I am in the early stages of conducting some interviews for an article on mattresses and would love to get some of your input on the topic. Has sustainability ever come into play when making the purchase of your mattresses? Sustainability is such a broad topic so allow me to hone in a little bit on the issues at play here. Aside from cost, which is certainly high on everyone’s list of priorities, the durability and expected lifespan of a mattress has also got to be important. How many years do you expect a mattress to last? What about a mattress will make it last? Quality of materials certainly matters but what I have learned is there are component-type mattresses available that allow you to replace worn components instead of sending the entire mattress for recycling or to the landfill. In your thinking about mattress purchasing, have you ever explored this type of mattress system? It certainly makes sense to just replace a topper or internal component instead of the entire bed. This type of mattress requires a new type of thinking and I wonder how many of you have actually explored this approach.
Aside from figuring out ways to extend the life of the mattress, you certainly need to be aware of the materials that comprise the mattress system. Does the wood come from forests that are certified for their sustainability? Is the cotton organic or non-organic? Cotton is one of the largest pesticide dependent crops in the world. Is the steel in the springs recycled steel? Is the foam all-natural latex foam—made from latex from rubber trees, for example—or is it polyurethane foam, a derivative of petroleum?
What about the mattresses you buy makes them fire resistant? Is it the natural material that makes up the mattress—wool, for example—or is it the fire retardants that have been added? I am by no means a chemist but there is a lot of concern by many about the use of fire retardants in mattresses. Have you ever even approached the topic with your mattress supplier? Surrounding your mattress with a mattress encasement may not alleviate chemical off-gassing.
Let’s say you have done your best to extend the life of the mattress. What happens next? Will your supplier assist you with the mattress recycling process? Or, are you on your own?
The more I learn about mattresses, the more concerned I get. The good news is that while there is no perfect mattress system, there are many suppliers out there who are working hard to provide options that are more sustainable and healthier than what has been traditionally available. I will include some of them in my upcoming article on mattresses.
As you explore ways to make your properties greener and healthier for your guests, be sure to take a close look at the mattresses you have and those that you buy next. Your guests will spend a lot of time sleeping on your mattresses. They—especially infants and children—deserve a healthy sleep experience.
I look forward to your comments. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com, or by phone at (813) 510-3868.
Electric Vehicle DC Fast Charger at No Cost?
A major auto manufacturer, through GoSpace, is looking for sites to receive a free donated DC Fast Charging unit valued at up to $30,000, and depending on the location, will even cover most, if not all of the installation cost. This is a very time restricted offer; the units will need to be installed before March 31 of this year. Contact GoSpace at (352) 414-5334, or by e-mail at go.team@gospacego.com for more information.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2015. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2015 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
