Sustainable bedlinen is not just a trend, it’s a long-term investment in sheets and bedding that is good for the planet, and better for you. It may cost a little more short-term (and there are lots of sale bargains) but it should last you years, as fibres not treated with chemicals are stronger.
Arrange beds so coloured bedding does not fade in sunlight. When time comes to replace, choose a duck-friendly duvet like Fou Furnishings organic cotton duvet (although a few companies use Icelandic down from birds that naturally moult, most down duvets contain feathers from factory-farmed birds). The Lullaby Trust has safe sleeping tips for babies.
Although some companies add flame retardants to night clothing (there are UK laws covering children’s clothing), organic campaigners say to simply not use cigarettes and dodgy heaters (use a smoke alarm).
Avoid leaving phones and laptops on beds, the heat causes fire hazards. Also replace convector heaters with oil-powered radiators that don’t overheat, and use a humidifier for stale air.
Avoid perfumes, essential oils and scented candles near babies or pets (air rooms before allowing them back in). If using plants, learn toxic plants to avoid near pets (including sago palm and lilies).
Sustainable bedlinen is made from natural biodegradable materials. The main choices are:
- Organic cotton is grown without chemicals, and far better for the planet and wildlife (and farmers).
- Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing grass, and has moisture-wicking properties, so is great for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Hemp is an organic material that grows locally, and again extremely warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Linen also grows locally, and is from the flax plant. It has a natural crumpled look, if you’re not a fan of ironing your sheets! It also tends to get softer, with each wash.
- making it a highly renewable option.
There are certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX® to ensure bedding is free from harmful substances. Or at least look for brands that are transparent about their production, and sold in zero waste packaging.
Tips to Buy Sustainable Bedlinen
Consider your design to match bedrooms for years, and obviously budget is a consideration. The other consideration is thread count (higher counts are softer, but are not always the only measure of quality).
Avoid using fabric conditioners, as these can reduce absorbency and increase flammability, and also stop bedsheets being more absorbent, should you need to wash them after spills of liquids.
Good Choices for Sustainable Bedlinen
Dip & Doze is one of the many brands offering beautiful organic cotton bedding. Of course this is better for the planet and oceans, and better for you (more comfy too as it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer). So why do we recommend this brand? For a start, it’s more affordable than most. But secondly, because the founders have made it clear they wish to dispense with all the chat to confuse about bedding (housewife and Oxford pillowcases). It’s just sheets and pillowcases!
George knows that however intelligent we are, most people have no idea what thread counts mean, so he decided to use his knowledge of textiles to simply create great bedding, but you don’t need a bedding degree to choose! With matching organic towel bale sets, the range is muted, for a relaxed Scandi feel to your bedroom.
These sets are made with organic Fairtrade cotton, with piped edges and a reversible design. They have an online size guide, and the thread count is 300 (good!) with sewn-in labels and a stop pocket to prevent your duvet poking out. With a concealed corozo nut button closure and reusable drawstring bag (made from product offcuts). Also find linen bedding sets.
LittleLeaf Organic bedding sets (use code Naturally to receive an extra pair of pillowcases for each set sold) include a sateen weave sheet and pillowcases, with matching duvet cover, all wrapped in organic cotton. Making a wonderful housewarming treat or a gift to others, choose from many muted colours. The 300 thread count means this is luxury to sleep in too!
Luks Linen makes lovely organic cotton blankets ideal to put on beds. These are expensive (made by Turkish artisans) but carry a whopping 20-year guarantee! If donating old blankets/towels to animal shelters, avoid giving ones with strings and tassles (could tangle in boxes).
