Organic Lifestyle – 20 Green Tips for Home and Garden

Spring is often a time of contemplation and a time to really take a step back and see what positive life changes you can make. You might have some 'spring resolutions' like running, going to the gym or giving up chocolate, but there are a lot of little changes you can make that you may not yet have thought of. We've compiled a list of our 20 favourite green living tips (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER). You may see a few things which you are already doing, but there's sure to be something new!

1.Turn off your appliances

You'd be surprised just how many little things might remain on standby, using power needlessly 24/7. Computers, printers, TVs and DVD players are repeat offenders.

2.Wash your clothes with cold water

Unless you have tough stain to wash off, cold water will wash your clothes just as well! The same can probably be said of showers, but brrrrrr!

3.Organic cotton bedding

As it's organic, organic bedding has to be made with tremendous attention to detail. The resulting product will provide chemical free luxury!

4.Re-use jars and other food packaging

I personally find it really annoying when people use jam jars as glasses, but why not use them as storage containers for something else. Old ice cream tubs are great for freezer storage, or as a make-shift lunchbox.

5.Buy a re-usable water bottle

The amount of plastic used to make the water bottles we buy and throw away is crazy. You can be a reasonably priced 1.5ltr flask and fill it up every day. You could even use an old squash bottle.

6.Go to your local antique shops and flea markets

There are bargains to be had! You might not like 90% of what you see, but there will always be something for you to adopt and give a new home. It's also a great way of supporting local independent businesses.

7.Cancel paper bank statements

A tremendous waste of paper. Unless you need them for your records, there's no need to be sent a dossier of your account usage every month. Simply sign up for online banking, then you can check your account at any time.

8.Walk, cycle or run to work!

This one does feel a bit like a new year's resolution, but if you work anywhere up to 5 miles away from how, this could be viable option. Great for your health, great for the environment.

9.Buy local organic local food

Many farms around the country now offer organic produce box delivery, much like those of Abel & Cole or Riverfords. Buying an assortment of organic fruit, veg and other produce is a great way to support your local organic farmers, no matter how frequently you do it.

10.Grow your own herbs!

This one is especially good if your gardening skills are somewhat lacking. Herbs like parsley and basil are extremely easy to grow from scratch. You can even buy a little pot from the supermarket and re-plant it.

11.Use old rags as cleaning cloths

Tear up a couple of old t-shirts and you should have plenty of brand new cleaning cloths! Eliminating waste is a big part of creating a sustainably green home.

12.Turn the lights off when you leave the room

Even if you think you'll be back in a couple of minutes, turn the lights off. The phone could always ring, the doorbell could ring or nature could call!

13.Buy some really thick socks!

This may seem a bit silly, but if you think you are using too much energy on heating your home, a good pair of socks and a good blanket are winter essentials.

14.Re-usable shopping bags

Shopping bags are one of the most avoidable disposable items which we encounter daily. Whether you bring your own bags or get a 'bag for life', you will be doing your bit for the environment. Waitrose will exchange the old 'bag for life' of any other supermarket for a new one of their own.

15.Strawberries

Living green doesn't mean you don't get treats! You can grow strawberries in a relatively small pot, with just a little watering every day. Just in time for Wimbledon.

16.Energy saving lightbulbs

They are sold in all supermarkets by law now, but you might still have some older bulbs in your house. Make the change.

17.Find a new use for old furniture

Instead of throwing that old chair out, why not re-fashion it into a planter for your garden? Or why not use an old shelf as extra storage in a shed or garage?

18.Don't use paper napkins

If you're having a kids birthday party, you're excused. Otherwise, paper napkins are incredibly wasteful and easily avoidable.

19.Chickens?

Hey, it's a long shot, but you might have the space and time (not in a Doctor Who sense). Keeping your own chickens can be good fun, and a great source for organic eggs!

20.Get an organic mattress

If you want to avoid all of the chemical components of a conventional mattress or memory foam mattress, an organic mattress is a must. Organic wool is also a fantastic substitute for chemical fire treatment.

