There’s nothing like coming home after a long day at school, grabbing a book and cozying up under soft sheets. Home is your safe haven, your cocoon, a place where you can surround yourself with all your favorite things.

But what does your home say about your relationship to the planet?

All too often we select furnishings, bedding, and decor based purely on look and feel, without any consideration for the environmental impacts of these items. The reality is that many futons, lamps, and desk chairs aren’t doing Mother Earth any favors. They come wrapped in tons of plastic and styrofoam packaging, they’re shipped to the United States from halfway around the world, and they’re made from unsustainable materials.

And those sheets you love so much? Don’t get us started. Many conventional sheets, comforters, and pillows have been soaked in hazardous flame-retardant chemicals before making their way into your sacred sleep spot. Not to mention that most conventional cotton sheets are made from cotton that has been doused in pesticides.

So does this mean you have to throw everything out, buy all new stuff, and rebuild your room from the ground up? Hardly. Here are the best ways to green your space:

  1. Recycle. If you do get rid of some things, see if you can dispose of them sustainably. Consider donating!
  2. Repurpose. Rather than going to the store to buy new items, find creative uses for things you already have. Need a waste bin? How about that basket that’s been lying around? Need wall art? How about a favorite sarong or scarf? The possibilities are endless.
  3. Upcycle. Make old things look new again by getting crafty and giving them a fresh flair.
  4. Source sustainably. Make sure new purchases aren’t traveling too far to get to you, and are made from sustainable materials.  Check out for avoiding toxic chemicals in your bed.
  5. Live with less. You probably don’t need everything you have. Go through your space and see what you can live without. As a general rule, if you haven’t touched it in a year, it’s probably safe to assume you can do without it.

Doing these things will not only reduce your impact but will also allow you to create an exceptional space that is uniquely you.

And as far as bedding is concerned, we do recommend springing for organic cotton sheets, comforters stuffed with organic cotton or wool, and organic pillows. We promise they’re so dreamy you’ll never want to get out of bed again!

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Decorate your way towards a healthier planet and a healthier you by choosing conscious alternatives from the brands below.

 

Brighten up your day with the power of Moroccan argan extract and chlorella, a true synergy of rejuvenation. French green clay has a drawing effect and Moroccan argan oil and CoQ10 provide moisture. Apply evenly over the face until you look like a green sea-monster. Allow to set for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to a refreshed and renewed you.

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