Category: Green Living

The Difference in Organic Cotton On Bedding

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date December 9, 2010

As you shop for new bedding – be it a mattress or pillows, sheets and toppers – you’ll find an array of different materials used to help create your sleeping environment. Cotton is especially a popular material as it is easily grown and harvested, and because cotton is a prime resource in the United States people may be more inclined to buy products made of it. Check labels, and you’ll find some products made of organic cotton.

Some may suspect, though, that the organic label is slapped on just about everything to convince people to buy the products. Others will argue that such items are genuine are eco-friendly. You may not be able to directly see or feel any difference between organic and “regular” cotton, but look deeper and you will – even sense – unique qualities.

Firstly, how is it that not all cotton material is considered organic? It all grows from the soil, correct? Synthetic fabrics are usually given other names – if you believe it isn’t labeled all-natural only when it is blended with rayon or other materials, consider this: oftentimes when crops are planted and maintained, they are treated with pesticides to prevent bugs from eating everything. Chemical based fertilizers, too, my cause these crops to be disqualified from earning the organic label. How the plant is cultivated plays a large role.

Once the raw material is harvested, too, what happens to it will determine its final label. Cotton that is not treated with chemicals during the weaving process is identified as organic. These products are certified by agencies approved by the USDA.

So if you see “USDA Organic” on the sheets or mattress you wish to buy, you can rest assured – literally and figuratively. Consider organic cotton as you shop for bedding and sleep well knowing your purchase has helped the environment and your sleep health.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and organic pillows.

Tags organic bedding, organic cotton

Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home

Are You Really Allergic to Your Bedding?

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date November 4, 2010

It’s no secret people can be sensitive to certain types of fabric. There are those who suffer allergic reactions when exposed to latex, and some may complain of rashes and other skin irritation when they wear a certain type of clothing. When it comes to bedding, it’s important to make sure what you sleep on doesn’t cause you discomfort. If you plan to spend eight hours a night lying down, you definitely don’t want to wake up sneezing!

Many manufacturers of green bedding products will tell you that you are better off buying organic bedding – mattresses, sheets, and pillows – to combat allergies and health problems. What if, however, you believe you are allergic to cotton or wool? Is there any hope for a comfortable night’s sleep?

Consider this: with all the different chemicals and additives used to treat fabrics, there is a possibility you have associated an allergy to a fabric merely because you see it. You itch when you put on a shirt, and you automatically think it’s the shirt. You can see and touch the shirt, but not necessarily the dyes and soaps that have been used on it. Consider the possibility it is not so much a cotton or wool fabric that makes you sick, but these chemicals.

When in doubt, take the opportunity to have an allergy test. This will help you determine exactly what bothers you, and if you find cotton and wool are not the culprits, you can look for alternative bedding ideas. Contact stores and suppliers that deal in organic bedding and make sure what they offer does not contain the allergens that irritate your skin or sinuses.

You may find, as you learn more about your body and tolerance, some allergies may be misdiagnosed. For the sake of getting a proper night’s sleep, take a test to see if you are truly allergic to your bedding.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and latex pillows.

Tags allergies, organic bedding, organic fibers, sleep health

Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous

Should You Order a Mattress From an Online Store?

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date October 30, 2010

When it comes to good sleeping habits, owning the perfect mattress for your bed is critical. When it is time to buy a new bed set, your first instinct is naturally to head out to the nearest department store and test out a few mattresses to see how well they suit your body. While this is a good indication of what you can expect in a new bed, it may not necessarily mean that buying a mattress direct is the best deal.

That’s right, you can purchase bedding online just as you can with pretty much anything else under the sun. Depending on where you shop, your package will come delivered within days so you can sleep well at night.

Are there advantages to shopping online for a new bed? If you live in a remote area, you may find purchasing via the Internet is just as cost effective, if not more, than driving to a store. Buying direct from a manufacturer, too, may afford you a discounted price than if you go through a retailer. You may find some places offer perks like free shipping or free pillows to accompany your order if you buy at a certain date.

If you are not interested in endless financing, you will find online stores will accept one-time payments for your purchases. Consequently, if you are in need of alternative payment options, a reputable store will make them available to you.

Consider, too, you can test a mattress in a store, then check online for a comparable, cheaper model or price. Online bedding stores also offer models you may not find locally.

There are a number of advantages to buying your bed online, but ultimately you must determine for yourself which is best for you and your sleeping habits.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and organic pillows.

Tags natural mattress, organic mattress

Green Living

Hampton Roads Sustainable Living Fair

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date March 3, 2010

Organic Comfort Zone, CozyPure® and Sunrise Solar and Wind joined forces this past weekend to exhibit their services and wares at the first ever Hampton Roads Sustainable Living Fair.

