The formerly “fringe” back-to-nature movement has become mainstream in America and nowhere is the desire for a more natural approach to living more prevalent than in our homes. From organically grown fruits and vegetables to VOC-free paint choices, the trend is toward fewer additives, synthetics and chemicals.–

But for all the farmers market-purchased food in the kitchen and goat milk soaps in the bathroom, one room that has been neglected in the quest for a more natural home is the bedroom. However, it doesn’t take very much to make the bedroom more natural or “green.” Here are three easy and effective tips:

Choose natural bedding materials

Down and feathers come from nature, are biodegradable and renewable; consequently they have the lowest carbon footprint of any bedding fill material. Thirty-six percent of U.S. adults use down and feather bedding precisely because it is eco-friendly, according to a recently completed Harris Survey commissioned by the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC).

Being a natural insulator, down helps regulate body heat for an optimal sleeping experience, which allows homeowners to turn down the thermostat at night and save on heating costs. The survey found that 55 percent of U.S. adults who use down and feather bedding have chosen it precisely for its natural warmth.

Add fresh plants and flowers to your decor

Live plants act as natural air filters and some plants – spider plants, Boston ferns, rubber plants and palm trees – are particularly effective absorbers of chemical pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture and electronic equipment. Adding fresh flowers and plants to your bedroom helps with the natural cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen, improving the overall air quality in your bedroom.

Take advantage of nature’s best heater: the sun

In the cold winter months, open blinds, draperies, and shutters during the day to let solar energy warm and brighten your room naturally. In the hot summer months, be sure to do the opposite, and close your window coverings to prevent your bedroom from overheating and causing air conditioning units or fans to work harder, thus using more energy.

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If ever there was a bandwagon to jump on, the sustainable clothing revolution is it.  To truly reduce your family’s carbon footprint, recycling cans and bottles isn’t going to cut it. Don’t get us wrong, any stride to better the planet is worth acknowledging, but do you ever wish you could do more?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landfills in the United States receive nearly 20 billion pounds of clothing each year.  These clothes are most likely imported from various countries around the world and are not made with organic materials that are safe for the planet.  Educating parents on how to shop for eco-friendly clothing might seem daunting, but just remember: most synthetic polyesters are not biodegradable.

As markets are shifting towards providing consumers with green products, children’s clothing designers worldwide are also making momentous strides.  Companies such as Fawn & Forest are producing and promoting fashion and relatable packaging that reduces their carbon footprint by incorporating eco-friendly textiles and sustainable manufacturing methods.

Having a basic knowledge of sustainable textiles allows consumers to check more than just the price tag when making a purchase. Recognizing fabrics that are au-natural versus synthetic not only boosts environmental consciousness, but subsequently paves the way for future consumption of eco-friendly fashion.

To help get the ball rolling on curating your child’s sustainable wardrobe, consider these organic fibers and textiles that should make a debut in every kid’s closet.

Organic cotton: Unlike traditional cotton used in clothing, organic cotton comes from plants that have never been contaminated with pesticides, fertilizers, or other harsh chemicals.  Organic cotton is biodegradable and compostable, making it a fiber with low environmental impact and long-term benefits.  Opt for clothing that uses organic cotton instead of conventional cotton to help sustain the environment and cotton manufacturing worldwide. 

Bamboo: This raw material source for organic clothing has become the pinnacle of sustainable fashion.  This über- popular eco-friendly material has become prevalent in recent designs for its extremely low impact on the environment, its soft, flowing texture, and its relatively inexpensive price compared to silk and cashmere.

Soy: Soy fiber is made from the waste product from soybeans after the oil is extracted. It is converted and processed (usually using non-toxic agents and enzymes) into a fiber and made into fabric. Soy fabric is usually extremely soft and warm, making it perfect for children of all ages. 

Hemp: Long-lasting, durable, and sustainable are just a few ways to describe this natural fiber used in several fabrics. Hemp requires no pesticides or herbicides, and grows quickly in many different climates.  Hemp products are soft, and with subsequent washing, become even softer. Check the clothing tag next time and be sure to incorporate hemp clothes into your child’s clothing routine. 

Looking to do a little online shopping with your newfound eco-friendly attitude? Here’s our list of fave clothing stores to help revamp your child’s wardrobe from standard to sustainable.  

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A few years ago, I was complaining to a friend about the old-carpet smell in the studio loft I had just received the keys to. The previous owners had a cat, and so the place was bogged down with not only dust but that all too familiar pet smell. As I have allergies, and am quite sensitive to smells, I had managed to stay away from the overabundance of summer rain and morning meadow smells saturating the market in the form of air purifiers. Now, it seemed, I would be faced with a bitter defeat.

While I had been wondering if there were any other ways to neutralize the odor without reverting to the smells of manufactured freesia, my friend returned from visiting his parents in Osaka, Japan and brought me a gift – a miniature wicker basket full of activated charcoal sticks!