4 Living are a retailer of high-quality, organic chemical free mattresses. Their range includes certified organic mattresses from Germany and Wales made from natural latex organic cotton, organic, wool, organic coconut fibre, organic mohair and organic horse hair. Their East Sussex mattress showroom is nestled in the South Downs, between Lewes and Eastbourne.

Going Organic on a Budget

Organic mattresses can certainly be viewed as a luxury item, and an organic lifestyle can definitely be beneficial to your mind, body and soul. However, your wallet may not fare so well. Organic food will always be the slightly more expensive option, there's just no getting around that. The organic market has fluctuated greatly over the last few years, especially in the UK. A Soil Association announced that the organic industry decreased 1.7% over the last year. For an industry which has enjoyed steady growth for the last year, a decrease clearly represents a change in the general public's perception of the organic industry. With the economy in the state it is, many people have really tightened the purse strings, with organic food being relegated to the 'luxury' category. There are, however, ways in which you can go organic on a budget. We've compiled a list of the best ways to budget, economise and make the most of your organic purchases.

1.GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE!

Why not? If you are fortunate enough to have some garden space, growing your own fruit and vegetables is definitely the most economical way of going organic. Part of what makes organic fruit and vegetables so expensive is the stringent quality control it must grow through. A small vegetable patch of your own will cut out the middle man, and enable you to influence exactly what your own food comes into contact with. There are plenty of completely chemical free fertilisers available, if needed. Once you've harvested your first batch of healthy treats, you can use the peels and leftovers to create compost for the next batch. The 'organic on a budget' circle of life begins.

2.BOX IT

'Budgeting' doesn't just mean spending less; it means deciding how much you are going to spend on something, and sticking to it. There are some great fruit, veg and produce companies which will deliver a box of organic goodness right to your door. You can have the boxes delivered daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, whatever works for you. The prices might sometime seem slightly expensive, but if you eat a lot of fresh produce, it might be a great idea.

We're always told that buying in bulk is the economical way to shop, but it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly how much to buy. If you can get into the habit of using all of the fresh organic produce to cook all of your meals from scratch, you will save an awful lot of pennies. Established companies such as Abel & Cole or Riverford Organic allow you to tailor your box to your own taste, so you don't end up paying for something that isn't to your taste! You can get seasonal organic fruit and veg, which can often be few and far between in the supermarkets.

Your local farm might operate a similar organic box scheme so, by all means, support local organic farmers!

3.PLAY THE SUPERMARKET GAME

This might be the boring and arduous way of going organic, but you can save some serious money. The supermarkets are often viewed as the 'enemy' when it comes to organic food, but they are actually a big part of what made the industry so popular! Waitrose and Sainsbury's have done a lot of work to publicise organic food, and to emphasise the benefits.

There are a few ways to 'play the supermarket game', so hopefully at least one of them will be of help. Shopping around is the best to get the best price on any purchase, but with groceries it's even more important. If you can benefit from a discount or 2 for 1, the savings can really stack up. You can check out the different supermarkets online beforehand, which links nicely onto the next tip...

Lots of supermarkets have promotions which allow you to get a percentage off your first online shop; this is a great way to save a little extra cash. You'll be able to do this with most major supermarkets, so keep your eyes peeled for vouchers and online offers. You can save up to 25% of your organic shopping bill this way!

PICK YOUR BATTLES

Sometimes you just have to cut back. Whether you are saving or simply not earning enough, it's the only option. You shouldn't have to compromise on healthy food entirely though. The reason we buy organic food is because we don't want to eat food which has come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals. What isn't considered, is which fruit and vegetables are most likely to have come into contact with these chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Studies have found that some produce is far more likely to have come into contact with chemicals. Celery, peaches, nectarines and apples are the most chemical-heavy groceries in the world; if you have to pick and choose your organic groceries, these are the ones.

4 Living are one of Britain's only retailers of genuine organic mattresses. Their mattresses are made by Welsh brand, Abaca and German brand, Prolana. You can try a number of their natural latex and pocket sprung mattresses for yourself in the 4 Living showroom.

Organic Mattresses – Expertly Made For Health And Luxury

Organic mattresses represent a new and refreshing way of looking at health, wellbeing and comfort. Their pure, chemical-free components create a healthier environment to everyday mattresses. Everything used to make an one of these mattresses is used for a reason. Here are a few facts about organic mattresses, and their components.

SAY NO TO FOAM

Natural latex mattresses are the healthier alternative to the ever-popular memory foam mattress. Natural latex is a 100% natural material, where as memory foam is made from synthetic petrochemicals. You sleep for roughly a third of your life, so it's pretty important that you know exactly what you are lying on. Memory foam is prone to overheating, causing significant discomfort. Natural latex is a far more breathable material.

Memory foam (visco-elastic polyurethane foam) was originally made by NASA researchers in order to improve seat safety. The first thing to not is that memory foam wasn't designed for mattresses. Long term exposure to its chemical ingredients was never considered when it was first invented. The fact is, memory foam is an entirely man-made substance, full of potentially hazardous chemicals. Memory foam has only really been a big part of the mattress market since the mid to late '90s, so it's impossible to tell what the long term health implications of it are. Nobody has been lying on memory foam mattress every night for the last 30 years; that's where the problem lies. (excuse the pun!)

Natural latex is simply the sap from the rubber tree. That's all! The sap is extracted from the tree, put into a mattresses mould and baked at a high temperature in order to create a natural latex mattress. Latex itself serves no long term health risks and, partly due to the expert techniques with which it is baked into a mattress, has a very long life time. You can expect a natural latex mattress to last well over 30 years, barring any extreme conditions.

COTTON ON

You'd be hard pushed to find an organic mattress which isn't made using organic cotton. Organic cotton is possibly the single most beneficial piece of any organic mattress. It's not that organic cotton has hidden healing properties, but more that it is free from all of the chemicals which non-organic cotton comes into contact with. Approximately 25% of the world's pesticides are used on the cotton plants, making it one of the most chemical-heavy plants on the planet.

Some of the chemical pesticides used on cotton have been known to exacerbate asthma, cause nausea and headaches. Aldicarb, an incredibely strong chemical pesticide is used in the US, which is the third biggest cotton producer in the world. A single teaspoon of Aldicarb is enough kill an adult, if the skin comes into direct contact. Of course, the pesticides used on cotton have been diluted, but it isn't this something you want to avoid. These chemical are, after all, designed to kill animals. It's not friendly stuff.

WOOL, WOOL, WOOL

Just like cotton and latex, organic wool is a very important part of the overall composition of an organic mattress. A common problem with mattresses and sofas is that they have to meet the strict criteria of UK fire regulations. Fire regulations are, of course, in place for the purpose of safety. However, that doesn't mean that your mattress has to be sprayed with chemical fire retardants. Organic wool is a natural fire retardant, and has passed all of the official UK fire regulation tests. A mattress with a thin organic wool cover is the only way to avoid the potent chemical sprays which cover most sofas and mattresses.

When you hear that a mattress is made using wool, your first thought might be that it would be too warm for everyday use. Organic wool is actually exceptionally good at regulating moisture and temperature. The natural structure of wool will help to keep you warm in the winter and cold in the summer, as well as adding to the luxury of the mattress. Organic wool is great for anyone with allergies as it will prevent their skin from overheating. The feeling of an organic wool wrap (underneath a cotton cover) is very similar to the kind of feel which conventional mattresses try to achieve with artificial fibres. As well as regulating temperature and protecting from fire, organic wool really does add to the comfort of a mattress.

MATERIAL VALUE

As well as natural latex, organic cotton and organic wool, a number of other unique and innovative materials, fibres and fabrics are used. These include organic rubberised coconut, organic mohair, organic horse hair and wild silk. All of of these natural components will add to the comfort of a mattress, giving your far more choice when it comes to the particular feel of your mattress.

