By taking steps to “green up” your sleep space, you can help reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions, also known as your carbon footprint.
You may be familiar with the term “green living” or “green building” But have you heard of sleeping green?
To live green means to adopt a sustainable approach to living that attempts to reduce your impact on the earth’s natural resources. Green building is the process of planning, designing, constructing and maintaining structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. Sleeping green takes both these concepts and applies them to your sleep environment.
By taking steps to “green up” your sleep space, you can help reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions, also known as your carbon footprint.
Greenhouse gases are a major cause of global warming and climate change. While greenhouse gases can occur naturally in the atmosphere, many are man-made. The number of man-made gases has increased exponentially since the industrial revolution. If efforts are not made to cut back on greenhouse gases soon, our oceans, weather, food supply and health will suffer.
Adopting a green sleep practice is one way you can do your part to save the earth. Whether you choose to make a few minor improvements or a complete overhaul, sleeping green can have a positive impact on the natural environment. Let’s go over six ways you can live sustainably – even in your sleep.
The largest source of man-made greenhouse gasses comes from the burning of fossil fuels to make electricity. Electricity is to blame for nearly half of our carbon footprint, with 17 percent due to lighting alone. While artificial light is a necessary part of our lives, some adjustments can benefit both your sleep and the planet.
Our homes are major greenhouse gas offenders. Much of the heat we lose in our houses escapes through poorly insulated attics or roofs, improperly placed vents, or cracks in windows or basements. Fixing these issues can be easier than you realize.
Dust, ragweed and pet dander can trigger or worsen allergy and asthma symptoms and make sleep feel like an impossible dream. You’d be amazed how small adjustments can reduce the allergens in your home and improve your sleep.
We think of our beds as our safe haven. But some of the materials used in your mattress, bedding, or even your bed may not be as non-toxic or eco-friendly as you think. Making a few upgrades to your sleep environment can ease your mind and help you sleep better.
There’s bound to be items lying around your home that no longer serve a purpose. Decluttering your space can actually help reduce stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep. Doing so with a focus on sustainability can help reduce your carbon footprint as well.
More than two-thirds of North American shoppers prefer eco-friendly products, according to a study by IBM and the National Retail Federation.
Investing in sustainable flooring is another eco-friendly step you can take in your quest to sleep greener. Some things to consider when looking for eco-friendly flooring include the manufacturing process, the impact of the supply chain on the environment, the use of natural resources and whether the flooring can be recycled.
Improving your sleep hygiene by creating a sustainable and eco-friendly sleeping environment can have far-reaching benefits not just on the environment, but on your sleep and well-being as well. Not only will your sleep environment have fewer chemicals and VOCs floating around in it, but you’ll also rest better with the peace of mind knowing you are making efforts to shrink your carbon footprint.
But don’t feel like you have to make sudden and dramatic changes in order to sleep green. It’s much easier and affordable to make a few changes over time. A great place to start is by changing out your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, replacing your air filters and making a list of some quick swaps you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and conserve the planet.
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