Can You Get Sustainable Bedding?

Tackling sustainability at home is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. We are constantly looking for new ways in which we can help the planet by changing our everyday habits. Sustainable bedding is a practical way of ensuring our most used household item – the bed – is covered with materials that are not harming the environment. Linenly’s guide to ethical bed sheets will ensure your sheets are chosen with the planet in mind. Sustainable bed sheets are wonderful in that you will not only sleep well in their comfort, but also because you know you are helping the planet by making the switch.

So, what exactly is ‘sustainable bedding’? Simply put, sustainably made bedding involves the production of bedding that is built to last a long time.

Sustainability is often linked to the environment. Producing things sustainably ensures that the manufacturing process doesn’t harm the environment, and the item can be produced in the same way for a long time. In the production of sheets and other bedding, several aspects form part of what makes a final product sustainable.

The material that the bedding is made from is an important consideration when deciding if it is sustainable or not. Natural fibres are the most sustainable, as they have a tendency to last longer when taken care of properly, compared to manufactured materials. For example, polyester is cheap and easy to produce but lacks the quality of its natural counterparts like cotton and bamboo. Manufactured materials also produce harmful emissions in their production process.

As raw materials need to be farmed in order to produce their natural fibres, it is also crucial that the plants are farmed sustainably before they are made into the raw material. Cotton plants, flax plants, or bamboo shoots must be cultivated as naturally as possible, and without the use of sprays or pesticides in order to be considered a sustainable raw material for bedding. Sprays and pesticides are damaging to the environment around them and should be avoided to let the natural properties of the plant come through. Leading to a higher quality of material, and allowing the plant to continue to thrive.

Before the raw material can be processed into the bedding, it requires some light treatment to ensure they maintain its natural features. In this stage of production, for it to be considered sustainable, it should not be treated with any harmful chemicals or harsh dyes. These will not just damage the integrity of the material, but the wastage harms the environment.

Ethical bed sheets refer to bed sheets produced under moral principles of right and wrong, whether that’s related to production conditions for workers, supporting industry standards, or company conduct. Purchasing ethical bed sheets ensures that workers involved with the production each step of the way are paid a liveable wage, and are protected by workers’ rights. Prioritising ethical shopping when it comes to bed sheets might see you spend slightly more. However, the investment is worth it to fund safe work conditions for the manufacturers in the country of origin.

Sustainability, by definition, indicates the product will last a long time. Bamboo is a durable fabric that, when taken care of properly, has a far longer lifespan than other bedding materials.

Whilst the initial cost of sustainable bedding might be substantial compared to sheets made of cheaper, lower-quality materials, the cost-per-use works out to be far more economical. Sustainably produced bamboo bed sheets will last for years when taken care of properly, and coloured sheets will preserve their pigment far longer.

The bamboo plant is regenerative and is capable of growing naturally without help from external spray or pesticides. Fibres woven from the bamboo plant have little impact on the environment, and bedding made from bamboo fibres is built to last.

While inseparable from indicating quality, sustainability can also be understood by adherence to worldwide environmental standards. Oeko-Tex100 is one of many international standards that promote sustainability in production. All of Linenly’s sheets are made to this standard, and it indicates the fibres are 100% organic and produced with the environment in mind. Oeko-Tex considers all aspects of the production process in awarding its standard, including how long the product is designed to last.

Buying sustainable and ethical bed sheets is the best consumer decision you can make; it puts the planet and the welfare of others at the forefront and contributes to positive change. Linenly’s Bamboo sheets are woven with longevity in mind. Produced sustainably with a deep concern for environmental impact, the entire Linenly range of Linenly bamboo sheets, pillowcases, and blankets are all certified to an international standard. Now has never been a better time to start shopping consciously and considering the impact of our purchases. Start with your bedding today by shopping Linenly’s sustainable bedding.

For more ideas on how to incorporate bamboo into your daily life, check out our guide on the best ways to include more bamboo in your home. Additionally, if you're looking to make eco-friendly gift choices, our article on eco-friendly gifts to encourage environmental consciousness amongst your loved ones provides excellent suggestions.