Bamboo products are currently all the rage, but are bamboo products truly as eco-friendly and green as some companies say they are?
In the past few years, everything from bamboo flooring and furniture to bamboo clothing, bed, and bath products have cropped up and have been touted as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and healthy alternative to their conventional and toxic counterparts. But, is bamboo truly eco-friendly?
The answer depends on several different factors, but green experts generally agree that while bamboo is a highly sustainable resource, the process in which bamboo is manufactured is not green. In fact, the manufacturing process frequently uses toxic chemicals to turn the bamboo plant into the thread-like material used in products.
Then, there is the problem of companies labeling products made of man-made rayon fibers and calling the product “bamboo”—deceiving consumers. (Rayon, which is NOT an eco-friendly material, appears stretchier than bamboo.) Bamboo fibers are also not anti-microbial or biodegradable as some companies claim.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fines companies who falsely label products made of rayon and passing it along as bamboo, but this effort is difficult to manage. FTC regulations mandate that bamboo products must still be labeled as a rayon (including “rayon from bamboo”), based on the way they are processed. But, it is up to the manufacturers to truthfully disclose the product information, and many companies simply are not honest in their labels.
How bamboo is produced?
There is an eco-friendly manufacturing process that crushes the bamboo plant and uses natural enzymes, but it is very labor intensive and rarely used. Far more common is chemically manufactured fiber, which essentially cooks the bamboo in strong chemical solvents such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. This toxic chemical process turns the bamboo into a viscous solution that is then reconstructed into cellulose fiber for weaving into fabric. These chemicals have been linked to serious health problems, and add toxins into the product, which are being sold under the guise of eco-friendly and healthy.
Green experts agree that the safer and more eco-friendly alternative to bamboo products is organic cotton or natural hemp. The bottom line is that while bamboo is one of the world’s most highly sustainable products, the process in which bamboo is harvested and turned into useable fibers can be toxic.
Talk to a supplier who knows organic products
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and who get their materials from companies who do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment. If you come across research that is confusing or are just beginning to explore the wonderful benefits of toxic-free living, the helpful and friendly staff at Your Organic Bedroom can help you decipher through false claims and green washing.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Toxic Dreams
What can be cuter than your little angel, all fresh and clean from his nightly bath, swathed in his favorite cozy fleece pajamas for a night of sweet dreams? If you are a parent, you know that you would do anything to protect your little one from danger, but the common scenario just described is a dangerous one.
Chemicals on baby clothes – chemicals on baby
If you buy children’s clothing, including sleepwear, you should know that there are dangerous chemicals lurking between the fibers—chemicals linked to thyroid, immune system, reproductive, and liver damage. These dangerous chemicals have been detected in blood, urine, and breast milk, and have been studied by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since they were introduced in the 1970s.
These chemicals, called polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) throughout the United States and Canada for children’s sleepwear, mattresses (including crib mattresses), plastics in electronics, furniture, wallpaper, and carpeting, and are added to materials to reduce the chances of the product catching fire.
However, these chemicals likely do more harm than good. According to some medical experts, PBDEs are linked to causing disturbances in brain development, are contributing factors in learning disabilities, may cause an imbalance in hormonal functioning, and can cause cancer, hyperactivity (ADD & ADHD), obesity, diabetes, and permanent behavioral changes.
Since the advent of these toxins, the prevalence of products treated with PBDEs have skyrocketed, and can now be found in virtually every home. In 1999, Swedish researchers revealed a study that showed much greater amounts of PBDEs in human breast milk than had been detected 25 years earlier. Studies since then have shown an even sharper rise in PBDEs in American women, with some researchers concluding that PBDE levels in North America may be 10 to 20 times higher than levels of European countries and may double at a rate of every four to six years.
What makes these chemicals so dangerous is that they are readily absorbed through our largest bodily organ—our skin, and the younger the child, the higher the chance for the dangerous effects to take place at a higher and faster rate, due to their immature immune system and little bodies. Reducing exposure to PBDEs is critical for your family’s health.
