The term “organic” is easily understood when it comes to fruits, grains and vegetables, but what does “organic” really mean when applied to fabrics and textiles?

Conventional cotton growers have historically relied on a liberal dose of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and harmful chemicals, making cotton production second only to corn farming in the amount of hazardous pesticides used worldwide. 25% of international pesticide usage can be traced to non-organic cotton farming. Organic cotton growing was developed in an effort to reduce and eliminate the negative impact of these highly dangerous chemicals on our soil, water and health. But how do you know how organic your cotton bedding really is once the cotton leaves the soil?

Organic cotton farmers utilize natural fertilizers and beneficial insects to safeguard their crops and replenish and maintain soil fertility and biological diversity. After cotton is harvested, however, it undergoes several processes in manufacturing that may or may not be conducted in an entirely chemical-free or hypoallergenic environment. Cotton textiles labeled as organic or natural may nonetheless be produced using an array of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals including formaldehyde, arsenic, and heavy-metal dyes. Some companies that label their cotton products as organic, may in fact be using only a small percentage of organic cotton blended with non-organic cotton (or another fiber) and/or processing their textiles using hazardous materials.

Currently, there is no applicable standard that can be applied internationally to organic products, and standards are applied according to individual markets. There are, however, a few third-party certification organizations have been established to verify that organic cotton manufacturers and growers are employing fair trade standards and utilizing only materials and methods that are permitted in organic production.

The Institute for Marketecology (IMO) is one organization that provides quality assurance in environmentally friendly products, organic agriculture and management systems and inspects and certifies organic products. The Global Organic Textile Standards working group (GOTS) is still finalizing their certification procedures, and IMO is the first certification body approved by the International Working Group on GOTS for certification of this new standard.

Another reliable certifying body, SKAL ECO Sustainable Textiles, based in the Netherlands, was established in 1985 as S.E.C. (Foundation for Inspection of EKO-Quality symbol), and has operated as SKAL since 1992. Crops grown in SKAL certified soil must be pesticide free for at least 3 years to achieve SKAL certification.

Until standards become universal, consumers are advised to read labels carefully, research the companies that advertise their cotton as “organic” and seek certified organic labeling whenever possible to insure that the sheets, pillowcases and bedding that come in contact with their skin, are truly 100% organic.

The bamboo plant has been utilized for thousands of years in a dizzying array of products, and is now one of the fastest growing natural fibers to find new usage in the burgeoning “green” textile industry. Technically categorized as a grass, some species of bamboo are capable of growing 12 or more inches a day, and reaching up to 90 feet in height. A highly renewable resource that grows naturally without the use of pesticides, all sections of the bamboo plant have usable applications. Bamboo has intrinsic antibacterial properties and the ability to block UV sunlight. These benefits are retained in sheets, pillowcases and bedding made from naturally organic bamboo. Bamboo plants are able to absorb up to three times their weight in water, and bamboo fiber sheets and fabrics similarly “wick’ sweat and moisture up and away from human skin. Lighter, softer and silkier than cotton, natural bamboo sheets and fabrics are biodegradable, thus like the plant itself, entirely eco-friendly and beneficial to both people and the environment. The natural softness and sheen of bamboo fabrics is comparable to fine cashmere and the fiber itself has a round and smooth surface that is unlikely to irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. A very hearty plant that grows in a variety of climates, bamboo fiber fabrics are likewise durable and resilient and will retain their antibacterial and UV-ray blocking attributes after repeated launderings. A win-win situation for manufacturers, indigenous growers, and international consumers, bamboo fiber sheets, pillowcases, bedding and fabrics are gaining in usage and popularity for all the right reasons.

Many people do not realize that pure latex is a natural plant-based product derived from the rubber tree. Although latex has been around for many years, its usage has commonly been associated with gloves, condoms and other sanitary items that are sometimes manufactured with the use of chemicals and other synthetic materials. Latex allergies may in fact be provoked, not by the natural latex itself, but by the synthetic elements used in the manufacturing process which may contain allergens and irritants. With the growing trend towards eco-friendly consumer products, 100% natural latex mattresses have gained in popularity in recent years. Natural latex mattresses are hypoallergenic, durable, yet ultimately biodegradable and a responsible choice for those concerned with minimizing the future impact of their purchases on the environment.

