A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change claimed that the global average temperature is expected to rise in 2030 to up to 1.5 degrees Celsius or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. This is brought about by the continuous use of coal and natural gas. Right now, there are parts of the world that have been suffering from heat waves and drought. Shortly, it will be replaced with flooding and probably species extinction that will disrupt the balance of our ecosystem. And if there is no switch to sustainable materials in the products that are used, the temperature will continue on increasing up to 2050.

     Sustainable Materials are materials that are used in an environmentally safe way. These sustainable materials do not harm the environment and do not exhaust the natural resources. These materials are even recyclable so they are zero-waste. Sustainable Materials are also cost-efficient since it is more durable making them long-lasting. It is highly encouraged that there would be a switch to using sustainable materials or renewable resources in products that are used in daily life such as mattresses, pillows, and even blankets.

     Sustainable Materials are renewable, meaning they are either plant-based or made of materials that are not easily discarded. They can be repurposed. And with that, they are also durable in that they are slow to wear and tear thus making them need less repairs or upkeep and low maintenance. Sustainable materials are also non-toxic which means that they contain no toxic materials such as formaldehyde and lead. 

     There are a number of mattresses, pillows, comforters, and blankets that are made of sustainable materials. Usually these are through the various materials they are made of. Here are some of sustainable materials used in beddings:

1.Bamboo

     Bamboo is one of the common sustainable materials since it is a regenerative crop that does not require the use of artificial fertilizers or any pesticides. It is a durable, breathable material that is best for cooling its cooling effects. It is soft and has these wicking properties that let moisture pass through it. However, the only downside to Bamboo sheets is that they are manufactured using heavy chemicals and may cost more than your regular mattresses or blankets.

2. Linen

     One of the sustainable materials that is made from flax is Linen. It is considered to be zero waste since the entire plant can be processed into linen. It is also considered to be naturally moth-resistant. Linen is also low maintenance and usually lasts for a long time so it is also a good material for bedding. 

3. Tencel

     Tencel is manufactured from the wood cellulose of the eucalyptus tree which makes it one of the most sustainable materials used in most bedding such as mattresses, pillows, and bedsheets. The tree is usually grown free from irrigation, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers. Aside from their soft and glossy appearance, Tencel sheets are usually favored for their absorbent qualities that wick away moisture thus guaranteeing a cool night's sleep. These sustainable materials are also hypoallergenic. The only drawback is it may be more costly than other materials. 

4. Kapok

     Kapok is one of the sustainable materials that is starting to integrate in the mattress industry. It is made from the Kapok tree which is usually found in Asia and Africa. This material is often used as stuffing for mattresses and pillows. It is one of the alternatives to down due to it being soft and light. Right now, Kapok is being used as a pillow top layer that brings softness and coolness to its sleeper.

     There will always be a lot of claims that a certain product is eco-friendly or sustainable. The best way to verify it would be to check the certifications they have to validate their claims. Here are some of the certifications consumers need to watch out for to check for sustainable materials used.

Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) 

     A product with this certification means that the product is ensured to have an organic status, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling. Only products with at least 70% organic fibers are considered GOTS-approved. To check if a textile uses sustainable materials, look for a GOTS certification.

UL Formaldehyde-Free and UL Greenguard Gold

     UL Solutions grants these certifications to products that do not contain formaldehyde through a series of tests that check the raw materials used in manufacturing the product and emissions of the product in the air. If the product is deemed to be not emitting any harmful substance in the air, it gets the UL Greenguard Gold certification. This certification aims to approve only sustainable materials in products that do not contribute to indoor pollution and do not release harmful substances into the air.

Global Organic Latex Standards 

     This certification is to ensure that the latex materials used in manufacturing are organic in nature. This also checks that the latex foam being produced is focused on sustainable production that is safe for human health and adheres to manufacturing processes that are safe for the environment and workers. This adheres to the principle that sustainable materials should be safe for human use. 

SGS Chemical Test

     This certification provides assurance to consumers that the products they are using may it be mattresses or other existing furniture are free from harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This ensures that the sustainable materials used in the product are not toxic and safe for consumers to enjoy.

     In conclusion, there is an urgent need to transition to sustainable materials to combat the rising global temperatures and prevent further environmental damage. Failure to make this switch will result in continued climate change impacts and ecosystem disruptions in the coming decades.