The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent with each new year, whether it is news of melting polar icecaps or wildfires sweeping through Australia and Southern Europe. Even here in the moderate UK, we are experiencing more frequent extremes of weather, with record breaking storms and heatwaves occurring every season.
The need to collectively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the worst consequences of climate change is more urgent than ever. While many of us are extremely worried about global warming, and would like to play our part to help, the plethora of information out there can be daunting and confusing.
Small steps add up to big changes
However, there are many small steps we can take as individuals which will add up to real change in the future. Most people will automatically think of cutting back on their air miles and car journeys, and recycling used packaging and possessions when possible.
When it comes to our homes, we can all do our bit to make sure it is as energy efficient as it can be. A great place to start is the bedroom; after all, this is the place we actually spend the most time in! An eco-friendly sleeping area will reduce waste and help to eliminate the presence of toxic chemicals in your bedroom.
Step up the insulation
If you currently have thin or unlined curtains in your bedroom, you will notice a big difference in the feel of the room if you replace them with thick, good quality curtains. During the winter, the room will feel warmer, so you can turn the heating down or leave it off for longer. This will cut carbon emissions and lower your energy bills as well.
Leaving heavy curtains drawn on hot sunny days will also help to keep the room nice and cool. If you notice a draught around your windows, seal up the edges with draught tape. On extra cold days, consider taking a hot water bottle to bed with you rather than turning up the heating, and use a duvet with a higher tog rating, or add extra blankets and sheets.
Choose eco-friendly bedding materials
Our choices as consumers can also lead to positive results for the environment. You may not have considered whether your bedding is eco-friendly before, but it doesn’t have to involve compromises. It is certainly possible to find bedding that is cosy and comfortable to snuggle into after a long day, and that is produced by sustainable and ethical means.
Look for organically produced cotton, hemp, or linen, when choosing sheets and duvet covers. These materials will have been manufactured to strict guidelines, meaning they were produced without the use of harmful chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, which can pollute water courses and poison wildlife.
Hemp and linen are often produced in natural tones, rather than the bright whites we usually associate with bed linen. This is because the chemicals needed to achieve the brilliant whites can end up leaching into rivers and soils. They are very hard-wearing fabrics, and will last for years before you need to replace them.
Sustainable duvets
Duvet fillings which are made from man-made fibres may not seem like the most obvious environmentally-friendly choice. However, the polyester fillings can now be made from recycled plastics from consumer waste, and can also be recycled when their useful life as bedding is at an end.
If you prefer non-synthetic bedding, then look out for duvets which are filled with fully farm traceable wool. This will offer a guarantee that the sheep were reared on well-managed land, and also helps to support farming communities. Alternatives include sustainably produced hemp or bamboo which is approved by organisations such as Fair Trade.
Other tips for an eco-friendly bedroom
Buying second hand furniture for your bedroom means that you will not only save money, but help to reduce the thousands of tonnes of unwanted furniture that are sent to landfill each year. Buying second-hand goods has never been easier, with so many online marketplaces to choose from. Many charity shops now also have furniture outlets.
Even if an item of furniture looks a bit worse for wear, a quick sand down and a coat of chalk paint can transform its appearance, and give it a whole new lease of life. If you really want to have new furniture, choose items made from sustainably sourced wood, or bamboo, which is an easily and quickly replaceable crop.
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