ORGANIC WOOL – what makes an organic sheep a happy sheep?

Why does this sheep look so content in his field of green?
He is one of the lucky sheep whose precious wool is raised organically.

And what qualifies as ORGANIC wool?
According to the Organic Trade Association, there are federal standards in order for wool to be classified as "organic".
The animals must be grazed in pastures using chemical-free pesticides. Their feed must be only produced organically as well. There can be no use of hormones, synthetic hormones, nor can the animals be tampered through genetic engineering.

The other good news about organic wool is that it is processed without any harm to the sheep themselves. Cruelty-free management of the animals is a must.

Organic wool is popping up in items for home including blankets, baby toys, mattresses, pillows, rugs, carpeting, and functional yet fun objects d’art.

"Organic wool is also garnering a lot of attention from companies that produce bedding material. Because of the low-flammability characteristics of wool, it's a very desirable material to use inside futons, mattresses and even chairs in place of materials treated with fire retardent chemicals," says Sandra Marquardt, who coordinates the OTA's Fiber Council, "Because of that, I think the furniture and bedding market is going to be a huge growth potential area."

As the demand for organic wool products grows, so too will the applications for its use.

Certain products can be made with the basis of organically raised wool, yet there can be steps in the manufacturing process that may not be so eco-friendly. There may be toxic finishes to wool to prevent shrinkage, and colorful dyes may be chemically-based. Again, the degrees of total eco-friendliness will vary from product to product. Wools can be dyed safely using vegetable and water-based dyes. And undyed wool is a statement of natural beauty itself.

As we the consumers keep on making the choice towards organic wool, those innovative home product companies out there will have to listen to our demand and rise to the challenge of more beautiful eco designs from sheep-friendly wool.

http://www.ota.com/organic/woolfactsheet.html

CLOTH – DIY PILLOWS

Another great way to add natural style to your décor is with textiles from ModGreenPod. This sister team of Lisa and Nancy Mims have created textiles that are from start to finish eco-friendly. Made from 100% organic cotton, these bold prints are crafted with non-toxic dyes, hand silk screened, and are finished with a chemical-free process. See below for the easiest step-by-step DIY pillow demo! Punctuate your sofa or bed with these punchy prints, how can you choose just one? Feel free to mix and match
http://www.modgreenpod.com/organic-cotton-fabric.html
also featured on the eshop:
NearSeaNaturals
http://www.nearseanaturals.com/browse.php?category=27

How to make an Envelope pillow
by DIY Maven

This DIY Maven has created simply the most succinct demo on a do-it-yourself pillow. Use the eco-fabulous fabrics from ModGreenPod and create your own fun!
http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/892-How-to-Make-an-Envelope-Pillow

http://www.curbly.com/ is THE source of up to date DIY home décor…and more

CLOTH - Rest easy on an Organic Mattress

Under that fashionable organic bedding, the core of a sound sleep is in the foundation...

the MATTRESS

As our day to day schedules become busier, the importance of a healthy sleep environment is key to a balanced life. It's an investment that pays to pay a little more for a sound mind, body, and planet.

Investing in a mattress that is toxin-free not only provides a restoring sleep, it can prolong a lifespan. Resting each night, every night of our lives on an organic mattress can prevent harmful toxins from entering our bodies that may:
-effect the nervous system
-aggravate allergies
-irritate a pre-exhisting health condition
-contain cancer-causing flame-retardant chemicals
For more research and studies on mattress toxins, visit the website: http://www.peopleforcleanbeds.org/

The company GreenSleep presents the Vimala Sleep System.
Their materials and processes are all designed to honor the earth and body. All GreenSleep frames are made from sustainable hardwood. The mattresses rubber core is 100% all natural, containing no synthetic nor toxic fillers. The rubber is harvested from rubber trees by independent farmers. The battings, fillings, and fabrics are made of the organic cotton and wool.
www.greensleep.com

EARTHSAKE out of California offers an interesting 100% natural latex mattress called the Serentity. The beauty of the all latex core is that it naturally adjusts to every body contour. The property of pure latex provides a natural climate control, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The core's latex is from Brazilian rubber trees, and is topped off with a quilted layer of organic cotton and wool. Special features include naturally mold and mildew resistant, and chemical-free flame retardant.
http://www.earthsake.com/
(photo credit above: earthsake)

Another great company is LIFEKIND.
They offer a few styles of mattresses. One is the COMBINATION MATTRESS very similar in comfort and feel as commercially popular innerspring mattresses. Containing springs in the middle, this core is surrounded by a top and bottom layer of organic cotton padding and organic cotton canvas. The next layer is of non-toxic, 100% all natural rubber. And the "icing on the cake" is the quilted cover made of pure wool. Proudly made right here in the USA.
LIFEKIND offers mattresses for your baby crib, too. Provide a healthy start for your young ones!
www.lifekind.com

Rest, rejuvenate, and revitalize all night long...and perhaps you may even be inspired to reinvent some romance as well