Green Sheets

SUSTAINABLE LIVING | by CELESTE TELL

WE SPEND CLOSE TO A THIRD OF OUR LIVES SLEEPING, so what we sleep on is not inconsequential. I am picky about sheets and have been noticing more and more organic sheets in stores, catalogs and online everywhere. But what is the difference between organic cotton sheets and sheets made from organic cotton? And no, this is not a Zen koan. Organic cotton is an agricultural product grown around the world, including in the U.S., and in this country must comply with strict federal standards regulating how the cotton fiber is grown. But when it comes to textiles, the fiber itself is only the beginning of the story.

SOURCE: GAIAM

Sheets made from organic cotton are still processed conventionally, often with toxic chemicals used for yarn processing, dyeing and finishing. For the chemically sensitive, these chemicals can trigger allergic reactions. As part of the process, toxic chemicals are dumped into the water supply in places that have fewer environmental regulations than the U.S., infiltrating the ground water, flora and fauna, and ultimately, our entire global food chain. 

Organic cotton sheets are those that, in addition to using certified organic cotton, eliminate the toxic chemicals in dyeing and processing. Because certification of organic textiles (as opposed to organic cotton) does not yet have a single worldwide certifying agency, it can be difficult (but not impossible) to find good information on this topic.

When you check ou the January white sales, take some time to check labels and arm yourself with as much information as you can before shopping.