4Living are retailers of natural, organic mattresses with absolutely no chemical ingredients. Their Welsh and German mattresses are all officially certified, and are made from entirely natural fibres and materials.

5 Facts About Organic Mattresses

Organic mattresses are a relatively new concept, so we thought we'd compile a short list of facts about them. Hopefully you will learn something you didn't know, any misconceptions will disappear and any questions will be answered!

1.A mattress can be certified as organic. It's not just food!

We're used to going to down to our local supermarket and seeing whole sections dedicated to organic food and drink. Organic food has put the word 'organic' on a lot of people's radar, and encouraged more people to think about exactly where there food has come from. It's healthy to want to know exactly what substances you are consuming, and equally healthy to make sure that they are chemical free. Organic cotton clothing is also becoming more and more common on high streets across the nation.

There's no reason to think that a mattress should be any different from what you wear or what you eat; after all, you are breathing in the air from your mattress for roughly a third of your life! Organic mattresses are designed to provide a healthy sleeping environment, and are official organic certified products. In the UK, mattresses are certified by the Soil Association, which is the same body that certifies organic food and drink. In Europe, mattresses are given the Global Organic Textile mark. If a mattress has neither of these official certifications, then it's not organic.

2.Organic cotton is good for the environment

Of course, the main main benefit of organic mattresses is that they are a healthy alternative to conventional mattresses, but the organic cotton used to make the mattresses is actually an eco-friendly material.

Cotton is an extremely thirsty plant by nature, so will always need to consume a great deal of water to grow. However, some chemical fertilisers can attempt to accelerate the growth of the cotton; non-organic cotton can require up to six pints of water to grow a single bud of cotton. This incredible water consumption can completely decimate the surrounding plants and, therefore the entire eco-system of the area. Organic cotton consumes as little as half the water of non-organic cotton, which is enough to allow surrounding ec-systems to continue to flourish.

3.Organic Wool is a natural fire retardant

There are strict rules in the UK about fire safety for sofas and mattresses, and you would be forgiven for thinking that chemical fire treatment is an unavoidable necessity, even on an organic mattress. If you buy a mattress with an organic wool wrap (most will have this) you will avoid the need for a chemical fire retardant treatment. Organic wool passes all official fire safety regulations in the UK, meaning you won't have to add chemicals to an otherwise pure mattress.

4.Organic mattresses are great for allergy sufferers

If you suffer from a breathing condition such as asthma, or a skin condition such as eczema, a chemical-free mattress can be exceptionally beneficial. Some of the strong chemical pesticides used on non-organic cotton have actually been directly linked to asthma, as well as a number of other conditions. If you have asthma, or any other breathing conditions for the matter, it's important to have the purest sleeping environment possible. As well as non-organic cotton, memory foam; fire retardant spray; synthetic latex and other synthetic fibres can also contain potent chemical substances.

Organic wool is definitely one of the most important components, as it also a great regulator of temperature and moisture. Whether you have eczema or not, overheating in bed is not something you should have to worry about every night. If you do have eczema, or any kind of sensitive skin, a mattress which becomes hot can exacerbate your condition. Organic wool will keep you cool in the summer and keep you warm in the winter. It's a wonder what uses we can find for completely natural materials.

5.You can get organic mattresses designed for the way you sleep

Going organic is definitely the healthier option, and it's true that natural latex is beneficial to those with allergies. However, it is a common misconception that organic mattresses sacrifice comfort for health. The care and precision with which these mattresses need to be made to is the first indicator that they are of the highest quality. Organic mattresses are made using a number of different organic materials and are designed for luxury as well as health.

Some manufacturers will add to the luxury and comfort of a mattress by making mattresses tailored to different kinds of sleeper. It may have never occurred to you 'what kind of sleeper you are', but most people will consistently sleep in pretty much t same way every night. If you sleep on your side, there are natural latex mattresses which have a slightly softer area around the shoulder in order to provide a more comfortable night's sleep. Likewise, if you sleep on your back, there are mattresses which are specially designed to spread the weight over your whole body.

4 Living are one of the UK's most established retailers of organic mattresses, and have an extensive collection of mattresses made in both Wales and South West Germany. You can visit their showroom to try the mattresses or speak to one of their mattress experts online or on the phone.

What's inside an organic mattress?

An organic mattress provides all the comfort and luxury of an ordinary mattress, along with numerous other health and environmental benefits. Organic mattresses represent a refreshing and new way of looking at your health and well-being, as opposed to ordinary mattresses. You may not be aware of just how many potentially harmful chemicals are actually in an everyday mattress. Avoiding these hazards, achieving a relaxing night’s sleep and helping the environment can all be achieved with an organic mattress.

Whether you’re young, old, tall or short, a comfortable and relaxing bed will energise and rejuvenate you. We spend approximately a third of our entire lifetime asleep. The quality of that sleep and what we inhale during that sleep, play a big part in determining how much energy we have to enjoy the other two thirds.

An organic mattress can do a lot for you when it comes to your health. From the spinal support of natural latex, to the temperature regulating qualities of organic wool, organic mattresses have some extremely beneficial properties. All of the chemicals sprayed onto non organic cotton crops can be avoided, as can the synthetic chemicals used in the production of petroleum based memory foam.

A natural latex mattress can give you comfort, luxury and support, without the use of any potentially harmful chemicals. A common misconception with organic mattresses is that the organic production process somehow produces a less durable mattress with a shorter life. Wrong. Natural organic mattresses usually carry a manufacturer’s warranty of 15-25 years – which is often longer than the warranty you’ll get with a conventional mattress.

Natural latex is simply the frothed up rubber from a rubber tree, baked into a mattress. This baked latex is moulded into the shape of the mattress and special holes are expertly drilled to alter the feel of the mattress. The fact the mattress is made of one main part makes it a much more solid investment in comparison to a memory foam mattress which might have multiple layers glued together (with synthetic, industrial glue).

An organic mattress refers to a mattress which has been made using no artificial chemicals and has components which all carry organic certifications (where possible). Latex, for example, doesn’t yet have an official organic certification, but it is not the same synthetic latex you would find in a lot of non-organic mattresses; it is a pure form of latex. When shopping for an organic mattress, be sure to look out for the ‘Soil Association Organic’ and ‘Global Organic Textile Standard’ marks. If a mattress doesn’t carry these marks, or similar certifications, then it’s likely that some non-organic components have been used.

There are multiple types of organic mattress, to suit all preferences and requirements. As well as natural latex, traditional pocket sprung mattress are also available in an organic reincarnation. Obviously there is no organic certification for springs, but the wool stuffing and cotton covering are all organically certified. Making an organic mattress is a more expensive process, creating an extremely high standard for organic mattresses. With the standards being generally very high, you can rest assured that the quality of the pocket springs will match the comfort of the organic components.

An extremely popular material for organic mattresses is a fibre called coir. Coir is made from organically certified coconut fibre. The unique make-up of the fibre can create a firm and supportive mattress, which can breathe and stay cool naturally. Coir fibre is commonly coupled with natural latex to create a mattress with a different firmness on each side. This can be especially useful for younger children as their requirements may change as they grow. The fibre, like a good natural latex, is naturally hardwearing and is given a long warranty, so no need to worry about how long it will last. Another fantastic example of how a natural material can have the resilience, performance and shelf life of any artificial equivalent.

Both organic mattresses and organic bedding share the same benefit: no chemical pesticides or fertilisers have been used, so none of these potentially harmful chemicals can be breathed in. That's just a benefit of organic cotton. In comparison to some memory foam mattresses, in which literally hundreds of chemical ingredients are present, an organic mattress seems the obvious choice in terms of health.

