Sustainable Comfort

Sustainable Comfort

In the last few years, sustainable consumerism has gained national traction. At Ashley Meier Interiors, we take pride in making an effort to reduce the size of our chemical and carbon footprint. For those who don’t want to sacrifice their wallet for the greener option, we wanted to write this blog to show the intersection between sustainability, affordability, and comfort of the textile industry.

When shopping for sustainable and organic fabrics, there are a few things to keep in mind- we made a breakdown of the most popular green materials, their effect on the planet, how soft they are, as well as our favorite brands just for you.

-Maelyn

Organic Cotton

Cotton is lightweight and breathable, making this fiber one of the most popular in the world. But growing cotton can be problematic: conventional cotton is one of the thirstiest and most chemical-intensive crops to grow. It requires the use of pesticides and, as a result, has a negative impact on the planet, the people who grow it, and potentially the people that use it. Organic cotton is a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton, and has grown on consumers in the last few years. Growing organically aims to minimize the environmental impact of cotton production by removing harmful pesticides and other chemicals from the production process. Check if your organic cotton is GOTS-certified to ensure high standards in production. 

If you’re looking for the most sustainable cotton, however, go recycled. Recycled or upcycled cotton is made using post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste. It helps reduce water and energy consumption, as well as help keep fabric out of landfill – which is why we consider it one of the most sustainable fibers on the market.

Bamboo

Bamboo itself can be a highly sustainable crop, if grown under the right conditions. It usually requires no pesticides and fertilizers, and is drought tolerant so it does not use massive of amounts of water for irrigation. Bamboo fabric is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and made from all natural plant materials meaning that when the product is worn beyond use it can be composted. Lastly, the material is so soft some compare its luxurious feel to silk.

Hemp

Hemp is grown all around the world, requires very little water, no pesticides, and naturally fertilizes the soil it grows in – making it better for the environment than other crops. One of the oldest fibers in the world, hemp helps keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, and gets softer the more you wash it. For all these reasons, we also consider hemp one of the most sustainable fabrics out there.

Linen

Linen is another natural fiber that has been grown for centuries. Similar to hemp, it’s derived from a very versatile crop: the flax plant. Linen requires minimal water and pesticides, and even grows in poor-quality soil. Plus, every part of the plant is used, so nothing is wasted. Linen is strong, naturally moth resistant, and when untreated (i.e. not dyed), fully biodegradable. In addition to being good for the planet, it is also light, can withstand high temperatures, and absorbs moisture without holding bacteria.


Here are some other great ways to buy and use consciously:
+ MEND: mend old fabrics rather than replacing them, whenever possible.

+ REUSE: up-cycle old and unworn clothes to create something new and unique!

+ THRIFT: if you have access to thrift stores, check to see if they have fabrics (including sheets!) that suit your style.

+ BUY: purchase the highest quality and most sustainably produced fabrics that fit within your budget.


Here are our favorite sustainable bedding brands: