Organic cotton and linen are far better for the planet, wildlife and farmers, and also uses over 90% less water to produce. Softer on skin, they are also safe to launder, without releasing microplastics in the washing machine. Although they cost a little more, they last longer as fibres are not treated with chemicals, so should last years, before safely biodegrading back to the earth.
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.
Piglet in Bed (also sold at Buy Me Once) makes nice sustainable bedding, from stone-washed linen that gets softer with each sleep. In a wide range of colours to suit all homes. These naturally crumpled linen bundles are sure to go down a treat. Linen is soft and breathable, and the bundles include a duvet cover, pair of pillowcases and fitted or flat sheet, plus optional extra sheets and pillowcases.
Linen is made from the flax plant, so unlike cotton can be locally grown (most linen is grown in Europe, but it’s a still lot closer, so less carbon emissions for transport). Linen does wrinkle a bit but it’s cool in summer and warm in summer and very comfortable.
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).
simply-labelled organic cotton bedding
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.
beautiful organic cotton 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!
organic cotton blankets (20-year guarantee!)
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).