It was great meeting some of our local customers, as well as networking with fellow ecopreneurs from Hampton Roads.

Here’s some pics from AltDaily.com

The Get Fresh Cafe from Five Points Farmer’s Market was onsite to offer everyone great local freshly prepared food. Mmm mmm good. Hans is still raving about the Brunswick Stew.

Speaking of which… if you’re from Hampton Roads and you need a break from cooking… then you MUST visit the Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday because they have their yummy freshly cooked dinner specials at a crazy price!

DINNER FOR TWO FOR $10

You really can’t beat such a great price for a healthy dinner out. Fill your belly then go home to your bedroom to relax in your CozyPure® bedroom for a wonderful night’s sleep. You don’t need an expensive week-long spa-retreat to feel healthy and energized. Good local organic food and good local organic bedding can produce the same benefits EVERY NIGHT throughout the year.

Above: Our owner, Cheryl Hahn chats with Deborah Tabor of The PetWay while she enjoys some time relaxing on our comfortable CozyPure® organic mattress with a fluffy organic wool comforter and La’Noodle pillows.

– posted by Hans

Eco-Tips Green Living

A Kitchen Ingredient Goes to the Bathroom…

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date October 26, 2009

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT NEWSPAPER
Published October 24, 2009
GREEN TIDINGS by Cheryl Hahn

Last month I wrote about making your own eco-friendly homemade recipes, and with Halloween just around the corner, I couldn’t help but think about a little trick I played on my kids when they were little. I called it “Powdered Donuts”.

After my kids had a nice clean bath, I’d dry them off and pull out “the little glass jar” which guaranteed squeals of delight from my young toddlers. If I forgot to bring the jar, they would remind me with a scream “Make me a powdered donut!”

Talcum powder (also known as Talc) is used in almost all powders because it absorbs moisture. Dusting with Talc causes a high prospect of inhalation which can harm the respiratory system. Exposing children to this carcinogen is dangerous and unnecessary, especially because there’s a very simple alternative: Cornstarch.

Talc is a mineral that’s mined and crushed into a powder creating fine particles similar to asbestos. The trace minerals are removed; however the microscopic asbestos-like fibers remain. Talcum powder has been linked to pulmonary complaints and some studies also link Talc to a variety of cancers. Cornstarch has never demonstrated any potential toxicity or harmful effects.

Buy a box of Cornstarch, put it in a tight glass jar, and label it “Powdered Donuts”. An old terry towel was perfect for cutting out circular powder-puff applicators for dusting my little donuts every night. I guarantee your kids will love this little “trick” and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing the fresh dusting is silky pure and causes no harmful toxicity.

For adults who love powder, this simple recipe allows you to make your very own custom scented powder: Fill a small zip lock bag with cornstarch and add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. Shake well to disperse any lumps and then place into an airtight container. Now you have a safe powder that’s uniquely scented to your liking, without synthetic fragrances or other additives.

I hope this little trick was a treat for you to read and hopefully something to enjoy for yourself. Have a safe Halloween!

PS – Some folks like to sprinkle a little powder on their freshly washed sheets so they feel silky soft, as well as help with moisture.

____________________________

Cheryl Hahn is founder of Norfolk-based businesses Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of organic bedding and Tomorrow’s World, one of America’s first eco-stores. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or tomorrowsworld.com, or call (757) 480-8500.

Eco-Tips Green Living

Green Your Clean

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date September 22, 2009

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT NEWSPAPER, Published September 19, 2009
GREEN TIDINGS by Cheryl Hahn

The kids are back in school and the temperatures are beginning to drop – it’s time for a clean sweep to get your home ready for the cold months ahead.

I’ve been cleaning green since we started our flagship company, Tomorrow’s World, back in 1991, but I noticed after my kids were born I became extra cautious with every product I purchased. Reading the warning labels usually freaked me out with images of my toddlers finding the bottle and having a toxic tea party. That was enough for me to put the product back on the shelf, go home, and conjure up my own recipe.

I had friends who laughed and couldn’t believe I didn’t use bleach. Sure we made the sacrifice of wearing dingy whites, but otherwise I never missed having bleach around to slowly eat away everything in its corrosive path.

As a very clumsy cleaner, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve splashed cleaning solution in my eyes. It’s great knowing I don’t have to worry about my eyeballs melting. It’s also nice to know my green cleaners help keep the earth from melting too.

Times have changed over the past few decades and manufacturers are finally making safer cleaning products for our home. But consumer beware: Greenwashing still prevails in abundance. Greenwashing is a term for marketing products, companies and services as being eco-friendly when, in fact, there are many hidden truths to the contrary.

Seventh Generation is a trusted brand that’s been around as long as my company, and I remember their early beginnings as a retail catalog. They’ve been offering safe cleaning products for twenty years; no bandwagon for them. The good news? You can now find this terrific brand on the shelves of many local supermarkets.

