If you're looking to add some colorful patterns or different textures to your home, throw pillows can make a huge difference and give your couch or favorite chair an entire new look. The most convenient way to change up your look is to buy new pillow covers. But if your pillows are synthetic, replacing the entire pillow is the best idea for a toxin-free home, versus covering up the synthetic pillow with an organic cotton cover.
What's the problem with synthetic pillows?
They are often made from not-so-skin-friendly fabrics like polyester, which are chemically treated with toxins like formaldehyde and flame retardants. Pillows that are made from naturally occurring substances like plant fibers, cotton, or wool, are not only breathable, but are better for your skin and health. Chemically treated fabrics give off unpleasant scents, but those unpleasant scents stem from more serious things like VOC's and over time can disrupt hormones. Polyurethane foam in memory pillows can cause naseau and headaches, and over time, long exposure has been known to cause cancer. Going eco-friendly and choosing organic pillows for decor or sleep will benefit both you and your family's health, and make your home environment cleaner.
Organic & Non-toxic Throw Pillows: Holy Lamb Organics sells my favorite throw pillows, and they are simple and chic. They are stuffed with wool, soft, and only start at $35. There are so many benefits of wool. It is antimicrobial and antibacterial. It is naturally flame resistant, and sustains great condition over time. Coyuchi is a company that make great quality products, and they offer an entire collection of different types of pillows, along with bath towels, and bedding sets, including organic cotton duvets and duvet inserts. It's a one stop shop for the home. They even manufacture a mattress, made from plant based fibers, latex, cotton, and wool. My favorite throw pillow they sell is this one, which is currently on sale for $58.
If you are looking to create something unique and different in the realm of throw pillows, check out this Etsy shop, Rustic Chic Trading Company. You can design and stuff your own pillow cover with organic cotton. If you're into something different, these pillows from Balanced Design are made from recycled plastic bottles and feathers.
Non-toxic Pillow Inserts: Kapok pillow inserts made by Fabricadabra are made of 100% organic cotton and are G.O.T.S. certified. Kapok originates from Asia and Indonesia, and is spun silk cotton fiber from Kapok trees. Since kapok fiber is lightweight, non-allergic, non-toxic, naturally resistant to mold and mildew rot, and is odorless, it dries quickly and is naturally flame-retardant free, making it one of the best choices for inserts. They start at around $21.
Organic Cotton Pillow Covers: This Coyuchi Organic Woven Pillow Cover, starting at $88, is one of the pricier options, but because it is organically made with plant based materials, and is woven to create a beautiful pattern that reminds me of the beach, its worth the extra splurge. National Allergy sells hypoallergenic pillow covers made of tightly woven G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton, so that no dust mites can permeate it making it a choice for allergy sufferers. Their pillows start at $25.
Organic Cotton Bedding/Pillows: Handmade Organic on Etsy makes organic cotton pillows for bedding, stuffed with 100% wool. Even better, its made in California. Another USA company, named Pure Living Space, makes all types of organic pillows, from latex, to cotton, to wool, and even Kapok. They start at about $28 and increase in price based on size and materials used.
Non-toxic Floor Pillows: These 100% wool cushions are also made by Fabricadabra, and although a bit pricey at $145 a pop, they are one of the best choices out there in regards to size, purity of the fabric used (non-synthetic), and they are made in a completely chemical free facility. The wool is undyed, is Oeko-Tex Certified, and made in Bulgaria.
Replacing your synthetic pillows with organic pillows made of fabrics that are breathable, sustainable, and wonderfully made without chemicals will ensure the air within your home is cleaner and your family is not exposed to harsh chemicals.