Over 50,000 mattresses get thrown away in the United States every single day. 

That's 50,000 mattresses clogging up landfills, 50,000 mattresses polluting the environment. 

But it doesn't have to be that way. Eco-friendly mattresses are making a difference when it comes to reducing our environmental impact on the planet. Read on to learn more about what makes a mattress green and how buying one can help make a difference. 

What Is an Eco-Friendly Mattress?

A mattress is green if it is made in a way that doesn't harm the environment. Everything from the growth and harvest of the materials to the production and transport of the final product comes into play. These mattresses are identifiable because they have one or more environmental certifications. 

These include but are not limited to: 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): 

Production meets specific social and environmental standards. Products are composed of 70-95% organic fibers. 

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): 

Products contain an organic raw latex content of 95% and above. All materials are sourced from a certified organic grower. 

Oeko-Tex Standard 100:

These textile products do not include any chemicals or substances deemed harmful to human health. 

Made Safe: 

This is the first non-toxic seal in American for everyday products. 

Greenguard:

This certification signifies the product meets intense chemical emission standards. 

These certifications are a good starting point when looking for a mattress with a lower environmental impact. 

Why Green Mattresses are Good for the Environment

It is nice to know how to identify a green mattress when you see it. However, it's also good to understand the many ways in which eco-friendly mattresses benefit the environment.  

Materials Used

Eco-friendly mattresses are made with materials that are natural, organic, and toxin-free. The most common option is latex. Latex is created using the sap of rubber trees which is harvested without causing damage to the trees. 

The sap is then mixed until it becomes a frothy consistency and placed into molds. Depending on the type of latex it might undergo a flash freeze to help maintain its shape. 

Biodegradable

Traditional mattresses include things like steel coils, wooden box springs, and polyurethane foam. Although wood will decompose with time, most of the other materials will not. This is especially true in anaerobic conditions, such as when buried in a landfill. 

Unfortunately, not all mattresses end up in landfills. Many are dumped or discarded illegally, eventually ending up in oceans or affecting the local flora and fauna. 

Green mattresses are designed to minimize waste. Made with organic materials, they will break down over time and won't leach harmful chemicals into the environment. 

Durability

Traditional mattresses last around five to ten years. After this point, they begin to lose their support and end up getting replaced. 

Latex mattresses, on the other hand, have been known to last up to 25 years. This is because of their unique design, which allows the material to spring back into place and retain its shape. Having a longer lifespan means that fewer latex mattresses get discarded each year. 

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Choosing sustainable materials is only half the battle. Transportation and shipping also play a huge role in determining the carbon footprint of a product. This includes everything from the harvesting and transport of raw materials to the packaging and shipment of the final product. 

Sustainable companies aim to keep their environmental impact in check wherever possible. They are always looking for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle to make their mattress an eco-friendlier option. 

Company Decisions and Stance

Many environmentally-conscious companies pride themselves on giving back to the world. This looks different depending on the company. It often includes: 

• Green affiliate partners
• Local sourcing of materials
• Careful selection of producers
• Eco-donations
• Outreach programs

When purchasing a green mattress, it's always good to investigate the company's history, mission statement, and supply chain. 

Mattress Accessories 

What good is a green mattress if the bedsheets, pillows, and blankets aren't? 

To continue helping the environment make sure to buy eco-friendly accessories for your mattress. Organic cotton sheets, sustainably harvested down pillows, and wool blankets are great options.

They are good for the environment and free from cancer-causing chemicals and harmful synthetic derivatives. 

Green Mattresses and Your Health

When you buy a green mattress, the benefits don't stop with the environment. Sustainably made mattresses are also great for improving your health and quality of sleep.  

As mentioned before, they don't contain harmful carcinogens associated with cancer and related illnesses. Materials like cotton and wool are not only breathable and comfy, but hypoallergenic as well. They are the perfect option for people with severe allergies and sensitive skin. 

Latex is anti-microbial, so it won't pick up odors and mold over time. Artificial materials, on the other hand, tend to have strange and unappealing odors. These linger for weeks, even months, and can impact your ability to sleep well. 

Latex mattresses provide comfort regardless of sleeping position. They are designed to reduce pressure points that lead to pain and stiffness. So, it doesn't matter if you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or prefer your stomach.

The innovative design of latex mattresses helps you to fall asleep faster so you can wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free. 

Buy a Mattress and Help the Environment

Green mattresses are better than traditional alternatives in many ways. They have a much lower carbon footprint and keep the environment free of waste. In addition, they far better for your health.

Latex mattresses provide the comfort you deserve without sacrificing quality and durability.  

Every day there are 50,000 chances to make a difference. So, the next time you buy a mattress, go with an eco-friendly mattress from Nest Bedding. Find your perfect fit today with our or custom nest builder.