Winter will soon come our way, bringing blustery winds and cold days. Windows will be shut tight while we spray away with cleaners containing ingredients we can’t pronounce — and we’re forbidden to touch.

Today there’s no excuse for creating this type of hazardous home environment when we have so many greener cleaners readily available at many stores. Grab your rags… it’s easy to be a green cleaning machine.

_____________

Green Living Natural Bedroom

You can’t choose your family, but you CAN choose your pillow.

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date September 15, 2009

A pillow is like a friend… it can bring great comfort or be a pain in the neck.

Sometimes folks don’t realize the importance of choosing the correct pillow for proper support – the wrong one can provide discomfort throughout the night. For instance, if you sleep on your side with a very flat pillow, you’ll most likely wake up with cramps in your neck and shoulder. The same is true for back sleepers that use a very thick high-loft pillow which can crane the head too high. And just like friends… it’s important to know your pillow inside and out.

What’s inside your pillow anyway? Did you know the weight of an average one-year old pillow contains about 20% dust-mite matter? Feather and down provide very happy breeding grounds for these little critters. Dust mites thrive in moist, warm environments – it’s crucial to their survival – so you want to keep room humidity down and select fibers that naturally wick away moisture. The objective is to keep your bedding as dry as possible, and wash bed linens weekly, which helps deter these nasty guys from sleeping with you every night.

Many synthetic pillows can be washed regularly, however since most are derived from petroleum, some folks get a hot head sleeping on them because they retain moisture and heat. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, therefore petro-synthetic materials are not an eco-friendly choice either – and of course, they’re blended with a host of other undisclosed chemicals.

Pillows, such as those made by CozyPure®, are made from organic and ecosmart materials that are NOT treated with harmful toxic chemicals so they’re a healthier sleep option – especially for folks that suffer from headaches and sinus congestion. You’ve got your nose buried in that pillow every night and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that a chemically-treated pillow is befriending you like the Toxic Avenger.

Pure wool and natural latex (from the rubber tree) are porous and breathable. They help keep your bedding dry to provide better sleep comfort while also deterring dust mites. Be sure the outside fabric, also known as the shell, is made from 100% cotton (preferably organic cotton). I once tested a pillow made from latex with a synthetic cover and woke up in the middle of the night with a drenched head. I remember finally throwing the pillow across the room, where it hit the wall with a loud thud.

Like a good friend, choosing a pillow that offers comfort, support and longevity is just as important as the physical well-being they provide. You would be smart to get rid of that so-called “friend” who is a real pain in the neck and gives you countless headaches…. isn’t the same true for your pillow?

Cheryl Hahn is the President and Founder of Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure® organic mattresses and bedding and Tomorrow’s World, one of America’s first green-living stores.

Tags organic bedding, organic pillows

Green Living Natural Bedroom

Away at college and tucked-in safely

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date August 18, 2009

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT NEWSPAPER, August 15, 2009
GREEN TIDINGS by Cheryl Hahn

You’ve kissed their boo-boos, provided unlimited hugs and tucked them safely into bed every night. Now your little baby is all grown up and going away to college. As a parent, you want to send them off with a great start.

Providing a nourishing environment, that encourages proper rest and relaxation, is crucial. Healthy minds need healthy sleep. Unfortunately, most dorm mattresses have been used for several years. Many are covered in plastic vinyl, and the majority? Very uncomfortable. So what’s the solution?

If you’re lucky, and the mattress seems to be in pretty good shape, then you only need a mattress pad to cover the surface. Select natural fabrics such as organic cotton or wool, both of which breathe and help dissipate moisture. Avoid synthetic materials which have a tendency to build up body heat and clammy night-sweats.

If you’re not so lucky, and the mattress looks old and feels terrible, you may want to consider buying a new one. Of course, that’s not a realistic option for most folks, so a great alternative is adding a comfortable mattress topper.

The best choices are made using healthy components such as natural latex or wool. Natural materials resonate with our bodies to promote deep and uninterrupted sleep. Added bonus: both wool and natural latex are dust-mite resistant, plus they don’t off-gas harmful toxic chemicals.

Not to be forgotten are bed linens, pillows and blankets. Cuddle-up with crisp organic cotton sheets, temperature-regulating wool comforters and natural-fill pillows, such as the snuggly La’Noodle.

In lieu of a kiss goodnight, these essential elements can make or break the sleeping experience by offering your child comfort and security while away from home.

The academic milestone of heading off to college is emotionally bittersweet. Leaving home, along with hectic schedules, means virtual hugs and kisses via Facebook. But if you send them off with the proper bedding, at least you’ll know they’re tucked in safely every night.