Savvy consumers demand toxin-free clothing
There are as many as 209 individual PBDE compounds in use today. Currently, federal law requires that all children’s sleepwear fitting children ages 9 months through 14 years be treated with PBDEs, but health-conscious and eco-friendly consumers are paying attention, and demanding products that are made with natural organic fibers free of chemicals. Companies have listened and responded, with an influx of organic and eco-friendly companies manufacturing baby clothing and accessories free of toxins.
Choosing organic sleepwear made with natural fibers is the healthiest option. And, since wool is a fabric that is naturally flame retardant, choosing clothing made of organic wool or organic wool components is a smart choice for clothing. The weight and weave of the fabric will also affect how easily the material will ignite and burn, so recommended fabrics include materials made with a tight weave. Heavy, tightly woven fabrics will burn more slowly than loosely woven, light fabrics of the same material.
And remember; protect your baby or toddler’s organic sleepwear and accessories by using chemical free laundry products instead of traditional commercial detergents which contain dangerous chemicals!
Helping you create a happy, healthy home for your children
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and those who get their materials from companies that do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment by offering toxic free mattresses and top of the bed products from Crib to King Size.
Chemicals on baby clothes – chemicals on baby
If you buy children’s clothing, including sleepwear, you should know that there are dangerous chemicals lurking between the fibers—chemicals linked to thyroid, immune system, reproductive, and liver damage. These dangerous chemicals have been detected in blood, urine, and breast milk, and have been studied by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since they were introduced in the 1970s.
These chemicals, called polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) throughout the United States and Canada for children’s sleepwear, mattresses (including crib mattresses), plastics in electronics, furniture, wallpaper, and carpeting, and are added to materials to reduce the chances of the product catching fire.
However, these chemicals likely do more harm than good. According to some medical experts, PBDEs are linked to causing disturbances in brain development, are contributing factors in learning disabilities, may cause an imbalance in hormonal functioning, and can cause cancer, hyperactivity (ADD & ADHD), obesity, diabetes, and permanent behavioral changes.
Since the advent of these toxins, the prevalence of products treated with PBDEs have skyrocketed, and can now be found in virtually every home. In 1999, Swedish researchers revealed a study that showed much greater amounts of PBDEs in human breast milk than had been detected 25 years earlier. Studies since then have shown an even sharper rise in PBDEs in American women, with some researchers concluding that PBDE levels in North America may be 10 to 20 times higher than levels of European countries and may double at a rate of every four to six years.
What makes these chemicals so dangerous is that they are readily absorbed through our largest bodily organ—our skin, and the younger the child, the higher the chance for the dangerous effects to take place at a higher and faster rate, due to their immature immune system and little bodies. Reducing exposure to PBDEs is critical for your family’s health.
Savvy consumers demand toxin-free clothing
There are as many as 209 individual PBDE compounds in use today. Currently, federal law requires that all children’s sleepwear fitting children ages 9 months through 14 years be treated with PBDEs, but health-conscious and eco-friendly consumers are paying attention, and demanding products that are made with natural organic fibers free of chemicals. Companies have listened and responded, with an influx of organic and eco-friendly companies manufacturing baby clothing and accessories free of toxins.
Choosing organic sleepwear made with natural fibers is the healthiest option. And, since wool is a fabric that is naturally flame retardant, choosing clothing made of organic wool or organic wool components is a smart choice for clothing. The weight and weave of the fabric will also affect how easily the material will ignite and burn, so recommended fabrics include materials made with a tight weave. Heavy, tightly woven fabrics will burn more slowly than loosely woven, light fabrics of the same material.
And remember; protect your baby or toddler’s organic sleepwear and accessories by using chemical free laundry products instead of traditional commercial detergents which contain dangerous chemicals!
Helping you create a happy, healthy home for your children
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and those who get their materials from companies that do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment by offering toxic free mattresses and top of the bed products from Crib to King Size.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Environmental Ed 101 - All About VOC’s
Where do most American’s come in contact with toxins? The answer may surprise you. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the inside of your home is host to a bevy of toxins and pesticides brought in by both the products we buy and the things we do. For example, just walking in from an outdoor area treated with chemical pesticides and re-tracking them in your home contaminates your living space. A simple solution? Remove shoes before entering your home. Just like that, there are simple and economical solutions to avoiding or reducing toxic exposure for your family.
