By now, many people concerned about their health and the environment are aware that regular mattresses have some problems. They're often made with petroleum derived substances, natural cotton that's been grown with heavy pesticide use, problematic flame retardant chemicals, and other issues. People with allergies may be concerned about the dust mites and mold issues that some traditional mattresses may have. But are the options frequently advertised as ecologically friendly and healthy actually much better? Here's a look at eco-friendly foam mattresses and other products. We'll find out if they're all they're cracked up to be.
Are there really green mattress options? The mattresses most often advertised as being good for the environment include natural latex foam, organic cotton, wool mattresses, soy foam, and sometimes mattresses filled with buckwheat hulls or similar materials. Foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, and futon style mattresses are all marketed as being green, and healthy for their users. But the fact is that you have to look past the label. There's not really much regulation on whether a mattress is considered green or not, so anyone can use that label. Consumers have to do their own research.
For instance, natural latex mattresses have the potential to be much more ecologically friendly than their petroleum derived memory foam relatives. But you have to make sure you're getting natural latex, not synthetic latex, and you have to consider whether that latex has been grown responsibly. If it's labeled organic, is there any regulation to make sure it really is? Soy foam mattresses have similar concerns. Plus, a small amount of petroleum based foam is usually required in even the greenest natural foam mattresses. Don't let manufacturers suggest otherwise.
How about natural wool and organic cotton mattresses? These materials can also be very eco-friendly. Conventional cotton production is one of the most water intensive and pesticide heavy crops we currently grow. That's why many people want to avoid it. Truly organic, unbleached, undyed cotton can be an excellent choice, but it's hard to find. Read carefully to make sure it's what you're getting.
Likewise, wool is a fire retardant, comfortable mattress material for many, but modern wool farming also subjects the animals to chemical treatments (sheep dip), tail docking, and a number of other cruel and non-earth-friendly practices. Finding wool that's really been produced organically can be difficult. If you can be sure the wool you're getting is from an ethical source, however, it may be a great choice.
So, is there anything to these eco-friendly mattresses? Whether they're foam, cotton, or some other material, the answer is - maybe. It all depends on who's making the mattress and how careful they are. Do your research, be wary of what seem like too-good-to-be-true bargains, and be a smart consumer if you want a really eco-friendly mattress.
Author Resource:
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