Comforters can significantly impact a person’s sleep quality and the environment. While some comforters may cause discomfort and environmental concerns, there are sustainable alternatives that offer a better sleep experience without harming the planet.
Sustainable Jungle, an independent research platform, recommends eco-friendly comforters after verifying their claims. To avoid waste, the platform tests products as needed. This article explores sustainable comforters, their benefits, and how they can promote better sleep and a healthier planet.
Burrow Beneath The Top Eco-Friendly Comforters
When it comes to bedding, there are few things more important than finding the perfect comforter. For those who prioritize sustainability, eco-friendliness, and organic materials, the search can be even more challenging. Luckily, there are several brands out there that are committed to creating high-quality, environmentally conscious comforters. Here are nine of the best options on the market:
1. Saatva
Saatva is a premium sleep brand that offers a range of bedding essentials, including an ethical comforter, duvet insert, blanket, natural linen comforter set, and eco-friendly quilt. Their comforters are available in both lightweight and heavier options, and they even offer an All-Year organic down alternative comforter that is breathable and perfect for year-round use.
Saatva’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
- Materials: Saatva’s sustainable down alternative comforter is made of organic cotton and lyocell fill. For duvets, choose between 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton or 100% OEKO TEX Belgian linen.
- Supply chain & labor practices: All organic bedding is made in a Fair Trade-certified factory in India.
- Carbon commitments & green practices: The fair trade comforters ship from one of 140+ fulfillment centers, meaning they usually travel less than 100 miles, keeping transportation emissions low.
- Community & charitable giving: Saatva supports Austin’s Housing Authority to assist low-income residents in need of subsidized housing as well as Austin Pathways to provide sleep essentials to those newly housed. They also support NYC-based PENCIL, which connects students new to the US with career pathways. They also raise money for student scholarships.
2. Plushbeds
Plushbeds is a family-owned company that produces a range of mattresses, organic mattress protectors, pillows, and toppers. They also offer a variety of eco-friendly comforters, including those made with natural cotton, white duck down, wool, down + feather blend, or down alternative microfiber. All of their raw materials are “harvested in an ethical, worker-friendly, sustainable manner.”
PlushBeds Ethical & Sustainability Practices
- Materials: PlushBeds’ sustainable bed comforters are made with natural cotton, white duck down, wool, down + feather blend, or down alternative microfiber.
- Supply chain & labor practices: PlushBeds’ products are made in their own GOTS and GOLS-certified organic factory in California.
- Carbon commitments & green practices: PlushBeds is a Green America Certified business and Sustainable Furnishings Council member. They also offset the emissions of their website by funding clean energy through a partnership with TerraPass Carbon Neutral.
- Community & charitable giving: Their commitment to the environment goes further through their PlushBeds Green Scholarships program. Through this, they’ve donated thousands of dollars to students pursuing degrees in the environmental field.
3. Buffy
Buffy is a brand that prioritizes sustainable manufacturing methods and earth-friendly fabrics for each organic vegan comforter. Their comforters are made of 100% OEKO-TEX eucalyptus TENCEL™ lyocell fabric, which bears temperature-regulating properties, making it perfect for summer. They also offer the puffy Buffy Cloud, which is made with the same lyocell shell filled with 100% GRS/RCS certified recycled BPA-free PET.
Buffy’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
- Materials: The Buffy Breeze is made from 100% OEKO-TEX eucalyptus TENCEL™ lyocell fabric. For a warm organic comforter, the puffy Buffy Cloud is made with the same lyocell shell filled with 100% GRS/RCS certified recycled BPA-free PET. Or opt for just the sustainable comforter cover made of lyocell and plant-based corozo nut buttons.
- Supply chain & labor practices: The sustainably-grown eucalyptus comes from regenerative fibers in Austria and the Czech Republic. Their rPET comes from Estonia.
- Carbon commitments & green practices: Each Buffy Cloud keeps 50 plastic bottles out of landfills and rescues 12 geese from live-plucking. The CO2 emissions of all their freight and customer shipments are offset and the packaging is FSC-certified. By 2025, they hope to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and have end-of-life solutions for all products and materials.
- Community & charitable giving: Returned bedding can’t be legally re-sold, so Buffy encourages customers to donate unwanted ethical comforters and will return your money for doing so.
4. Boll & Branch
Boll & Branch is a brand that offers organic bedding, including eco-friendly duvet inserts,
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How We Found The Most Eco-Friendly Comforters
When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly comforter, there are several factors to consider. The materials used, certifications, supply chain and labor practices, carbon commitments, and charitable giving all play a role in determining the sustainability of a comforter.
Materials
The most sustainable comforter materials are those that are organic and free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic cotton is a popular choice, as it minimizes chemical usage, reduces water consumption, and promotes healthy working environments for farmers. Other sustainable fabrics to consider include lyocell, linen, recycled cotton, bamboo, ethical wool, and organic bamboo comforters. It’s also important to look for comforters that utilize sustainable dyes.
Certifications
Third-party certifications can provide assurance that a comforter meets certain sustainability standards. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, OEKO TEX, Global Recycle Standard (GRS), Recycled Content Standard (RCS), Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), and Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) are all certifications to look for when choosing an eco-friendly comforter.
Supply Chain and Labor Practices
Ensuring that a comforter is ethically made is just as important as the materials used. Look for brands that prioritize supply chain transparency and fair labor practices. Certifications such as Fair Trade, FLO-certified, GoodWeave International, Textile Exchange, SA8000, SEDEX, ISO 9001, ISO14001, and FLOCERT can provide additional assurance against greenwashing.
Carbon Commitments and Green Practices
Brands that support carbon offset programs or use eco-friendly packaging can also contribute to the sustainability of a comforter. Look for brands that prioritize reducing their carbon footprint and implementing green practices.
Community and Charitable Giving
Finally, choosing a comforter made by a brand that gives back can provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Look for brands that prioritize community and charitable giving.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable and Natural Comforters
Choosing an eco-friendly comforter can not only provide a better night’s sleep but also contribute to a better future for the planet. By considering the materials used, certifications, supply chain and labor practices, carbon commitments, and charitable giving, consumers can make a positive impact with something as simple as a comforter purchase. As always, the most sustainable comforter is the one you already own, so wait until it’s time for a replacement before making a new purchase. By prioritizing sustainability in all areas of life, consumers can create a better world for themselves and future generations.
