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The term vegan usually refers to a person’s diet, but it can also apply to the products we purchase. So, what is vegan bedding and what does the term mean, exactly? The concept of vegan bedding is that the products are made completely free of animal byproducts or animal derived materials. Whether that’s goose feathers to make down comforters or silk bedding, true vegan bedding is also ethical bedding. Fortunately, there are several cruelty free bedding options in the industry to choose from today. But is organic cotton vegan the road to cruelty free bedding, and does organic cotton bedding count as vegan? Read on to learn more about organic cotton and its vegan status.
Before we dive further into environmentally friendly bedding, let’s go over what organic cotton is, and what it means.
Certified organic cotton is grown and harvested on organic cotton farms that never use harmful chemicals like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, unlike conventional cotton farming. When organic cotton is produced, it also does not contain any chemicals like artificial dyes, flame retardants, or other additives that harm not just consumers, but also the environment. Organic cotton production can actually improve soil quality, and when it’s grown organically, the entire process is done in an environmentally sound way.
Using sustainable farming practices without toxic chemicals helps to promote a cleaner environment for everyone, including animals and humans. It also protects human health because, unlike regular cotton, organic cotton never uses hazardous chemicals, so it immediately has hypoallergenic properties that won’t cause skin irritation or worsen allergy symptoms. The sustainable practices used in organic farming also support better working conditions in the textile industry.
There are several key certifications for products made completely of organic cotton. Each one has specific standards that organic cotton production must follow. This sustainable material may bear one or all of these certifications, including:
Now, it’s time to delve into the vegan lifestyle and how it relates to bedding materials.
According to the Vegan Society, veganism is a way of living that does not include doing or buying anything that would exploit or harm animals. It also includes actively seeking clothing, food, and other items that promote the development of and use of animal-free, cruelty free alternatives that will benefit animals, humans, and the environment. As for food, it includes eating a plant based diet and only consuming products that do not contain animal based materials by excluding all meat, fish, shellfish, and insects from the diet as well as any other animal products.
Since the goal of veganism is to protect animals, choosing vegan fabrics like vegan pillows, vegan bed sheets, and other bedding is important. Unlike wool, which comes from sheep and other non vegan materials like leather or silk, vegan-friendly bedding contains natural materials that are exclusively derived from plants and other natural resources. For example, a vegan duvet would not contain real duck or goose feathers, but instead would have a down alternative fill instead.
Any authentic vegan product, including environmentally friendly bedding, should never contain any animal-derived material, but sustainability is also really important. That means choosing bedding made using eco friendly processes is just as important to many vegans as simply buying something that’s completely animal-free. Silk, wool, cashmere, and shearling are common examples of possible animal-derived components found in bedding materials. In terms of sustainability, avoiding bedding made of synthetic materials or with synthetic chemicals is a good way to ensure you’re purchasing a safe, eco-friendly product.
So, is organic cotton a vegan product? Here are some ways to determine whether this material is a good choice for vegans.
Growing and producing organic cotton is animal friendly and does not involve cruelty in any way. In fact, this method promotes a healthier ecosystem for animals in the nearby regions where the cotton is grown, uses less water, and promotes healthy soil quality which is vital for animal life. Conventional cotton is usually grown with chemical fertilizers and other toxins that can harm not just people, but also animals and the planet as a whole.
There is little to no use of animal byproducts involved in cotton cultivation. The cotton plant is grown naturally without any additives, it requires less water to grow than traditional cotton, and many farmers use beneficial insects that prey on pests, participate in regular crop rotation, and apply biologically safe pesticides like neem oil to prevent pests. However, not all bedding or clothing brands use packaging that is fully sustainable or completely biodegradable, so that’s something to consider.
Organic cotton is vegan as long as it bears the proper certifications. If the plant itself, the production process, and the manufacturing methods are all done to current organic standards, this bedding is 100% vegan. Make sure the product is 100% organic cotton and does not contain a blend of other synthetic materials like rayon or nylon, which is usually derived from plastic. True organic cotton sheets, blankets, and other types of bedding will keep you warm in the summer and cool in the winter without extra additives and chemicals.
Aside from organic cotton, there are several other vegan-friendly bedding materials to try.
Here are some vegan friendly materials to consider for bedding:
Choosing vegan alternatives for your bedding promotes sustainability and ensures that you’re only purchasing cruelty-free products. These vegan materials won’t harm the environment, they don’t include fur, wool, or other animal derived materials, so you can feel good about the products you purchase and use.
Practicing vegans tend to choose products that are in line with their values. That means, if you’re a vegan, you’re more likely to choose bedding materials that are either completely organic or that come from plants instead of from animal products. Vegan duvets that don’t contain real bird feathers can still provide you with a comfy, warm layer without having to use animals to do so.
Here are more of the benefits of choosing vegan bedding:
Choosing organic cotton bedding is just one option if you prefer vegan bedding. Consider different factors including how the product is made, where it comes from, and whether or not it contains any animal products whatsoever. Bedding that’s made sustainably and organically is usually the best way to ensure that the products you buy are in line with your vegan lifestyle. Always try to prioritize ethical and sustainable values when you make a new bedding purchase. At Or & Zon, we offer a wide range of exceptionally high-quality organic bedding products, so be sure to browse our current selection today.