_____________

Green Living Natural Bedroom

Americans Spend 26 Years of Their Life Asleep

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date July 28, 2009

Think about this for a moment: the average American will spend about 26 years of their life asleep – that’s 227,760 hours! The quality of those sleeping hours can have a profound effect on one’s life. Sleep, nutrition, fresh air and proper exercise are the foundation of a good life; without these key ingredients, we become slothish and generally unhealthy. By contrast, good sleep allows us to be alert, healthy and much happier; our lives become enhanced and more fulfilled. Our academic, social, family and work accomplishments expand in direct correlation to our sleep quality, yet most Americans give too little consideration to their sleep environment.

Have you ever wondered what you are sleeping on? What’s underneath the fabric surrounding your mattress? Who designed your mattress? Who built it and where was your mattress made? What possible chemicals are seeping out and just as important; what’s living inside your mattress?

Chances are, if you are like most Americans, you are sleeping on a mattress made from twisted, springy wires that have been covered in petroleum based foam and then tightly wrapped in a nylon covering that has been saturated with fire retardant chemicals.

So what’s wrong with that?

– Wires and springs do not give the body the even and natural support it requires, they can also cause blood flow restrictions, cause us to sleep restlessly and they simply wear out after a few years of use.

– Traditional petroleum based mattress off gas and can harbor mold, mildew and dust mites.

– Nylon and chemical fire retardants can off gas and be absorbed in threw our skin and respiratory system.

What’s the solution?

– For safe, even, comfortable and healthy sleep, the best option is a natural, organic latex mattress. Natural latex comes from the rubber tree and is dust mite, mold and mildew resistant. If the organic mattress is manufactured by a reputable American company such as CozyPure® or Organic Mattress Factory, then you can be assured top quality components were used and fine craftsmanship was of utmost importance.

– Wool or a vegetable based batting is used as a fire retardant instead of harsh chemicals, preventing potentially harmful off gassing, while wicking away the moisture we secrete during our sleep, helping to keep us dry and comfortable throughout the night.

– The added bonus to a natural latex mattress, is that is not only is it healthy for you, but a quality organic mattress will last 20 years or more – that compares to the 5-7 year life expectancy of a traditional mattress.

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of life; poor or inadequate sleep can have life threatening consequences. At the very least, poor sleep will diminish your quality of life. Buying a good organic mattress could possibly be the greatest investment in your health that you will ever make.

CozyPure® mattresses are manufactured right here at the Organic Mattress Factory using only the finest components available. Once you have placed your order, we get right to work on constructing your new organic mattress with loving care and your new sleep system is ready to leave our facility in about 5 days. You will be sleeping soundly and safely on your new bed in about a week to ten days and not have to worry about replacement for 20 years or more!

If you have been considering purchasing an organic mattress, this may be the best time to make that purchase; just in time for the end of summer and the beginning of fall and cooler weather. Imagine being all cuddled up in your new CozyPure® bed before your busy holiday season begins! This is the perfect time to remake your bedrooms into fresh, safe organic sleep sanctuaries.

Green Living

Organic Comfort Zone Gains Another Award

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date July 8, 2009

On Friday, June 19 of this year, in a special ceremony, Organic Comfort Zone’s owner, Cheryl Hahn was presented with The Award of Excellence for Clean Business from the City of Norfolk, Virginia by Mayor Paul Fraim. Organic Comfort Zone, which manufactures and sells CozyPure® organic and natural bedding and mattresses, was noted for their products, which reflect the highest of environmental standards; utilizing organic cotton, natural wool, natural latex and other sustainable components.

Organic Comfort Zone’s environmental concerns go beyond their products and are also represented by their commitment to the restoration of the City itself. Located in what once was a derelict strip of shops, Hahn and her husband, Richard have spent the past five years restoring and revitalizing the small historic shopping center on the corner of Ocean View Avenue and First View Street. Now know as “Seaside Block”, the shopping center is considered the “gateway” to the City’s public beaches. The aesthetic improvements are amazing. The brightly colored buildings with their Art Deco facade are a welcoming beacon to visitors and tourists but the improvements go beyond the superficial. Organic Comfort Zone conserves energy through the use of geothermal heating and cooling and has been using compact fluorescent lights for almost twenty years. Additionally, they are in the planning stages for introducing wind and solar alternative energy generation right at their beachside location.

Leading by example is part of the philosophy of Organic Comfort Zone, which is constantly researching and developing new Earth and people friendly merchandise. Because of quality, comfort and durability, many of their products have gained national attention, awards and notoriety from notable publications such as Natural Home and “E” Magazine. Organic Comfort Zone and CozyPure® products can be viewed and purchased either from their beautiful showroom or online at http://organiccomfortzone.com/index.html.

– REX