Your bed is your sanctuary for rest, relaxation and ... saving the planet? In an age where environmental consciousness is not just a trend but a necessity, it's crucial to reevaluate our choices, right down to where we lay our heads at night.
For many, the term “green mattress” might sound novel, yet it's an essential concept in our collective journey towards sustainability. But what exactly does “green” mean in the context of mattresses, and why should we care?
Navigating the green terrain requires distinguishing genuine eco-friendly practices from greenwashing and knowing how to make a choice that benefits both your health and that of the planet. Let’s delve into the world of eco-friendly sleep solutions – because the difference you make in the world really can start with your mattress.
First things first: what does "green" mean?
In the mattress world, “green” signifies more than just a color. It embodies the use of natural, renewable resources and a manufacturing process that prioritizes sustainability and environmental well-being. Organic cotton, wool and latex are hallmark materials of green mattresses, with smaller ecological footprints compared to their synthetic counterparts. However, the term “green” extends beyond materials to include:
- Ethical labor practices
- Minimal use of chemicals
- Production processes designed to reduce waste
Knowing what “green” means also means knowing what it doesn’t mean. Because as the demand for eco-friendly products has surged, so has the prevalence of “greenwashing” – a deceptive marketing tactic in which companies exaggerate or fabricate the environmental benefits of their products. This practice misleads consumers who are trying to make environmentally responsible choices.
Truly green products are backed by transparent, verifiable certifications and processes, offering a clear distinction from those merely marketed as “natural,” “eco-friendly” or even “green” without substantial evidence to support such claims.
How conventional mattresses harm the planet
Traditional mattresses are a larger environmental issue than many realize. They are often made with synthetic materials like polyurethane foam and treated with chemical flame retardants, which can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detrimental to both human health and the environment.
Conventional mattresses and synthetic materials are often less durable than organic mattresses and materials, too, meaning their lifespan is significantly shorter. When disposed of, these materials take centuries to decompose in landfills, releasing harmful gasses in the process and leaching toxic chemicals into the environment. Additionally, the energy-intensive manufacturing processes of conventional mattresses contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
5 Ways to find an eco-friendly mattress
Mattress shopping can be hard enough as it is. (That’s why Happsy Organic Mattresses come with free shipping, free returns and risk-free sleep trials, FYI!)
With the market flooded with products falsely claiming to be eco-friendly, it can be even more challenging to discern which options truly align with your values. Happsy is here to help you shop and sleep with confidence – so here are our top five tips for identifying a truly sustainable mattress.
1. Look for certifications
Without proof, words like “green,” “natural” and even “organic” don’t mean much. The best approach to avoiding greenwashing is to search for products with reputable, third-party certifications by organizations that are committed to sustainability. Here are some of our favorites:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures that a product is certified organic and marks products that prioritize ecological and social sustainability. It measures impact across the entire supply chain, from processing to distribution.
- MADE SAFE® certifies products that have been screened against a list of thousands of chemicals known or suspected to be harmful towards human health.
- GREENGUARD® Gold tests specifically for chemical emissions from consumer products and materials.
- UL Formaldehyde Free validates products that do not contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde precursors.
- Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) ensures that latex and wood meet rigorous environmental, social and economic criteria designed to protect lands, ecosystems and workers.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certifies organic latex and finished latex foam with a concentration on human health, safety and welfare and the environment in the manufacturing process.
- EWG VERIFIED®: Mattresses signifies that a mattress meets the Environmental Working Group's strict criteria for health and transparency, indicating it is free from chemicals of concern and all intentionally added materials are clearly disclosed.
2. Research the materials
Do you know what you’re sleeping on? Mattress materials matter – a lot. Polyurethane foam, vinyl, PFAS and harmful chemicals are all-too-common mattress materials that you should be on the lookout for.
Opt for materials made by Mother Nature instead, like certified organic cotton and wool, GOTS-approved latex, and FSC® certified wood. And when they aren’t made by Mother Nature, they should be mindful of her, like plant-based PLA derived from non-GMO sugarcane and pocketed coils made from recycled steel.
3. Transparency is everything
It’s inspiring to see so many companies that want to work toward greener products and a healthier planet – but do they actually want that, or just want you to believe that they do? In today’s culture of corporate greenwashing, words really are just that: words. Without transparency, honesty and proof, words unfortunately do not mean much.
Transparency in materials, manufacturing processes and business practices is a hallmark of a truly eco-friendly mattress. Brands that openly share this information demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and consumer trust.
4. Look beyond the mattress
Companies that engage in environmental advocacy and take actionable steps towards sustainability beyond just their products show a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. It’s how you can distinguish a company that truly believes in its mission from a company just trying to make a buck off its consumers’ good intentions. Supporting these companies can amplify your own impact on promoting a healthier planet. Check out some of the advocacy organizations we support at Happsy.
5. Research what else a company manufactures
At Happsy, every material we use, every product we create, every stitch we sew complies with GOTS standards. But it's common nowadays to find an “organic” mattress company offering GOTS certified options alongside products made with polyurethane foam, toxic glues, vinyl/PVC and other questionable materials. Moreover, some “organic” brands may be under a parent company that also manages non-organic brands utilizing unsustainable materials and practices.
It's crucial to look beyond the product to the manufacturer's broader practices, including their range of products and associated brands, to truly understand and support sustainability.
Sustainable packaging matters, too!
The journey to a green mattress doesn't end with the mattress itself. Sustainable packaging plays a vital role. Look for brands that use recyclable packaging materials, minimizing the use of plastics and other non-recyclable materials.
At Happsy, our journey towards sustainability recently took a leap forward with our addition of a kraft paper roll-packing machine! This machine wraps our mattresses in recyclable kraft paper, significantly reducing our single-use plastics and landfill waste. This, combined with eco-friendlier inks, recycled cardboard and FSC® certified paper, ensures our packaging is as sustainable as our products. Every step towards sustainability, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction!
At Happsy, our journey towards sustainability recently took a leap forward with our addition of a kraft paper roll-packing machine! This machine wraps our mattresses in recyclable kraft paper, significantly reducing our single-use plastics and landfill waste. This, combined with eco-friendlier inks, recycled cardboard and FSC® certified paper, ensures our packaging is as sustainable as our products. Every step towards sustainability, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction!
At Happsy, we believe a mattress shouldn’t just feel good. It should be something you feel good about! Choosing a green mattress is more than a comfort choice – it’s a conscience choice. Find more sustainable living tips on our blog!
