Seven ways to help save the environment

It’s a message we’re hearing over and over again; we have to start making big changes if we want to save the planet. The ice is melting, the weather doesn’t seem to know if it’s summer or winter, and some very large countries seem to be in complete denial about it all. Now more than ever, it is vitally important that we start making small, individual changes to the way we live. After all, a million people attempting something imperfectly will have a much bigger impact than a handful who achieve it with precision.

At Ely Mattresses, we’re passionate about the environment. That’s why our products are made from natural materials. We believe they’re better for the planet and better for human health than synthetics and plastics.

You can make a big difference. In this blog, we’ll give you some easy ways to swap out unnatural stuff and replace it with the very best our planet has to offer.  If you’re not looking to superglue your hands to a train, here are some easy, quick-win ways to have a more positive impact on the environment.

1. Look for furniture made from natural ingredients

Ever since we invented plastic, humans have been adamant on using it to make absolutely everything; from chairs to toothbrushes to children’s toys. Plastic takes 1,000 years to decompose. Every toothbrush you have ever used will outlive you by about 900 years.3

Look for furniture made from wood, wool, cotton, and other Earthly ingredients. Ely mattresses are made from 100% natural materials.

2. Shun synthetics

Plastic is a synthetic, but so are nylon and polyester. Synthetic materials are materials that are produced in a laboratory because the processes required to create them are not commonly found in nature. They’re usually cheap to produce, easy to clean, and built for modern life.

But they can also be potentially damaging to human health. The synthetic material in memory foam mattresses are known to ‘off-gas’, which means they release gases after their creation. They also trap carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous for children.

Natural materials are much better for the planet and for human health. Look for natural materials when purchasing soft furnishings.

3. Look for recyclable, long-life items

We’re filling up our world with waste sites. As the population grows, it is going to be more important than ever that we only produce items that we can recycle or reuse. Invest in high quality products made from natural materials. Not only is this better for the planet, but you’ll probably find that they’ll last longer saving you money in the long run.

4. Invest in good quality to stop wastage

Not only are high quality products more durable and therefore likely to last longer (thus producing less landfill waste), but you are more inclined to treat products with respect when they’ve cost a little more. If you look at clothing and furniture as an investment, you’re more likely to take care of it to get the best use of it.

This isn’t always possible because of monetary constraints, but lots of big and environmentally friendly companies (like us!) understand this and offer finance solutions to make good quality products accessible for everyone. We offer interest free instalment options to help our customers.

5. Make easy swap outs

Swap your plastic toothbrushes for bamboo ones and buy cans instead of bottles. Find your local zero waste store and refill your cereal tupper-wear and detergent bottles there. Choose fruit and vegetables that are not wrapped in plastic. Invest in a bag for life (and actually remember to take it to the supermarket with you!). Recycle your batteries. There are tonnes of things you can do. There are some great ideas here.

6. Join Meatless Mondays

Animal agriculture is a big contributor to climate change. Last year, scientists in The Guardian recommended that people curb their meat and dairy consumption in an attempt to save the planet. This is a big change, but if you’re interested in giving it a go, you could try Meatless Mondays. If you want to take it a little further and kick dairy and eggs, try Challenge 22.

7. Encourage others

One of the best ways of having a real impact on the environment is to encourage other people to join you on your world-saving journey. We’re not telling you to preach, but you should let people know that there is another way. Share this article with them, perhaps, or show them your brand new bamboo toothbrush when you have a chance. Share that zero-waste shop’s Facebook status, and publicise your efforts on your social media. For every person who makes a small change, the environment becomes a little happier.

At Ely Mattresses, we’re committed to producing high quality, durable mattresses without sacrificing the environment. If you would like to read more about our story, you can do that here.