Before then, I had never even heard of charcoal as a means of keeping your house fresh. Since then, I have seen it advertised as effective in keeping not only the air fresh in your house but also the air in the refrigerator and in cabinets and cupboards as well.

Depending on what DIY website(s) you follow, there are alternate interpretations as to what type of charcoal is best for the job of odor neutralization. Websites like Apartment Therapy and Life Hacker, for instance, have multiple views from multiple viewers. Many post that plain old charcoal, the same type you would use to BBQ your favorite steak, is sufficient enough to rid a house of pesky odors. This group of believers simply recommends buying briquettes without additives and scents like hickory or mesquite.

A slight alternative to actually displaying the pillow-shaped briquettes around your home is to invest in natural lump charcoal. This type of charcoal, as opposed to the packed squares like Kingsford’s that are always so seasonally popular, seems to not only be more effective at defusing odors but a lot more aesthetically pleasing when left out around the house. If you do choose to use the natural lump charcoal, however, keep in mind that the charcoal will be a lot dustier than the briquettes.

An alternate view holds that not just any type of charcoal will do. In other words, as odors are chemically backed, you need something that can fight them on their own territory. To this end, enlisting the aid of activated charcoal or carbon would be one of the best fixes for non-toxic odor removal!

Activated charcoal is just that: charcoal that has been activated and made porous so that it can absorb more odors, as opposed to standard BBQ charcoal that is a compression of charcoal powder and clay. Pressed as it is into its briquette form, standard briquettes have not undergone the same chemical process to make them porous like activated charcoal.

As far as displaying the activated charcoal is concerned, a lot of people favor simple home remedies, such as using the plastic green fruit baskets that strawberries come in. You can also use miniature wicker or wooden baskets or even get creative and make your own container; indeed, there are even people who knit miniature yarn cases for the activated charcoal and hang them up around the house or workplace!

And if containers aren’t your style, you can simply set the charcoal out on display – it makes for a wonderful conversation piece. Though I hesitate to leave the activated charcoal out on account of my overly-active Australian Shepherd who thinks everything in the house deserves to be licked, those odors associated with pets do begin to diminish when you start using activated charcoal around the house.

With the increasing popularity of activated charcoal, there are plenty of companies that specialize in manufacturing activated charcoal products for use in the home. One of my favorite companies is Moso Natural, which is based in Oakhurst, NJ. Moso Natural sells three sizes of conveniently pre-packaged air purifying bags that are made of 100% Moso bamboo charcoal. The 50g, 200g and 500g bags can be placed anywhere around the house and last for up to two years as air purifiers. All you need to do is place the bag in sunlight once a month to rejuvenate! Once the bag has finally been exhausted, the company also recommends cutting the bag open and placing the charcoal in your garden to promote plant growth. In this way, the Moso bag is not wasted and you can feel proud as you help to feed your plants and revitalize the earth with the mineral-rich bamboo charcoal: www.mosonatural.com

Another stellar brand selling bamboo charcoal is C60 Bamboo Carbon Co., which is the exclusive North American distributor for South Korean company, Borim. The company produces everything from shoe insoles for sport shoes, bar soaps, and standard air fresheners to pillows and cushions: www.c60bamboo.com 

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The arrival of a baby is something that is truly cherished forever. Baby Essentials brings you gifts for babies every eco-conscious parent would love. Made with the finest 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton, Baby Essentials apparel has the luxury and comfort fit for even the most sensitive babies. Whether you want to wrap them up in their Mulmul blanket, or put them off to bed in their cotton baby night suit, you will always love the soothing effect Baby Essentials has on your little angel.

Baby Essentials gives your baby that royal feeling with their Organic Mulmul blanket that is perfect for the your little prince or princess. Lightweight and breathable, its open weave texture helps adjust to the natural body temperature, thereby making it suitable for all climates. The little Mulmul coverlet is treated with vegetable dyes that have medicinal and healing properties which cocoon loved ones and help avoid skin irritations. Cushioned with a double layer of love and support, this blend of beautiful fine cotton enhances the bond between mommy’s warm heartbeat and baby’s softness. Soft and cuddly to hold, it has been nurtured with such love and care that makes it a must for every little newborn baby.

Baby Essentials strives to care for the earth and it’s community without sacrificing fun and style. Every little piece of baby apparel supports the vision and hope of a cleaner and greener earth.

For additional information, visit www.babyessentials.biz

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A San Francisco based company, Lifefactory created the first reusable glass beverage bottle that is free of toxins and BPAs and virtually every part of it’s construction is made from recyclable materials. Lifefactory’s beautiful glass-blown containers are specially made in France and are great to stay hydrated throughout the day and serve as a more conscientious alternative to regular plastic bottles. Lifefactory’s intelligent glass design means bottle contents will always have a fresh clean taste, and absolutely no chemical leaching ­ plus the silicone sleeve protects from any breakage and provides a comfortable non-slip gripping surface. And because Lifefactory is committed to product sensibility and convenience, all bottles are dishwasher safe, and truly designed to last a life-time.

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