10 Steps to an Organic Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a peaceful place to relax and rejuvenate. Chemicals in your bedding, and pollutants in the air can make it a toxic nightmare. With a few changes, you can make your bedroom the haven you deserve. To make sure you get a safe night's rest, follow these ten steps to an organic bedroom.

1. Replace your bedroom linens with sheets, blankets, and comforters made of organic material. You'll sleep easier and suffer from fewer allergies and respiratory problems. If you can't afford new linens, give your old ones a “safe wash” by adding a cup each of baking soda and vinegar instead of detergent to your wash cycle. This will remove some of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are added to the fabrics.
2. Cover up your mattress. The best option is to switch to a mattress made of organic material. But you can reduce VOCs, allergens and dust mites by covering your mattress and box spring in a cover made from organic material to provide a barrier.
3. Choose natural jammies. Replace your polyester night clothes for ones made of organic materials. Sleep between cotton sheets wearing organic cotton pajamas.
4. Add plants to your bedroom décor. House plants will reduce the level of VOCs and other pollutants by as much as 85% in just a couple of hours. And they give the room a homey feeling as well.
5. Change your walls. Paint is another source of VOCs. Repaint your walls using one of the many low odor, environmentally safe paints. Choose a calming color, like a shade of blue or green.
6. Shield yourself from the weather using lined curtains. They will help keep your room warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Consider tinting your windows for the same benefit. There are clear tints now available that will add insulation to your room. You will be more comfortable and your energy bills will go down.
7. Use furniture made of green, environmentally friendly materials. Much of the furniture today is made of pressed woods, particle board or plywood paneling that can leak formaldehyde into your bedroom.
8. Lighting sets the mood. Switch to CFL or LED lighting to save energy.
9. Let the fresh air in. Make sure that your room is properly ventilated. Without it, you'll get a build up of extra moisture that can lead to mold growth. Plus, you sleep better in a well ventilated room.
10. Take out the tube. There is no room in an organic bedroom for a television. Set out some books. Or just turn off the lights and snuggle up.

photo by Lotus Head