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How to Create a Planet-Friendly Sleep Environment

Sustainably designed bedroom with a Happsy organic mattress

From fast fashion to “fast furniture,” our homes – and especially our bedrooms – can quietly accumulate more environmental impact than we realize. Quick buys, chemical-laden materials and high-turnover décor may look nice on the surface, but they’re often anything but natural.

 

The good news? Designing a sustainable sleep space isn’t hard, and it doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. In fact, the more eco-friendly your bedroom becomes, the healthier and calmer it can feel. At Happsy, we’re all about better sleep for a better world, so here’s how to get started.

What makes a bedroom “eco-friendly?” 

An eco-friendly bedroom supports both your health and the planet’s health. That means avoiding materials made with harmful chemicals or unsustainable processes, and instead choosing options that reduce waste, conserve energy and promote clean indoor air.

 

You don’t need to start from scratch or spend a fortune. Just get intentional with your purchases, cleaning habits and design choices. A more sustainable sleep space is a small but powerful step toward a greener lifestyle.

5 steps to a greener sleep environment 

Ready to transform your bedroom into a healthier, more sustainable space? Start with these five planet-friendly steps.

happsy organic mattress in a sustainably decorated room with plantshappsy organic mattress in a sustainably decorated room with plants

1. Recycled, upcycled or used furniture and décor 

Instead of buying brand-new furniture, consider secondhand, vintage or repurposed pieces. Shopping secondhand helps reduce demand for new manufacturing (and all the waste and emissions that come with it).

 

Check out thrift stores, local marketplaces, estate sales or even your own attic. A fresh coat of low-VOC paint, updated hardware or a new textile can completely transform a well-loved piece into something special.

2. Environmentally conscious lighting 

Let natural light lead the way whenever possible. Exposure to sunlight during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, while dimming lights at night helps you wind down naturally.

 

For nighttime lighting, try non-toxic candles, salt lamps or LED bulbs in soft, warm tones. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and consider switching to low-energy lamps, rechargeable lights, or even faux candles with timers to set a cozy mood.

3. Sustainable walls and flooring 

If you’re updating your space, opt for sustainably sourced, non-toxic materials for walls and flooring.

 

  • Good flooring choices: Natural wood, bamboo, cork, wool rugs and even concrete.
  • For walls: Use energy-efficient windows, low-VOC paint and organic curtains.

 

These swaps reduce indoor air pollution and improve insulation, which can save energy, too.

4. Organic mattress and bedding 

Your mattress and bedding are where you spend a third of your life – so they deserve thoughtful materials. Many conventional mattresses contain flame retardants, pesticides, polyurethane foam and other toxins.

happy mattress on a wooden bed frame with orange taghappy mattress on a wooden bed frame with orange tag

Look for products made with certified organic materials like latex, wool and cotton. Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), EWG Verified® and MADE SAFE® help ensure what you're sleeping on is truly free from harmful chemicals.

 

At Happsy, all of our mattresses, toppers and bedding are certified organic, made without flame retardants or polyurethane foam and built to support your healthiest sleep.

5. DIY non-toxic cleaning products and fragrances 

Most conventional cleaners, air fresheners and candles can pollute your indoor air with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins.

 

Instead, try simple DIY solutions using ingredients like distilled white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. Want to freshen the air? Crack open a window or use an essential oil diffuser instead of artificial fragrance.

Bonus: Add Plants to Your Space

Bringing nature indoors is a great way to clean your air and boost your mood. Snake plants are especially ideal for bedrooms – they’re low maintenance and release oxygen at night. Other great choices for bedroom plants are peace lilies, spider plants and pothos.

The health benefits of sleeping sustainably

A planet-friendly bedroom does more than reduce your carbon footprint – it may help you sleep better and feel better, too.

woman waking up in sunlit bedwoman waking up in sunlit bed

Many mainstream bedroom products contain chemicals linked to serious health concerns, including:

 

  • Hormonal disruptions
  • Neurological effects
  • Immune system suppression
  • Skin and respiratory irritation
  • Increased risk of cancer

 

Some people also choose to reduce EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure by eliminating devices like TVs, wireless chargers and smart bulbs from the bedroom. Perhaps more pertinently, less tech means fewer distractions – and a better chance at deep, uninterrupted rest.

A better space for you ... and the planet

Every change you make to green your sleep space helps reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, cut down on environmental waste and support a healthier home. Over time, these small choices add up to a bedroom that’s more restorative, more mindful and, if you're like us, more aligned with your values.

 

And who knows? You might just sleep a little easier.

Our Top Tip for a Greener Room? Sleep Happsy