When it comes to choosing organic bedding, it seems like the options are endless. Before you think about what to look for in sheets, blankets, and other bedding products, it’s important to understand what the term organic means. From the production process to official organic labeling, there are several things that consumers should know as they research the best organic materials. This guide will help you learn what the term organic bedding really means, what makes something organic, where to find it, and a whole lot more. Once you’re armed with this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the products you use.
So, what are organic sheets and what classifies these products as organic? Organic sheets and other bedding products are constructed from completely natural materials that are grown and harvested without the use of toxic chemicals and other harmful substances including bleach, dyes, pesticides, heavy metals, and synthetic fertilizers. This not only ensures that the process of making organic fabrics is safe for the consumer and human health but also for the environment.
Your circadian rhythm, AKA your internal clock, is famously responsible for regulating sleep patterns, but did you know it also controls your body temperature? As you wind down for bed, you begin to thermoregulate, which is a fancy way of saying that your core body temperature drops by a few degrees.
Most organic bedding is made from plants like cotton, flax (or linen), bamboo, or hemp. The key to ensuring that you purchase a truly certified organic product is to confirm that it has undergone rigorous standards in terms of safety and environmentally friendly processing. The absence of harsh chemicals not only during the growing process but also during the manufacturing process is what makes these organic products truly organic in nature from start to finish.
There are many reasons why organic bedding is better than conventional cotton and other conventional materials. Here are just some of the benefits of buying organic sheets and other bedding made of organic materials:
So, what does buying organic bedding mean, and what makes bedding organic, to begin with? First, no synthetic fibers are used to make organic bedding. Everything is grown naturally and is processed in an environmentally friendly way without chemical assistance. This means that true organic products are free of unnatural chemicals, including substances like artificial dyes and flame retardants. Their nonorganic counterparts contain things like formaldehyde resin and dangerous levels of other harsh, toxic substances.
To make organic textiles, the materials must be grown in a sustainable way. This means that the crops are grown using less water and that they’re easy to regrow. They’re also grown and harvested without harmful means including deforestation that can hurt wildlife. And because organic bedding is chemical-free, it’s also better for the soil, air, and water. Stringent organic certifications ensure that every product is grown, processed, and manufactured under very specific guidelines.
When you’re ready to switch to organic bedding, you’ll find it available from many different retailers all over the world, including Or & Zon. Our luxurious, certified organic bedding includes soft, breathable sheets, luxe duvet covers, and much more. Always confirm that your new organic bedding is properly certified for peace of mind when you buy sheets and other bedding products. We’ll dive into some of these certifications later so you can be sure that you’re choosing the safest and best quality options for your bed.
It might be difficult to find true organic bedding in a department or chaistore. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to look for when shopping for organic bedding, so you can be 100 percent sure that you’re getting an authentic organic product. At Or & Zon, our organic bedding is GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and our fair trade weavers, a small family-run Portuguese mill, partner with the Better Cotton Initiative. This special initiative helps to make the world a more sustainable and equitable place for all. Whether you just need a new fitted sheet or a complete bedding set, we offer a wide selection of super soft, luxurious, high-quality organic bedding for your home.
When you’re shopping for organic cotton bedding, there are some key things to look for to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your investment. First, make sure that the bedding has not undergone any dangerous chemical processes, and look for details like official OEKO-TEX certified labels to confirm that you are buying products that are truly organic in every sense of the word. The best organic sheets and other bedding will come from reputable retailers who are transparent about their organic certification processes.
Make sure that your soft, organic bed sheets are grown from 100 percent organic cotton and are done so without chemicals and in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. True organic cotton is never grown or harvested with any form of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other unnatural chemicals. Organic bed sheets and blankets tend to get softer with every wash without compromising the strength and integrity of the fibers. And while the term wrinkle-free is certainly appealing, organic bedding should be a bit wrinkled and crinkled due to the absence of chemicals that are typically used to make synthetic fabrics look and feel smooth.
The method by which organic crops are grown, harvested, and produced is what makes them different from nonorganic crops.
Many people think of a high thread count when they think of high-quality bedding. But the thread count isn’t what really matters when you’re looking for quality sheets. While organic bedding typically costs more, it’s definitely worth the investment in your health, the environment, and your peace of mind. A soft, organic sheet or blanket made of natural fibres is not only comfortable, but it keeps you nice and warm in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer/ This makes organic bedding a great long-term choice for year-round use. Rather than having to switch your bedding products to fit the season, going organic means you can enjoy using the same bedding throughout the year, saving you money and time in the long run. Sleeping on sheets free of weird chemicals also means that you’ll enjoy a much healthier home and environment overall.
As you shop for organic bedding, always look for the proper certifications to ensure that you’re getting the best product possible. There are several certifications to look out for, but let’s start with the basics. The USDA has its own organic standards, which include the following requirements:
Always make sure you read product labels carefully since some farmers use organic farming practices that are not yet certified. Anything labeled as organic must be approved, otherwise, it is strictly prohibited for sale in the United States. Look out for multi-fabric blends since anything made with 95 percent or more organic materials can still carry the USDA organic logo and label. Anything with 70 percent organic materials or more can say that they are “made with” organic materials, but they cannot bear the official USDA seal. There are several other important things to consider when you’re looking at official organic certifications, so let’s take a closer look.
All organic products should be made using safe production practices. This includes providing safe and sustainable working conditions for all employees and providing a living wage. Many organizations, including GOTS, make social responsibility part of their accreditation requirements. Look for fair trade bedding and clothing to ensure that you’re purchasing products made in an ethical manner.
Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS certified products must meet unique requirements in order to bear the label. Here are some of the requirements for something to be GOTS certified organic.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is considered the “gold standard” when it comes to organic textiles. This regulatory body monitors the final product rather than the farming and production practices. They test each component of garments or bedding thoroughly to ensure that the final product is completely free of over 100 substances that may be harmful to human health and the environment. From the thread used to stitch products together to zippers and buttons, nothing is overlooked.
The Better Cotton Initiative partners with manufacturers and retailers all over the world to improve global cotton production not just for the environment, but also for workers across 21 countries. This non-profit organization is solely dedicated to improving the process of growing, harvesting, and manufacturing cotton products. The group aims to promote a better world where better cotton is the standard, and where cotton farmers and their families and communities can thrive via a holistic approach and a rigorous standard. The Better Cotton Initiative uses seven guiding principles that lay out the global definition of what the term “better cotton” means. When these principles are followed, farmers can produce cotton in a way that’s better for the environment, local communities, and themselves.
There are many different types of organic bedding available for your sleeping space made of materials like 100 percent organic cotton and linen. Both of these supremely soft, breathable materials are made from natural plants, and when they’re produced using the standards mentioned above, you can be sure that you’re getting authentic organic bedding you can trust. Whether you need organic cotton sheets or a soft linen duvet cover, explore the line of products available at Or & Zon to find bedding that doesn’t just enhance and help the environment, but also improves your personal health and lifestyle.
