Eco-Friendly Bedding and Bath Textiles

Shop for good-for-the-earth fibers from bedding and towels.

These days consumers are more and more concerned about making green, earth-friendly choices for their home. One area where greener options are becoming more readily available is in home textiles like bedding and towels. There are several benefits to going green:

- Choosing renewable material, such as bamboo, which has durability and quick regrowth, is a great way to conserve our earth's natural resources.
- Conventional sheets and towels are made with cotton that includes pesticides; even though it's at very low levels, environmental advocates will argue there's a better option to lay next to your skin.
- Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, just like your organic veggies are, and worldwide this movement is on the rise with organic-cotton crops growing by 152 percent during 2007-2008.

Here are some of my favorite greener options for bedding and towels:

Organic Cotton Fiore Print Bedding ($39 to $199) and Organic Cotton Patchwork Quilt ($240 to $300), Gaiam
This perky, beautiful design will cheer you in the mornings. The pillowcases are white with a red print, and the duvet cover is the opposite, with the ensemble creating a chic, cozy look. Tucked in between are sheets to match the pillowcases. Each set is 220-thread count, 100-percent organic cotton.

The same organic cotton used for Gaiam's sateen bedding set is used in the construction of this top-stitched quilt, which will keep you nice and toasty. Recycled polyester fill is on the inside. Even the shades are earthy: They are described as rattan, wheat, iron and natural.

Organic Cotton Sheet Set ($99 to $169) and Coverlets ($69 to $109), Kerry Hills Farm
Kerry Hills Farm is a Wisconsin farm/work studio that stitches and sews mattresses and bedding. The sheep whose wool is used to make the mattresses live on this Wisconsin farm. 100-percent natural cotton is sourced for an accompanying sheet set, which includes two pillowcases, a flat sheet and a fitted sheet and matching coverlet, the same cotton is used. All of the bedding products come in only white.


Organic Cotton Bamboo Sheet Set ($120 to $140), Costco
Bamboo is one of the world's most renewable resources. It grows quickly and exhibits durable, lasting quality, whether it's for flooring or bedding. With this 250-thread-count set – which includes two pillowcases, a flat sheet and a fitted sheet – 43% rayon from bamboo fiber is combined with 57% organic cotton, creating a feel that's indulgent and you'll swear cost much, much more. The ivory color, while it's the only option, will match any bedroom decor.

PB Organic Bath Towels ($6 to $19), Pottery Barn
These plush towels – available in six colors, including white and a calming blue – are eco-friendly in many ways. First, they are made from cotton grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. On top of this, the towels are Oeko-Tex certified, which is a certification process reserved for textiles that are ecologically safe.

Organic Cotton Six-Piece Towel Set ($47.50), Lands' End
The company that specializes in casual and comfy apparel translates that same feel to your bathroom. Each of these six pieces -- from the washcloth to the body towel -- are made from cotton that does not contain pesticides or chemicals. Fifteen color options range from cotton-candy pink to classic white.