Searching for a new mattress but don’t know where to start? Have you considered the environmental and health benefits of an eco friendly mattress? Not only can sleeping on an eco-friendly mattress help to reduce your carbon footprint, but the organic materials they are made with can provide you with a number of health benefits. This guide will help you find the best mattress that is healthier for you and for our planet.
How to Find a Truly Eco Friendly Mattress
An “eco-friendly” mattress is one that does not harm the environment, from the farm where the materials are grown, to its production in an environmentally and socially responsible way, to use in your home. Historically, mattresses were considered to be an item with a large carbon footprint because they were treated with harsh chemicals that off gas VOCs into the environment. When you purchase an eco-friendly mattress you are reducing that footprint due to the renewable organic materials that are used and the environmentally responsible guidelines that are in place for the manufacturing and production of these mattresses.
Some companies will use terms like “eco-friendly” “natural” or “organic” without actually meeting any standards for these terms. Other companies will make false claims about the environmental benefits of their products. It’s important to be aware of these greenwashing tactics so that you can choose a truly eco-friendly mattress. When researching for the best eco-friendly mattresses, it is a good idea to look for certifications from third party organizations.
Certificated Organic Factory
The two most important certifications to look for are the GOTS and GOLS organic certifications issued by the Control Union. These certifications stand out among the others because they not only cover the mattress but the factory and materials used as well. Ideally both the factory and the finished product will be certified organic.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The GOTS certification means that the cotton and wool components in an organic mattress are made with at least 95% organic fibers and that the production of the mattress meets specific environmental criteria. This certification ensures that your mattress is made from organically grown, harvested and processed materials. It also specifies that the mattress is manufactured in an environmentally and socially responsible way including how the materials are stored and packaged, how the machinery is cleaned and that eco-friendly guidelines for water and energy usage are met.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
The GOLS certification means that the latex in the mattress is over 95% latex sourced from certified organic rubber tree plantations. This certification ensures that the latex in your mattress is harvested from the sap of organic rubber trees and processed and manufactured in an environmentally friendly way that meets the highest organic standards.
Greenguard Gold Certification
Products are tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions. A product with this certification meets strict standards for low levels of VOC emissions to reduce the risk of chemical exposure, reduce indoor air pollution, and promote healthier indoor air quality. A Greenguard Gold certification puts the mattress through additional health-based criteria beyond just the standard Greenguard certification.
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Materials
Organic Cotton
Our mattresses are made with GOTS organic certified cotton which is one one of the most commonly used materials in any eco-friendly mattress. Cotton is a naturally soft and breathable material that helps regulate body temperature, making it a comfortable choice for sleeping. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, making it a healthier option for both you and the environment.
Organic Latex
Instead of polyurethane foam, we use GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex that is grown without herbicides and pesticides. Latex is an eco-friendly material that is renewable and provides a number of health benefits. Latex is made from rubber trees and is naturally bouncy and supportive. It is also a great choice for people with allergies, as it is resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew.
Wool
We use 100% GOTS organic certified wool that is sourced from sheep that are raised humanely and allowed to graze on open land. Wool is a natural insulator that wicks moisture away and helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, making it a great choice for people with allergies.
Recycled Innersprings
Individually pocketed innersprings made with recycled steel coils are used to create the support system in many eco-friendly mattresses. Recycled innersprings are eco-friendly and provide
Zero Flame Retardants
At My Green Mattress we use zero toxic flame retardants and no fiberglass in our mattresses. We use GOTS certified organic wool as the only natural flame retardant to meet federal safety standards and pass flammability tests without the use of chemical flame retardants.
Button-Tufted Mattresses
The hybrid mattresses from My Green Mattress are tufted by hand to secure the layers of each mattress together without using dangerous chemical adhesives. Tufting is a technique that dates back hundreds of years and is now used by only the finest mattress makers. Tufting adds to the durability and longevity of our mattresses by preventing shifting or bunching of the comfort layers during shipping and throughout the life of the mattress. Tufting also pre-compresses the innerspring to ensure each mattress has a consistent feel for many years to come. A quality mattress that is made to last means less waste and a reduction in the number of mattresses in landfills.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Processes
Certified Organic Factory
As a GOTS and GOLS certified organic factory, we are required to maintain a detailed transparent tracking system in which we assign each mattress a serial number that ties back to the batch of organic cotton, wool, and latex used in the mattress. The material batch is attached to a transaction certificate that traces each material from an organic supply chain starting with an organic farm. The Control Union regularly audits our company to ensure that the organic materials we buy are equal to the organic materials we sell. And, our factory must comply with the organic and environmental standards outlined by GOTS and GOLS.
Company Policies and Initiatives
Made in the USA, Factory Direct
Buying a mattress directly from a factory that was manufactured in the USA reduces shipping and carbon footprint – and you’re supporting a USA company. We are proud to handcraft all of our mattresses in our family-owned factory located in Willowbrook, Illinois.
Sleep Trial
When a mattress company offers a sleep trial, you should consider what happens after the trial if you decide to return your mattress. At My Green Mattress, we ask our customers to donate a returned mattress rather than dispose of it. This not only helps the community, but also contributes to the eco-friendly aspects of our mattresses by keeping them out of landfills.
Warranty
A mattress company with a long term warranty allows you to be satisfied with your mattress longer. My Green Mattress’s 20-year warranty ensures you are replacing your mattress less often and creating less waste and less burden on the environment.
