NATIONAL REPORT—Nearly 20 million mattresses and foundations find their way into landfills every year. When you consider the large size of a mattress, the fact that it doesn’t compact well, and that it’s likely to clog the compacting machinery, the importance of keeping mattresses out of landfills increases. You can make a difference by reading mattress labels, looking for certifications, and making smart purchasing decisions the next time you buy a mattress.
Go ‘Green’ But Know What That Means
It’s easy to get caught in the trap of seeing a label that says “green,” “organic,” or “all-natural” and buying without knowing what those terms mean. The sleep industry doesn’t have an established standard for any of the eco-friendly terms. Because of that, to make a smart mattress choice, you have to read labels and look for certifications from organizations that monitor environmental, human, and social safety.
Read the Label
Before buying, take the time to read the label so you know what it means when the labels say “organic”. For some mattresses, that may mean the raw materials used to make the outer fabric were grown organically or it may mean the fire sock is made of organic materials like thistle or cotton. Basically, it may only apply to one or two components of the mattress rather than the entire product.
Look for Certifications
In the mattress industry, certifications mean more than “green mattress” advertisements. Look for certifications from organizations that monitor human health or environmental/social impact, including:
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This organization makes sure that textiles do not exceed recommended emission levels of harmful chemicals. For example, they monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and flame retardants. Their certification does not mean the mattress is organic, but it will have less exposure to and be made from fewer harmful substances and processes.
- CertiPUR-US: CertiPUR-US tests for the polyurethane foam used in mattress layers for harmful emissions.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS checks organic fibers including the raw materials and their derivatives. To receive a GOTS certification, the product must be made of 70 percent organic materials.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): GOLS monitors latex products, only certifying those that are 95 percent organically produced.
Your Next Eco-Friendly Mattress Purchase
The best way to keep your mattress out of the landfill—choose your next mattress carefully. Though any mattress type can have organic or eco-friendly components, most have at least some components made from petrochemicals or go through industrial processes that cause exposure to harmful substances.
Of the available mattress choices, a natural latex mattress poses one of the best eco-friendly and safe options. Latex is made from rubber derived from the sap of the rubber tree. Natural latex—not synthetic which is derived from petrochemicals—is naturally biodegradable so that if it does make its way to the landfill, it will break down over time. The natural materials used to make these mattresses show incredible durability and last longer than mattresses that contain polyurethane foam.
The downside is that latex can be pricey. If it doesn’t fit into your budget, you can find foam, innerspring, or hybrid models with organic components. Be sure to check the materials list and look for a product that’s been exposed to as few chemicals as possible.
Interchangeable Pieces & Parts
Yet another type of “greener” mattress option is one that comes with interchangeable parts to extend the life of the mattress. At least one supplier features this type of mattress.
By making smart purchasing decisions, you’re keeping mattresses out of the landfill and making a smaller eco-footprint.
