Go Green with Organic Cotton Bedding

Trying to go green? Organic cotton bedding is an excellent step. But why organic cotton? Well, conventionally grown cotton is grown with a lot of pesticides. The residue of these pesticides can remain in the cotton fabric. Since you spend about one-third of your life in bed, that's a lot of potential exposure to pesticides!

In addition, pesticides used in growing cotton can contaminate soil and ground water. Organically grown cotton will not contaminate you or the environment around you.

And it's not just about organic cotton sheets. Many bedding items are available in organic cotton. You can even get an organic cotton futon mattress as a bed! Here are some basic items that may help you make the switch to organic cotton bedding.

Organic Cotton Pillows and Pillowcases

Going green can be expensive, so a good way to start with green bedding is to change how you rest your head. Organic cotton pillows from ecobedroom.com run $65 to $90 each. The pillow covers are unbleached and tan in color, formaldehyde-free, and made from cotton grown without pesticides.

If that seems like too much to spend on pillows, maybe you can at least start with organic cotton pillowcases. Your head will still be resting on an organic cotton surface, but pillowcases will cost a little less. At ecobedroom.com, they're $30 to 39 per pair, but you may even be able to get them at your local Target store. Target has recently started stocking organic cotton sheet and pillowcase sets; Target.com currently lists a set of sage organic cotton pillowcases for $17.49.

Organic Cotton Sheets

If you use both top and bottom sheets on your bed, you can fully encase your body in chemical-free organic cotton for the night. These are also now available through Target stores; prices range from $54.99 to $89.99 for a complete sheet set with two pillowcases.

Organic Cotton Duvet Cover

Moving from the inside out, your next step might be an organic cotton duvet cover. A duvet cover slips around a comforter, just like a pillowcase. It's cheaper than an organic comforter, and you can easily remove and wash it as needed. Rawganique.com has organic cotton duvet covers starting at $129.

Organic Cotton Mattress Pad

With an organic cotton-covered duvet over you, it's time to think about what's underneath. An entirely organic mattress can cost thousands of dollars, but a simple organic cotton mattress pad may be within reach. A mattress pad protects your mattress from dirt and sweat, and in this case, may also help protect you from any harmful toxins or dust mites in your mattress. Be sure to look for a washable, easy-care mattress pad (some are dry-clean only). GoodNightNaturals.com has washable organic cotton mattress pads starting at $149.

Children's Bedding

If you have a baby or toddler, be sure to look for the children's versions of organic cotton bedding as well. These are often more widely available (try Target), and less expensive. They may also have some resale value, since babies often grow out of their bedding before it's worn out.