmental impacts to consider. Insecticides and pesticides contaminate groundwater, which then finds its way into our water systems. These chemicals also contaminate the soil, affecting soil fertility. All of this is to say that these pesticides are wreaking havoc on animals, biodiversity and the environment. The mass deaths of bees, frogs and bats are all linked to pesticides.

Aside from the chemicals in bedding, plastic is also commonly found in bedding. Microfiber bedding usually contains polyester, a synthetic fabric made from plastic. Synthetic fibers fill down-alternative pillows and comforters. Memory foam is also often made from polyurethane.

When we wash plastic bedding, microplastics are released that enter our water systems and pollute the oceans. Used duvets and pillows also often end up in the ocean or landfill because they are extremely difficult to recycle.

Sustainable bedding options

We use natural fabrics such as cotton, lyocell and linen to avoid contributing to pollution from pesticides.