While there are a multitude of environmental toxins, some expose more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than others. Being conscious about the products containing higher VOC’s is a start to eliminating the toxic chemicals that could make your family sick.
First, a crash course in environmental toxins
The air we breathe day in and day out are saturated with volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s as they are commonly referred to.
VOC’s are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and easily form vapors at normal temperatures and pressures. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products. Emission sources include perfumes, printing inks, mothballs, gasoline, cleaning supplies, pesticides, newspaper, carpets and other building materials, pressed-wood furniture, air fresheners, solvents, glues and adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, tobacco smoke, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. All of these products can release VOC’s while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
In the case of mattresses, VOC’s are emitted from the fibers, foams, adhesives, fire retardants, and other additives that are used in mattress construction. People are exposed to these gases intimately and continuously throughout the night as they are sleeping. This exposure subjects people to a variety of unanticipated health risks and reactions, especially in those who are particularly sensitive to chemical emissions. Most VOC’s have no discernable odor, color, or smell. So just because you do not smell it, it does not mean that your air is safe.
How can I reduce toxins in my home?
Becoming an informed consumer is the first defense in eliminating or reducing your contact with dangerous VOC’s. While it is impossible to completely reduce exposure to toxins in our environment, you can greatly reduce the amounts of chemicals in your home by using natural cleaning supplies, organic clothing, bedding, pillows, and mattresses, and reducing or eliminating VOC-containing materials in your home.
Since the average person spends a third of their life sleeping the best place to start is with an organic mattress made of all organic and natural materials and no fire retardant toxic chemicals. Also, consider buying carpets made of natural fiber like jute or wool. Or, go with bare floors, which is better for allergies (just make sure that the varnish or glue contains low or no VOC’s).
Re-evaluate what CLEAN really smells like. If you identify the smell of chlorine bleach as a clean smell, think again. The Environmental Defense Fund has stated that the trihalomethanes (THMs) found when chlorine is mixed with water is highly carcinogenic and responsible for the majority of human cancers in the United States. Switch to organic or natural cleaning products and laundry detergents. Seek out paints with no VOC’s. Eliminate artificial fragrances altogether. These simple changes will have a positive effect on your indoor air quality.
Becoming an informed consumer and making eco-friendly and healthy choices for our family and your home is not difficult with the amount of materials on the Internet. Other resources such as books at your local library, trade magazines, and local shops dedicated to eco-friendly and healthy living are all great sources to research information.
Your resource for healthy living
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and who get their materials from companies who do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment.
* Toxic Bedrooms: Your Guide to a Safe Night's Sleep by Walter Bader was a resource for this article.
While there are a multitude of environmental toxins, some expose more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than others. Being conscious about the products containing higher VOC’s is a start to eliminating the toxic chemicals that could make your family sick.
First, a crash course in environmental toxins
The air we breathe day in and day out are saturated with volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s as they are commonly referred to.
VOC’s are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and easily form vapors at normal temperatures and pressures. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products. Emission sources include perfumes, printing inks, mothballs, gasoline, cleaning supplies, pesticides, newspaper, carpets and other building materials, pressed-wood furniture, air fresheners, solvents, glues and adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, tobacco smoke, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. All of these products can release VOC’s while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
In the case of mattresses, VOC’s are emitted from the fibers, foams, adhesives, fire retardants, and other additives that are used in mattress construction. People are exposed to these gases intimately and continuously throughout the night as they are sleeping. This exposure subjects people to a variety of unanticipated health risks and reactions, especially in those who are particularly sensitive to chemical emissions. Most VOC’s have no discernable odor, color, or smell. So just because you do not smell it, it does not mean that your air is safe.
How can I reduce toxins in my home?
Becoming an informed consumer is the first defense in eliminating or reducing your contact with dangerous VOC’s. While it is impossible to completely reduce exposure to toxins in our environment, you can greatly reduce the amounts of chemicals in your home by using natural cleaning supplies, organic clothing, bedding, pillows, and mattresses, and reducing or eliminating VOC-containing materials in your home.
Since the average person spends a third of their life sleeping the best place to start is with an organic mattress made of all organic and natural materials and no fire retardant toxic chemicals. Also, consider buying carpets made of natural fiber like jute or wool. Or, go with bare floors, which is better for allergies (just make sure that the varnish or glue contains low or no VOC’s).
