Our homes are an extension of ourselves, and for many people living a more sustainable and intentional life is a core part of who they are. While making a sustainable home is important, it can feel costly and overwhelming if you need help figuring out where to start, but one of the most important rooms in your home to begin your sustainable journey is your bedroom. Our bedrooms are a sacred place that we come to at the end of the day to unwind and get a good night’s sleep; in fact, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping, which makes an eco-friendly bedroom essential. Looking for ways to create a more eco-friendly bedroom? Keep reading for the quickest ways to create a more intentional, sustainable, and peaceful sleeping environment.
Second-Hand Furniture
From your nightstands to your dresser and any other Furniture in your bedroom, purchasing second-hand furniture is the sustainable choice. You may find a piece that’s ready to use as is, or you may find something that needs a little TLC. Upcycling furniture and DIYing a new nightstand is not only rewarding, but it’s also great for the environment. Upcycling and restyling your second-hand furniture also gives you creative control over how the furniture in your room looks, and choosing the same colored paint and hardware as you breathe new life into the pieces keeps your bedroom cohesive and serene.
Non-Toxic Paints
From the upcycled furniture you use in your bedroom to the paint you use on your bedroom walls, opting for non-toxic paints is essential for an eco-friendly bedroom. You may not have given a second thought to the paints you’ve used in the past, but both interior and exterior paints are notorious for emitting VOCs – volatile organic compounds – into the air. Doesn’t sound like something you want to breathe, does it? Opt for low on no VOC paint in your room; they are better for your overall health as well as the environment.
Eucalyptus Bedding
Making environmentally friendly choices when it comes to your bed linens can also make a significant impact on your well-being. Eucalyptus bedding is known to be beneficial for hot sleepers, as it’s more temperature regulating and moisture wicking than cotton or linen. Eucalyptus bed linens are the most sustainable option for what you put on your bed, from your sheets, a Buffy comforter, pillowcases, and bed skirts. It would be best to consider buying a sustainable mattress as traditional mattresses not only off-gas toxic chemicals but don’t break down in landfills.
Utilize Houseplants
Using low or no-VOC paints is one great way to reduce harmful emissions in your eco-friendly bedroom, but adding houseplants is another way to purify the air and add decoration. Houseplants have been shown to reduce airborne contaminants and purify the air in whichever room they’re set in – with some of the best cleaners being the bamboo palm, spider plants, and aloe vera.
Unplug Appliances Not in Use
Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use takes some getting used to, but it pays off in several ways – reducing your electric bill and carbon footprint. While resetting an alarm clock may irritate you by resetting it, other items like your phone and tablet chargers, televisions in bedrooms, lamps, or humidifiers are easy to unplug when not in use. You’d be surprised how little you use some of these items once you start unplugging them, and you’ll be happy with the money saved.
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Another way to incorporate your eco-friendly habits into the appliances in your bedroom is by opting the greener and more sustainable energy-efficient light bulbs. Sure, they come at a higher price than traditional bulbs, but they’re cheaper in the long run as they last years. These bulbs consume up to 75% less electricity than conventional light bulbs, which means lower greenhouse gas emissions.
As you can see, there are several quick, easy, and affordable ways to make your bedroom a more eco-friendly and healthier environment. By utilizing the above methods, you’ll start sleeping better and have peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything you can to combat and offset global warming.