Down is the soft, fluffy, fuzzy clusters found under the feathers of a goose or duck that trap warm air next to its skin. These clusters provide lightweight insulation. A hypoallergenic down pillow is a pillow that uses hypoallergenic down as filling. Hypoallergenic down refers to down that has gone through a washing and rinsing process many times to remove dirt and allergens from down and feathers and meets the government cleanliness criteria to be considered hypoallergenic. This type of pillow is a wonderful alternative for those who like the softness of down, but are highly allergic.

Online provider of high-end natural fiber sleep products announces the expansion of their product line to include more organic, natural, and eco-friendly therapeutic and allergy control items for people and pets. This includes more options for latex, organic mattresses and other bedding and comfort care products. Prompt, knowledgeable customer service, free shipping and a secure, quick check-out will continue to be offered with the expanded inventory.

October 3, 2007 — BeyondBeds.com is pleased to announce an expanded product line of organic mattress and other sleep product offerings in response to customer need. Having recognized a growing interest in natural, ergonomically designed, eco-friendly beds, and organic alternatives in bedding, the online store has expanded their inventory to include more choices from innovative bedding companies who specialize in natural 100% latex, untreated French lamb’s wool, and 100% organic cotton sleep products, all of which come with free shipping and comprehensive customer service provided by knowledgeable sleep consultants.

The expanded inventory at beyondbeds.com includes products from the latex, organic mattress providers Royal-Pedic and Natura World, Inc. Each maker sells its own design of an organic mattress that uses only pure natural latex harvested from renewable resources in Indonesia and Malaysia. The latex beds boast resilience and a natural repelling of dust mites, mold and bacteria. Because they don’t transfer movement, they’re ideal for those whose sleeping partners toss and turn. In addition, latex conforms to the body’s contours, improving alignment of the spine, a condition desired by customers at BeyondBeds.com.

Our goal at BeyondBeds.com is to provide our customers with superior name-brand products and customer service, and to offer the latest in innovative, high quality, natural sleep products.

Explains owner Pat Racci: “Our goal at BeyondBeds.com is to provide our customers with superior name-brand products and customer service, and to offer the latest in innovative, high quality, natural sleep products.”

In addition, BeyondBeds.com is deliberate about informing the customer without high-pressure sales tactics. The clear graphics on the site are accompanied by full descriptions of products such as organic cotton sheets, 100% bamboo fiber sheets, natural wool, and pet care products. Notably, the text on the site fully details the materials used to make the products and the origins of those materials. A catalog of health promoting products is enhanced with information that addresses promoting the well-being of people and pets alike.

“Our website is easy to navigate and provides customers with informational articles as well as product descriptions so that consumers can make well informed choices when selecting sleep products,” says co-owner Karen Krinitz.

The expanded inventory includes more than organic mattresses made with latex. BeyondBeds.com also carries an odorless memory foam mattress manufactured with the highest international sanitary standards currently available, designed to meet the stringent European Oke-Tex 100 requirements; mattress toppers and pads, including wool bedding, pet beds, pillows, fine bed linens, mattress and pillow protectors, indoor air purifiers, personal cooling systems and holistic pet care products and accessories.

For more information about the company and its products, visit BeyondBeds.com or call toll free 888-774-4046.

You may have encountered bed bugs in your home, and don’t want to use harmful pesticides, especially if you have children or pets. EcoBugFree is an effective, environmentally friendly, non-toxic alternative treatment. By using natural minerals and non-toxic compounds to control bed bug infestations EcoBugFree does not compromise the safety and quality of your sleeping environment. It’s safe and won’t harm children or pets, and it’s guaranteed to work! Studies show a 97% kill rate for Bed Bugs after just one spray, compared to other common pesticides on the market today, which have less than a 50% kill rate after 10 days of use.