In today's world, being environmentally conscious is becoming a definite priority for many of us. And we here at eve HQ are noticing the need to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our lives – yes, that even includes our bedtime routines!
With the current focus on our daytime habits and how we can reduce our carbon footprint, we wanted to find out how we can also add some eco-friendly choices to our night-time rituals too.
So we did some research! And here’s what we found!
These are some simple yet effective ways that you can build a greener bedtime routine that helps to preserve our planet while promoting that all-important good night’s sleep. Scroll on to learn more.
consider buying some sustainable bedding
Investing in bedding that is made using organic cotton, bamboo, or linen is an easy environmentally friendly change you can to your sleep habits. These eco-conscious materials require fewer pesticides and less water to grow when compared with conventional cotton. A great way to ensure that you’re investing in totally eco-conscious manufacturing processes as well as just greener bedding materials is to choose bedding from companies that are committed to ethical and sustainable production practices.
switch to energy-efficient lighting
Before bedtime, dim the lights and switch to energy-efficient bulbs, such as LED or CFLs. As these bulbs generally consume less energy and last longer than more traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, they can help you to reduce both your electricity consumption and your carbon footprint in a single step.
unplug electronics
Most of us have a habit of leaving our electronic devices plugged in overnight. This not only leads to unnecessary energy consumption (and larger electricity bills) but also contributes to our carbon footprint too. Try to forge better habits. Before bed, unplug (or simply switch the sockets to off at the wall) chargers, laptops, and any other electronics. While occasionally charging your devices overnight can be beneficial, automatically powering off your devices when they not being used will save you money long term too.
limit screen time
As we’re all becoming more aware of how the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our sleep patterns (it can stop our bodies from naturally producing melatonin), the importance of switching off an hour or two before bed is becoming more well-known. To help with this, you can create a screen-free wind-down routine. Activities such as reading a book, doing a jigsaw, practicing relaxation techniques, or practicing some gentle stretches are all great ways to wind down without the need for screens.
trial natural sleep aids
Why not ditch the sleeping pills and dive into the plethora of readily available natural alternatives instead. Herbal teas or essential oils that are renowned for their calming and sleep-inducing properties are great natural sleep remedies. Things like lavender, chamomile, and valerian root are all extremely popular choices in those of us wanting to encourage relaxation at bedtime and improve sleep quality in a more eco-conscious way.
reuse and recycle
Maximise the lifespan of your bedding and pyjamas by following any manufacturer-issued care instructions carefully. What's more, washing our laundry with eco-friendly detergents is another great way we can make sure our greener lifestyle choices become habitual rather than just a one-off. Plus, when the time comes to replace any old bedding or PJ sets, why not consider donating them to charity? – Although, only if they’re in good enough nick of course! You could also look to repurpose old clothing and bed sheets as cleaning rags. You could even embark on a DIY project of some sort. Whatever you can do to cut down on the amount of waste your household produces is a step in the right direction when it comes to a greener existence.
stock up on sustainable sleepwear
Choosing Pjs made from materials organic cotton, bamboo, or other sustainable materials is an easy way to make a green change to your bedtime regime. These fabrics gentle on the skin while also having a lower environmental impact when compared to other common PJ materials such as polyester, acrylic, rayon, nylon and conventional cotton.
practice mindfulness
Try working some mindfulness practices into your bedtime routine too. This can help to cultivate a deeper connection between yourself and the world around you. Be it through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply expressing gratitude for the day, mindfulness can be a great help when it comes to reducing stress which in turn should promote a sense of peace before you dive under the duvet.
greener sleep routines: our final word
These greener bedtime ideas are small, actionable changes we can work into our nightly routines. Remember, small changes can still make a significant difference. And by making eco-conscious bedtime choices, you’ll be able to build a more sustainable bedtime experience moving forwards.
Choose Earth Day to begin your journey towards a greener sleep experience and do so safe in the knowledge that you are doing your part to care for the planet, one bedtime at a time.