I’ve come to the conclusion that natural latex is the optimal mattress-making material. I’ve tried all kinds of mattresses: goose down, wool, foam, cotton futons and box spring mattresses. But I have to say that my first few nights sleeping on a latex mattress were the most comfortable I ever experienced.

(more…)

Target has begun selling bamboo sheets and towels. They are reasonably priced at $40 for a sheet set, and $20 for two towels. Unfortunately, the bamboo content is not all that high — 60% for the sheets and 40% for the towels, and the rest of the fabric is conventional cotton (which requires large amounts of pesticides to grow). Organic cotton or hemp fiber would have been more efficient.

See more information in this article from the Green Guide.

Looolo is one of a handful of innovative companies whose production methods are 100% sustainable. Thus the name Looolo is a visual representation of 100%. They create modern cushions and blankets using methods that have zero environmental impact. Here’s how they achieve that: all the materials used in manufacture are organic (organic buckwheat and cotton for example) and these are dyed with water-based, non-toxic dyes.

(more…)

Kapok is a silky fiber harvested in the rainforests of the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, tropical America and Africa. After the ripe pods of the tree are harvested, the seeds are removed and the fluffy fiber is meticulously cleaned and dried.

(more…)

Pangaya has justed added a new line of sustainably produced pillows.

Luckystone Living Design™ accent pillows are individually crafted by hand using organic and sustainable materials. The pillows are made from a durable sateen made of 91% organic wool and 9% organic ramie. The pillows are made individually when they are ordered.

Available from: Pangaya ($120)

The Chinese and Japanese discovered centuries ago that buckwheat hull pillows are light and fully adjustable. The Japanese in particular spent a great deal of time researching pillows, even trying porcelain pillows to achieve a healthy state of body called “Su-Kan-Soku-Netsu” or a balancing of cold and heat.

Eventually they decided that pillows made of buckwheat hulls provide just the right support for any sleeping position. When properly filled, the pillow molds itself around the head, neck, and shoulders.

The hulls make a soft rustling sound. Most people get used to this within a day or two. Due to the structure of the hulls, air circulates, thus keeping the head cool to reduce perspiration.

We recommend buckwheat pillows filled with unfumigated organic hulls and covered with cases manufactured without chemical solvents.

Available from: Northern Natural ($30-50), DreamSoft Bedwear ($42), VitaNet ($14)

These large hemp pillows (18″ x 18″) are made by villagers in Thailand for Tribal Fiber under a FairTrade agreement.

Hemp is a durable, mold resistant fabric that softens with use. The pillows are filled with natural kapok - a silky fiber grown Southern Asia. The color comes from dyes made with flowers, leaves, seeds, bark and earth.

Available from: Good Humans ($35)