In the first part of our Earth Day blog series, we talked about the importance of a healthy, non-toxic nursery. Using GreenGuard Gold certified breathable crib mattresses, like Nook crib mattresses or the Pebble Twin and Pebble Full Mattress is one way to ensure your little one is getting a healthy and safe night’s sleep. In today’s post, we look at going green in our own bedrooms and in our lives.
In Our Bedrooms
Mattresses
We’ve already made sure our sweet babies are sleeping on healthy mattresses, but what about us? There’s an entire industry around comfortable and supportive mattresses but they aren’t all created alike and they certainly aren’t all eco-friendly. Some of the materials in conventional twin, full, queen and king mattresses contribute to the absorption of moisture, which may lead to mold growth, in turn affecting our respiratory systems. We don’t think you should have to sacrifice comfort and your health to get an eco-friendly, healthy mattress. At Nook, we offer hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, breathable and non-toxic twin and full mattresses, perfect for your growing children and even perfect for you! Prefer to sleep on a bigger mattress like a king? Not a problem! Push two Nook Twins together, and you’ve got yourself a comfortable king!
Bedding
As a general rule, being eco-conscious has the most impact with things you use every day, such as the sheets or blankets on our beds. Most of us aim to sleep 8 out of 24 hours in a day. If we’re investing in a healthy mattress where we spend a third of each day, it’s important to make sure our bedding is eco-friendly as well. Stick to organic and breathable fabrics like cotton and wool, which help regulate your body temperature, resulting in a better night’s sleep.
In our Lives
Cleaning Supplies
From laundry detergent to dishwashing soap and disinfecting wipes, try to avoid chemical-heavy products, especially for items you need on a daily basis. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and certain essential oils (like lemon or eucalyptus) can naturally clean and disinfect your home.
Clean Eating
What does that really mean? While it’s great in theory to eat organic, reduce sugar, and cut out processed foods, it’s not always practical. Narrow your focus to ensuring the dirty dozen are organic and don’t worry as much about the rest!
Lotions, Shampoos and Makeup, Oh My!
There are so many skin care products out there, so how do you narrow down the best green options? Try to avoid the key offenders like parabens, synthetic colors/dyes, phthalates, artificial fragrances, triclosan and formaldehyde. Many of these ingredients can disrupt our hormones and endocrine systems, and the residue makes its way into our oceans and the land, disrupting natural ecosystems.
Recycling
If your neighborhood offers a recycling program, you’re in luck! Check local guidelines for which plastics are accepted and what types of paper are recyclable. Consider purchasing second-hand books, toys, clothes and furniture to further reduce your carbon footprint.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable bags are sturdier and look better than standard grocery bags, and can be used for more than just groceries! Use them for picnics, camping, beach trips, and more!
Composting
Invest in a small compost bin for your backyard and toss anything from your coffee grinds to banana peels to egg shells in there. Stir it up every once in a while and add it to your flower beds to help your garden grow!
Clothing
We’re not saying all of your clothing purchases need to be sustainable, but it’s worth consideration, especially if your kids seem to outgrow them faster than you can buy them. Check out clothing rentals, buy/sell/trade groups in your local community, or make an effort to support sustainable clothing companies as much as possible.
The Bottom Line
Listen, we know how overwhelming it can be to go green and we don’t expect you to be able to do everything all at once. As with most things in life, take it one step at a time. Every little bit makes a difference! As a thank you for supporting Mother Earth and Nook’s mission to reduce our global carbon footprint, we’re offering a special 10% discount for any purchases made with a user account between now and April 30. Sign up for an account now and use EARTHANKS10!
Happy Earth Day!