Mattresses and Landfills
Updated: Jul 25, 2021
Like others, I try to be aware of my effect on my environment, both in small ways and in bigs ways. From making the switch from plastic bags to reusable bags, recycling where I can, I also noticed many big things I can do.
For instance, I recently learned that the US throws away 18.2 million mattresses every year! while some mattresses will be recycled, the majority will end up piling high in landfills. Mattresses take up 132,000 square miles of landfill each year\, and with so many harmful chemicals that leak out as the mattress slowly breaks down, it's not hard to imagine the other harmful effects piling chemicals on top of each other will have on the local space.
Thankfully, our latex mattresses are 100% recyclable! Not a part of your mattress will go to a landfill, and they last longer! While many mattresses have to be replaced every 8 or 10 years, a latex mattress lasts from 10, to even 25 years! Not only will you sleep longer in comfort, but you'll spend less on your mattress. This means fewer mattresses and materials are consumed and discarded.
Frankly, I was a bit shocked when I realized the average mattress materials are only 80% recyclable if they even get recycled. Many areas of the country don't have the facilities to properly recycle these mattresses. But, a latex mattress, even if dumped in a landfill, will start to decompose, and be fully broken down. They will oxidize after many years of use instead of off-gassing toxic chemicals in a landfill like polyurethane and memory foam.
Latex mattresses also are good for the environment in other ways. By tapping the trees to harvest the sap instead of cutting them down, the trees are free to provide shelter and shade for animals. Along with that, 2 of the trees in their 25-year lifespan will remove one MT of carbon from the atmosphere!
Knowing that I'm not actively harming the environment definitely lets me sleep a bit easier! Not to mention the soft mattress that I can relax on, that supports my body, while additionally keeping it cool. Being mold-resistant and anti-microbial helps keep my allergies in check, allowing for a more restful sleep.
Personally, mold and mildew are my greatest pet peeves. I hate even thinking about it, and the idea that there could be some on the bottom of my mattress makes me shudder. Knowing that there's none there makes me feel much better.
I work hard to make sure that I'm taking care of my planet and myself. If it starts with me getting a good night's sleep and making sure that my mattress is carbon negative and doesn't contribute to pollution, then that's enough to make me happy.