7 Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

There are many approaches to creating an eco-friendly bedroom. If you're looking for ways to live a more sustainable life and you want to start by taking small but meaningful steps, you've come to the right place. Altering your daily habits and introducing some green items into your bedroom is easier than you think. We're here to share some tips and tricks that'll be helpful when combined.

1.   Energy efficiency comes first

Wasting electricity is a big no-no if you're planning on creating an eco-friendly bedroom. Start by turning off the lights when you're not using them and unplug any chargers during the night. Bit by bit, this will have an impact on your carbon footprint. Apart from altering some of your habits, it would help if you also got energy-efficient lights that aren't as dangerous (fewer UVA and UVC rays). Additionally, get rid of any unnecessary appliances that you haven't used in a while. These changes won't only affect the planet, but they'll also be great for your budget. Why waste money on a bigger electricity bill when you can get the best of both worlds? Going green has never seemed more alluring.

2.   Quality over quantity

Making smarter purchases is another hack that'll positively affect both the environment and your bank balance. If you think you're saving up by buying cheaper items, you should probably think again. They won't last, and you'll only increase your carbon footprint - throwing away, repurchasing, and transportation are all harmful to our planet. Instead, shop mindfully and look for timeless pieces of furniture that'll always look good, no matter what you decorate them with. You'll also save a lot of time on picking out different statement pieces and renovating every other year.

3.   Get an organic-certified mattress

The harmful substances, such as polyurethane and toxic flame retardants often found in our mattresses, have been known to increase the risk of different health issues (from respiratory issues to cancer). It's even scarier to find out that babies and young children are even more prone to having these side effects due to their size and sleeping time. Getting rid of the non-organic mattresses and replacing them with an eco-friendly version is a more dire matter than most people realize.

The first thing you should pay attention to on your quest for the perfect organic mattress is whether it has the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certificate. This will guarantee that your bed is free of any substances harmful to you or the planet. Additionally, pay attention to the materials used to make your mattress. You want to see:

• Latex
• Pesticide-free cotton
• Wool
• Hemp
• Bamboo
• High-quality polyethylene 

Disposing of your non-organic mattress is a common concern since not many people do this regularly. Do your research and make sure to do this right. If you don't want to get rid of your mattress right away or have other uses for it, you can always store a mattress inside a portable storage unit. By doing so, you are making sure that you can keep it safe for later. You'll be able to access it when needed, but it won't take up your space.

4.   Organic carpets, bedding, and curtains

Organic materials have gained popularity during the past decade. They're great for the environment and are also very pleasant and breathable. In addition, they don't undergo harsh chemical treatments.

Eco-friendly materials are usually super soft and cozy, which will help you create an excellent bedroom ambiance. Most stores hold these materials, so you won't have any trouble finding them. They are somewhat pricier, but the quality and eco-friendly benefits make the price worth it. Make sure to clean and maintain them regularly so that they last for years to come.

5.   Introduce plants into your bedroom

Creating an eco-friendly bedroom sounds like a challenge. The subject is not as covered as the kitchen and living room, for example. However, as you can see, it isn't nearly as challenging as it seems. One of the more satisfying changes you can make is making your bedroom green. There are two main benefits to introducing plants into your space:

1. They're great at cleaning and purifying the air in your bedroom (they absorb the gasses emitted from toxic substances) 
2. They create a pleasant, serene, and fragrant space for sound sleep

Furthermore, they perfectly complement any space they're in and look great.

6.   Use natural air fresheners

Instead of purchasing artificial harmful air fresheners to keep your bedroom sweet and aromatic, you can find some tremendous sustainable versions. Apart from choosing one of the many great companies that try to minimize their carbon footprint with packaging and their product, you can also DIY your own air freshener. It is a great idea to use essential oils and dilute them to create the perfect scent. You can also create your own herbal mix using dry herbs. Pack them into small bags and leave them under your pillows and in your closet. 

7.   Declutter and recycle

Whether you're already enjoying some perks that a minimalistic lifestyle brings, or you're not yet there, there's always room for improvement. Apart from being a great and mindful practice, minimalism creates excellent opportunities for tailoring an eco-friendly bedroom. Anything that unnecessarily takes up space in your home needs to go. Eco-friendly decluttering is the best way to achieve this. Clean your space and set aside anything you no longer use. Then, divide these items into categories. You don't have to throw everything away. You can donate or sell some items if they're still viable for use.