How Does Nest Keep Bedding Sustainable?
It's no secret that the earth is facing some severe ecological challenges. That's probably why 75% of Millennials are making buying decisions with the environment in mind.
That's great news for the planet, and the demand for eco-friendly products is definitely there. Why, then, were only 1% of new products launched in 2019 categorized as "sustainable?"
It's not a problem that we can solve overnight, but Nest is doing its part to help the environment. We're happy to make our bedding sustainable and environmentally friendly while providing the ultimate comfort and luxury for you.
Would you like to learn more about organic and sustainable bedding? Keep reading to learn what makes Nest bedding the best choice for your family.
What Are Sustainable Products?
"Sustainability" is a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? What makes a product sustainable? And why is this preferable to something that is not sustainable?
For something to be sustainable, it needs to be produced or consumed in a manner that doesn't cause harm. It must also have the ability to be maintained (or sustained) at a certain rate or level.
Basically, if a product damages people or the environment, it's not sustainable. The same is true if it requires the use of nonrenewable resources in the manufacturing process.
Protecting our planet's natural resources is a monumental task. It requires collaboration from both manufacturers and consumers.
How can you do your part? When you're shopping for sustainable products, read the label carefully. Look for descriptions such as:
- Made with recycled materials
- Made using renewable resources
- Manufactured with ethically-sourced labor
- Made with 100% biodegradable materials
To achieve these goals, some companies optimize their resources and processes for sustainability. Others improve their sustainability through ethical decisions and actions. The best companies strive to achieve both.
How Traditional Bedding Is Made
You may think of your bedroom as safe haven to rest and recharge. But if you're sleeping on unsustainable bedding, you may want to think twice.
Mattresses
Traditional mattresses are notorious for off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Even small amounts of VOCs can result in headaches and sinus irritation. What's worse, exposure to VOCs over time can increase your risk of certain types of cancer.
Those "memory foam" mattresses that are so popular right now are made with a toxic substance called polyurethane. Polyester (a petroleum product) is often used in mattress padding, along with other contaminants and additives. Meanwhile, the waterproof covers on crib mattresses are often made of vinyl, which uses many toxic chemicals during the production process.
But perhaps the scariest "hidden" danger lurking in your bedroom is flame-retardant material. Most commercially produced mattresses are loaded with flame-retardant chemicals to slow or prevent the spread of fire.
Research shows that these chemicals can cause:
- Cancer
- ADHD
- Thyroid disorders
- Endocrine disruption
- Hormonal imbalances
- Compromised immune system
- Fertility issues
- Lower IQ levels in children
Over time, these chemicals end up in the household dust we inhale. They're then stored in our bodies and bio-accumulate, contributing to health problems down the road.
Pillows & Sheets
Is it enough to toss out your old mattress and replace it with a new one? That's a good start, but you'll also need some eco-friendly pillows and blankets to go with it.
Pillows are often made out of the same polyurethane foam as mattresses. They're also coated in the same flame-retardant materials that are full of toxic chemicals.
What about your sheets? Beware of any bedding product that's labeled "wrinkle-free." It sounds innocent enough, but the main ingredient that goes into the wrinkle-free finishing process is formaldehyde. This dangerous carcinogen has well-known links to cancer and other diseases.
Even if you buy "plain" cotton sheets, chances are it's not made in a sustainable way. For example, many cotton farms use pesticides, which endangers the health of farmers. Depletion of nutrients in the soil due to overfarming is another environmental concern.
What Makes Nest Bedding Sustainable
Now you know why traditional bedding and mattresses are not sustainable. What makes Nest bedding and Nest mattresses different?
For starters, our mattress foams are USA-made and CertiPUR-US Certified. In simple terms, it means our products are third-party tested to find any potentially harmful chemicals.
Not only is our bedding sustainable and free from toxins, but it's also award-winning. Our mattresses have received certifications and awards that go above and beyond industry standards. One example is the Greenguard Gold Certification and NAAPA Award for our Love & Sleep Mattress.
What's more, you'll be happy to learn that our mattresses contain no flame retardant chemicals. Many companies rely on unhealthy chemicals because they're inexpensive, but you won't find any shortcuts at Nest. Instead, we use hydrated silica as a fire barrier that encompasses the whole mattress.
What is hydrated silica, exactly? It's a fabric that's woven with naturally-occurring inert silica. If there's a fire in the home, the barrier melts into itself and deprives the fire of the oxygen it needs to burn.
Our latex beds also contain wool, which of course is a naturally occurring and non-toxic substance. The combination of wool and hydrated silica allows our products to pass the government-mandated open flame test with flying colors!
Looking for the Best Eco-Friendly Bedding?
It's our hope that more companies will focus on making sustainable products in the future. Until then, you can rely on Nest to make bedding sustainable and environmentally-friendly.
From custom mattresses to organic sheets, pillows, and comforters, we have what you need to sleep comfortably each night. Best of all, you'll rest easy knowing that you're doing your part to support the planet by buying eco-friendly bedding!
Ready to revamp your bedding and get the best sleep of your life? Check out the current sales on our signature mattresses, pillows, and sheets.