#1 Organic cotton sheets are made from organically grown cotton. For nearly 4,000 years cotton was grown organically everywhere. That changed right after WWII, when the use of chemically intensive agriculture became the norm. Over the years, insects have become resistant to chemical applications and more pesticides are required to control them. Today cotton is the most heavily sprayed field crop in the world. Using organic cotton benefits the environment by preventing pollution of air, water and soil. Organic means a cleaner, more healthful environment for family farmers who grow the cotton, and ultimately for us all.

#2 Non-organic cotton sheets are often treated with a formaldehyde-based finish that reduces wrinkling. Formaldehyde is a cancer-causing chemical that, unfortunately, is found in many common household items like furniture, particle board, paints, and carpet.

#3 Replace treated bedding with items made with all-natural or organic fibers. All fabrics, unless specified, are treated with a chemical flame retardant or stain.

FURNITURE TIPS
#1 Don’t buy new furniture. Seek out vintage, antique, recycled, restored and reclaimed ( also try craigslist)

#2 Repurpose old furniture with a fresh coat of no VOC paint like Yolo yolopaint.com (in fabulous colors)

#3 Refinishing: For unfinished items, finish with a natural stain, wax or oil yourself

#4 Bedroom chair : look for organic and natural textile coverings/upholstery on timber, timber substitutes (like bamboo) or natural latex chair frames.

#5 Avoid furniture with plastics, synthetic foam, laminates with chemcal resins and VOC’s

ACCESSORY TIPS
#1 Wall decor: paper posters, postcards, creative ways to use recyclable materials- make a collage with old magazines and recycle at the end of the year.

#2 Check out local second hand shops and antique stores for fun décor items and things to help you organize.

#3 Think of uses for items you already have from home and repurpose ( a vintage glass filled with uncooked lentils can be a pencil holder )

#4 Tuck a recycle bin under your desk and feel good about taking eco responsibility

#5 Invest in plants. Plants give you more oxygen and help clean the air.

#6 DIY Curtains: Buy an organic cotton flat sheet and hand design with non toxic fabric pens or paint. Hem, sew in a pole pocket and … voila, curtains.