Re-evaluate what CLEAN really smells like. If you identify the smell of chlorine bleach as a clean smell, think again. The Environmental Defense Fund has stated that the trihalomethanes (THMs) found when chlorine is mixed with water is highly carcinogenic and responsible for the majority of human cancers in the United States. Switch to organic or natural cleaning products and laundry detergents. Seek out paints with no VOC’s. Eliminate artificial fragrances altogether. These simple changes will have a positive effect on your indoor air quality.
Becoming an informed consumer and making eco-friendly and healthy choices for our family and your home is not difficult with the amount of materials on the Internet. Other resources such as books at your local library, trade magazines, and local shops dedicated to eco-friendly and healthy living are all great sources to research information.
Your resource for healthy living
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and who get their materials from companies who do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment.
* Toxic Bedrooms: Your Guide to a Safe Night's Sleep by Walter Bader was a resource for this article.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Why Buy An Organic Mattress?
Not all organic mattresses are created equal. Many manufacturers label themselves as eco-friendly, cruelty-free, pure, environmental, or natural to attract consumers interested in protecting their health and the environment.
Sadly, some manufacturers are misleading and even lying to consumers by adding false labels that sound legitimate but do not hold any weight in the context of health or environmental standards. Not only do some companies, which claim to be eco-friendly, use toxins in their products, but they hide the toxic ingredients as well. Millions of dollars are spent each year by lobbyists intent on hiding the truth and fighting against stricter labeling laws, which would expose the toxic ingredients to consumers.
A mattress is an investment, both in cost and health, so prepare yourself by understanding true third party tested labels and other facts before your next mattress purchase. There is no reason to have toxic chemicals lurking in your mattress!
Mattress Facts 101 - Conventional vs. Organic
Conventional Mattresses
A conventional (non-organic) mattresses may be either an innerspring or solid core with no springs. These mattresses are made with materials such as petroleum based synthetic latex, conventional cotton, and polyester. These materials consist of toxins that are hazardous to your health and the health of your family and the environment. Think about one of the major components of a conventional mattress: cotton.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) are KNOWN cancer-causing chemicals. All nine are classified by the U.S. EPA as Category I and II— the most dangerous chemicals. Memory Foam alone is known to emit 61 VOC (volatile organic compounds). These petroleum based synthetic foam and memory foam, which have been popular in recent years for their comfort, are highly flammable. This synthetic material known as SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) is often referred to by fire marshals as ‘solid gasoline.’ To make these already flammable materials meet the flammability standards, they must then be doused in toxic chemicals such as boric acid or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Consumer complaints of headaches, joint pain, irritated eyes, noses, and throats, have been linked by health professionals to these irritant chemicals.
Organic Mattresses
Organic mattresses offer a variety of comfort and price levels and are constructed the same as conventional mattresses, such as innerspring or non-innerspring, but the materials they are comprised of are drastically different. Organic mattresses consist of organically certified cotton, natural rubber (sometimes called natural latex), and natural wool. One other consideration when choosing between the organic materials is allergy issues. Natural rubber and wool are dust-mite, mold, and mildew resistant. Those who suffer from mold, mildew, or dust mites may find their allergies greatly alleviated by choosing materials such as natural rubber or wool.
One of the most valued features of a truly organic mattress is that no fire retardant chemicals are used. Since wool is a natural flame retardant, wool is used in the top layer of organic mattresses and passes all flammability standards naturally.
Ultimately organic mattresses are not just for allergy sufferers but part of a healthy lifestyle along with eating well and exercise. It is about the quality of indoor air. It is about the life cycle of a product from cultivation to production to finished product. All stages must be considered as much as possible as none of us are exclusively protected from the toxins in the environment from all three stages.
Trust Your Supplier
When you purchase a true organic mattress, you are expecting that the manufacturer is truthfully disclosing the materials of the mattress and their origins. Always check for third party certification. Often manufacturers will use logos that they invent to mislead the public, or use certified logos that have nothing to do with the product they sell.
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and who get their materials from companies who do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment.
Sadly, some manufacturers are misleading and even lying to consumers by adding false labels that sound legitimate but do not hold any weight in the context of health or environmental standards. Not only do some companies, which claim to be eco-friendly, use toxins in their products, but they hide the toxic ingredients as well. Millions of dollars are spent each year by lobbyists intent on hiding the truth and fighting against stricter labeling laws, which would expose the toxic ingredients to consumers.
A mattress is an investment, both in cost and health, so prepare yourself by understanding true third party tested labels and other facts before your next mattress purchase. There is no reason to have toxic chemicals lurking in your mattress!
Mattress Facts 101 - Conventional vs. Organic
Conventional Mattresses
A conventional (non-organic) mattresses may be either an innerspring or solid core with no springs. These mattresses are made with materials such as petroleum based synthetic latex, conventional cotton, and polyester. These materials consist of toxins that are hazardous to your health and the health of your family and the environment. Think about one of the major components of a conventional mattress: cotton.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) are KNOWN cancer-causing chemicals. All nine are classified by the U.S. EPA as Category I and II— the most dangerous chemicals. Memory Foam alone is known to emit 61 VOC (volatile organic compounds). These petroleum based synthetic foam and memory foam, which have been popular in recent years for their comfort, are highly flammable. This synthetic material known as SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) is often referred to by fire marshals as ‘solid gasoline.’ To make these already flammable materials meet the flammability standards, they must then be doused in toxic chemicals such as boric acid or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Consumer complaints of headaches, joint pain, irritated eyes, noses, and throats, have been linked by health professionals to these irritant chemicals.
Organic Mattresses
Organic mattresses offer a variety of comfort and price levels and are constructed the same as conventional mattresses, such as innerspring or non-innerspring, but the materials they are comprised of are drastically different. Organic mattresses consist of organically certified cotton, natural rubber (sometimes called natural latex), and natural wool. One other consideration when choosing between the organic materials is allergy issues. Natural rubber and wool are dust-mite, mold, and mildew resistant. Those who suffer from mold, mildew, or dust mites may find their allergies greatly alleviated by choosing materials such as natural rubber or wool.
One of the most valued features of a truly organic mattress is that no fire retardant chemicals are used. Since wool is a natural flame retardant, wool is used in the top layer of organic mattresses and passes all flammability standards naturally.
Ultimately organic mattresses are not just for allergy sufferers but part of a healthy lifestyle along with eating well and exercise. It is about the quality of indoor air. It is about the life cycle of a product from cultivation to production to finished product. All stages must be considered as much as possible as none of us are exclusively protected from the toxins in the environment from all three stages.
Trust Your Supplier
When you purchase a true organic mattress, you are expecting that the manufacturer is truthfully disclosing the materials of the mattress and their origins. Always check for third party certification. Often manufacturers will use logos that they invent to mislead the public, or use certified logos that have nothing to do with the product they sell.
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and who get their materials from companies who do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment.
Monday, June 14, 2010
OMI Organic Mattress Sale until June 24!
Your Organic Bedroom is running a sale on OMI Mattresses until June 24! You can enjoy up to $500 off the cost of a great mattress that is better for your health.
Organicpedic by OMI offers handmade custom organic mattresses and bedding with outstanding purity assurances. The company also places a strong focus on the environment, making it a full-circle brand that is organic in construction as well as its company philosophy. OMI creates only organic mattresses, never a product with toxic chemicals and never a chance of cross-contamination from other products.
With this latest sale at Your Organic Bedroom in Doylestown, PA, you really have nothing to lose on a brand new organic mattress. In fact, OMI believes so strongly in the purity of their mattress, that the company will give you your mattress for free if you can find another mattress of equal purity!Remember -- this sale is only running until June 24. Save money on a healthy mattress now!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
NEW BLOG
Welcome to Your Organic Bedroom's new blog post. We believe in what we sell and that is why we want to keep you informed about your options when it comes to green, clean sleep!
Please continue to check back as we provide information on organic, green, and a whole lot more!
We would be glad to answer any questions you may have, so check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Or go to our store website at www.yourorganicbedroom.com! We'll be updating the site soon, so please bear with us.
Please continue to check back as we provide information on organic, green, and a whole lot more!
We would be glad to answer any questions you may have, so check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Or go to our store website at www.yourorganicbedroom.com! We'll be updating the site soon, so please bear with us.
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