Your Healthy Place of Relaxation

Okay, if you are like us at Going Green Resources.com then you like to sleep from six to eight hours nightly.

Traditional beds are not only made of synthetic materials but often have been created of materials known to cause cancer. Yes, you will find oil-based derivatives and other chemicals are used to manufacture your bed.

Either your bed, or bedding will probably have a cotton component. Conventional cotton, also known as traditional cotton, is one of the crops that are most heavily sprayed with pesticides.

The EPA has determined that five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the US are known cancer-causing chemicals. These include: trifluralin, dicofol, propargite, naled and cyanide. The EPA has classified all nine as category I and II, the most dangerous chemicals.

Organic cotton is the wise choice. Farms using sustainable harvesting practices are growing organic cotton like never before. Organic farms do not use pesticides. They have been discontinued for a least three years. To deal with pests beneficial insects are introduced. Crops are rotated with legumes, which helps to maintain fertile soil. Farmworkers, using hoes and other implements control the weeds. The bedding created from organic cotton will ensure that you are not exposed to chemicals that are harmful to your health.

As far as your mattress goes, look into natural rubber latex as a great and healthy material.

In the bathroom, make sure that your towels and other linens are made from organic cotton. As well, look for cleaning products that are non-toxic. Otherwise, every time you spray the shower doors, scrub the bathtub or clean the toilet you are exposing yourself to very harmful chemicals.

Your personal hygiene products, and cosmetics can be a very dangerous source of chemicals. Parabens have been banned in many countries for their harmful effect on one's health. However, in the United States, many products such as shampoos and conditioners still have large concentrations of parabens. As well, even some of the biggest and best-known brand names of skincare products contain many harmful chemicals. Just imagine the kind of harm you are doing to your skin every time you rub these products in.

Take a long hard look at the products in your bed and bathroom. Are you spraying with aerosol products? There are some great organic deodorants out there. Look at the soap you are using. Try a natural, fragrance-free soap.

Creating a Green Bedroom

by Alison, Writer, Going Green Resources .com

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, a place where you can go to shut the door on the rest of the world and let go of your daily stress. Of course, if you are concerned about going green, you want your bedroom to reflect that. Here are some resources to help you create a peaceful retreat that is also environmentally friendly.

Take for example hemp shower curtains. Hemp is an excellent natural alternative to the smelly, moldy vinyl shower curtains that grace millions of homes. It is also naturally resistant to mildew and bacteria, making it not only a beautiful decorating touch, but a practical one as well.

A note to keep in mind: organic fabrics are generally kept free from chemical dyes. That means that your linens are probably going to be light and natural colored. To avoid using bleach (an additional chemical that can be absorbed in to the blood stream), consider using Borax, a natural mineral alternative to bleach which deodorizes, removes stains, and helps boost the effectiveness of your detergent. There are also a few wonderful bleach alternatives on the market which are safe for both your family and the environment.

A Good Night’s Sleep

by Amanda Quraishi, Austin, Texas

Writer, GoingGreenResources.com

They say that the softest pillow in the world is a good conscience. Being able to rest easy at night can be considered the greatest luxury of all, and with the newest organic bed linens you can sleep comfortably knowing that you are taking care of yourself and the environment.

Cotton, the most common fabric for bed linens is also used for more than half of the world's fiber production needs--everything from shoes to rugs. Conventional cotton requires an enormous amount of chemicals during its agricultural phase. In fact, it takes up to 1/3 lb. of chemicals to produce the cotton for only one t-shirt. All those chemicals are bad for the environment, and they are also bad for the people who have to work around them.

On the other hand, organically grown cotton is grown in a sustainable manner, using rich soil compost, and natural pest control to produce healthy plants. The end result is a healthy planet with healthy workers, and a high quality product.

Sustainable bed linens and mattresses are not just made from organic fibers, but also lack the toxic colored dyes and chemicals for processing the material once it meets the manufacturing process. Most sheets and comforters are found in the same natural shade as the unbleached cotton, or in gentle shades that can be derived from vegetable dyes.

The best part is that more and more retailers are bringing organic choices to their customers. Even Target has a selection of organic cotton bed sheets and pillow cases. For more luxurious offerings, you can find specialty stores online like GoodNightNaturals.com.

Organic fabrics--whether they are cotton, hemp, or soy also have the added benefit of being gentle to your skin. Often used for baby clothing, diapers and bath linens, these materials are safe for the entire family. In addition, organic cotton lovers claim that it is softer and more comfortable next to the skin. Doesn't that sound like something you want to sleep in every night?