Go Toxic Free
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Environmental Journalist and Author Anna Turns at a local book reading event.
In her new book “Go Toxic Free” Anna has approached the ‘global chemical pollution’ pandemic in a user friendly room by room guide which helps the eco-conscious reader to minimize their chemical footprint in the home.
Her ‘small change, big difference’ is both thought provoking and informative and it makes the journey into reducing our chemical footprint seem far less daunting.
Having lobbied against the use of fire retardant chemicals in bed mattresses and furniture for years we’re really excited at Cottonsafe® Natural Mattress to see information about the use of toxic chemicals making its way into the public forum.
After the event we had a chat with Anna and she has given us a few takeaways for us to share with you:
Five ways you can reduce chemical pollution:
Join the dots
Think about how something has been manufactured and how it will be disposed. Where will it go once you’ve finished using it? Use smaller squirts and dollops of products wherever possible. Be resourceful in every way.
Our mattresses contain NO Flame-Retardant chemicals, can be safely recycled at the end of life and are labelled as such.
Reduce your toxic load
Chemicals are used in every room of your house and garden – by assessing the products that you use one by one you can make small changes that dramatically reduce your toxic footprint overall.
Change the things you are able to as you can. We offer a range of items at different price points and try to keep everything at its best price all year round. If now is not the right time to buy a mattress it may be worth investing in a topper in the meantime.
Ask more questions
Be more curious about labelling. Request more information from manufacturers, look for proof of any obscure claims, ask for full ingredients lists if they’re not available. Hold companies to account publicly via social media, write letters or emails, or sign up to campaigns. Just don’t be silent.
At Cottonsafe® Natural Mattress we pride ourselves in being open and honest about the contents and manufacturing process of our products. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on 01395 239832, email sales@cottonsafenaturalmattress.co.uk or use our online chat.
Stay vigilant
Don’t get duped. Be aware of greenwash and avoid the common pitfalls. Some things are just clever marketing ploys. Download an eco-conscious shopping app so you can quickly decipher labels, verify claims and make better choices.
We have been accredited by Ethy, awarded 6 of their badges. You can read all about our Ethy accreditation here.
Consider price in terms of value
If something is cheap, someone or something is paying the price for that somewhere along the line. Invest more in things that will last and that have been designed with end-of-life in mind. Buy less but buy better.
Our employees as our greatest asset, a happy team leads to greater productivity, ensures quality of product and makes for a better working environment, as a Living Wage employer and believe in upskilling our work force so when you purchase one of our products you have peace of mind that you are purchasing items that are produced and delivered under conditions that do not abuse or exploit any persons or the environment.
For more information about Anna and her book take a look at her website here – https://www.environmentaljournalist.co.uk/books/
“Go Toxic Free is a vital guide to help us all make important changes to our lifestyles and consumption to help reduce the devastating impact of chemical pollution.
The invisible world of chemical pollutants – in the soil, the air, our water systems and our own bodies – is a growing concern for many. There’s been a huge rise in chemical related health issues (affecting IQ, fertility, cancer and more) in recent years; not surprising when over 70 per cent of chemicals used in the EU are hazardous for health or the environment.
This inspiring and practical book will make this invisible world visible, looking at the wider issues of harmful chemicals and their environmental impact. Go Toxic Free reveals the harmful chemicals in your home and helpful swaps and tips to avoid them wherever you can.”
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