In recent years, we have become more and more accustomed to the short life which our possessions enjoy. We are more than happy to purchase replacement products as the old one becomes damaged, unwanted or out of fashion. A mattress doesn't have to be the same. The general thinking with mattresses, is that they have a certain life and then need replacing. Why can't a mattress be a long term purchase, which you don't need to worry about replacing? Organic mattresses will generally cost slightly more than the non-organic alternative, simply because of the cost of components and sourcing those components. A benefit of such high quality components, often sourced within Europe, is that they can last for many years (with 15-25 year warranties, depending on the mattress. An organic mattress is both a good investment and a fantastic way to avoid the modern 'throw away' culture.

4 Living are proud to be one of few British retailers to offer organic mattresses, natural latex mattresses and organic pocket sprung mattresses. Their standards are extremely high and every one of their mattresses has organic, natural components with all of the relevant certifications. Their commitment to organic mattresses and bedding is based upon their belief in a healthy and relaxing lifestyle. Their Sussex showroom has many different organic mattresses for you to try out, and their team of mattress experts will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

What is an Organic Mattress?

What is an organic Mattress?

It may seem slightly unusual to see a mattress referred to as 'organic' however the organic cotton, wool, Merino wool, coconut fibre and natural latex used in our organic mattresses collection has tremendous health, environmental and comfort benefits.

All of our organic mattresses are entirely free from chemical pesticides, fertilisers or any other artificial components. These chemicals can be harmful to your heath, as well as the environment. The chemicals in non-organic cottons and wools can cause discomfort to those with sensitive skin or any skin conditions. Organic mattresses can't improve your skin, but they can help to ensure you sleep in the most pure and clean environment possible.

Cotton plants, sprayed with chemical stabilisers and fertilisers, are among the thirstiest plants on the planet. It takes six pints of water to for one single plant to grow one single cotton bud, whilst a cotton plantation can essentially wipe out an entire local eco-system. The organic cotton used in our organic mattresses requires half the water of its non-organic brother and, as a result, can grow side by side with other plants.

Our Organic and 100% Natural Latex Mattresses

We are proud to offer high quality natural latex mattresses from Abaca, who are based in Wales and Prolana, who are based in Germany. A Natural latex is the closest natural alternative to memory foam, in terms of its luxurious feel and bodily support. However, unlike petroleum based memory foam, natural latex is not made using artificial chemicals. Natural latex is simply the frothed

-up sap of the rubber tree, expertly baked into a mattress. Natural latex, along with organic wool, has fantastic temperature and moisture regulating qualities; A common complaint with memory foam is that it is incredibly prone to overheating

As well as natural latex mattresses, 4 Living offer pocket sprung mattresses, coconut fibre children's mattresses and combinations of springs or coconut fibre and latex. Some people prefer, and have become accustomed, to pocket sprung mattresses but would like an organic alternative or perhaps a touch more luxury. A mattress which is half pocket sprung and half natural latex will provide a good balance between a bit of a bounce and a supportive mattress.

Your Perfect Mattress

Abaca provide us with soil association certified organic mattresses made with natural latex and organic cotton and organic welsh wool. Prolana specialise in making organic mattresses for different body types and preferences.

Everyone has different preferences, body types and budgets; so why should everyone have the same type of mattress? Our organic mattress are specifically engineered to suit all kinds of sleepers. Whether you sleep on your side, front and back, or a combination of the three; 4 Living's range of organic mattresses will include something to suit you.

Our organic mattresses will usually come with the option of a soft, medium or firm firmness, and your choice will depend on your preference and body type. Every mattress has a slightly different feel to it, just like every person has a different preference. We are proud to offer a mattress which has two seperate halves, and enables

An organic mattress for side sleepers mattress has a slight depression in the shoulder area, which enables better spinal alignment and blood flow. A mattress for front and back sleepers will have good all-round support when there are multiple points of contact. This attention to detail enables you to make the investment in a high quality mattress with the knowledge that it's perfectly suited to you. 

4 Living offer a extensive range of organic mattresses, including natural latex and organic pocket sprung mattresses. All of their mattresses are a healthy alternative to conventional mattresses, as well as providing a level of comfort to rival any non-organic mattresses.