We all are seeking the best sleep we can get in a time often filled with anxiety, worry, and stress. We want to be able to curl up in bed, go to bed quickly, and stay asleep all night so we can wake up with energy to face each day. One sustainable household item we might consider focusing on are the sheets we spend our sleeping hours all curled up in. When we think about our sheets we might want to consider what sheets will make us feel our best. Two such types of sheets which you may be familiar with are traditional cotton sheets and natural bamboo sheets. So let's compare bamboo and cotton sheets and try to determine what will be the best fit for ourselves and prove the best night's sleep.
Cotton vs Bamboo Sheets Environmental Impact
Worldwide, about 780 million people do not have access to a clean water source. This means when comparing Bamboo and Cotton sheets we have to look at the amount of water which is used to create each. It can be very surprising how different sheets have vastly different water usage needs for their creation. For example it takes about 2642 gallons of water to produce one pound of cotton while it takes about 12 gallons of water to produce one pound of bamboo. That means cotton takes about 200x the amount of water to raise bamboo. This is because Bamboo is a self-sufficient crop that needs no irrigation and uses water much more efficiently than cotton and other trees. When choosing sheets we need to consider how they impact access to water.
Natural Bamboo Sheets Have No Chemicals
We also have to look at the environmental impact of the chemicals used to grow each. We know that pesticides pollute our environment and fertilizers can cause algae blooms. Did you know that 25% of the world’s pesticides and 7% of the world’s fertilizers is used to grow cotton. On the other hand bamboo is naturally resistant to insects, and highly efficient in replenishing itself which combined with its rapid growth speed (up to 3 feet everyday), means it can be grown without any pesticides or fertilizers. Think of the collective impact if more people chose to use bamboo sheets instead.
Comfort Levels for Bamboo vs Cotton Sheets
Now environmental impact is one lens to use when choosing sheets another is simply comfort and health. While you might doubt it, looking at a tall woody bamboo stalk, bamboo can actually be woven into some of the world’s softest fabric and has been compared to some of the most luxurious fabrics like silk but costs much less. Bamboo sheets also provide this softness at a lower price than high quality cotton sheets. Not only is the fabric softer than cotton, but it is also hypo-allergenic and can be worn by anyone without allergic reactions or skin irritation. Itchy skin or a night full of sneezing is not going to give you a restful night's sleep. That's why our Bamboo Pillow at Seek Bamboo is so popular and stays cool all night while you sleep.
Feel Fresh & Clean with Natural Bamboo Sheets
What other factors play out in how comfortable our sheets feel? Bamboo sheets are also more hygroscopic. Instead of ending up in a damp puddle, such as when you use traditional cotton sheets, bamboo can wick away up to 3x its weight in water, wicking moisture away from the skin much faster than cotton and keeping you dry and comfortable as you sleep. This also means bamboo can help you feel fresh and clean come morning.
Bamboo Sheets offer Sleeping Benefits
Last but not least bamboo and bamboo sheets contain an natural antimicrobial bio-agent that helps reduce bacteria that thrive on materials and on the human skin. In a time when we are all concerned about our health, the health of our loved ones, and proactively supporting our immune system bamboo sheets can give us peace of mind. When trying to stay healthy we should lean on those products which are naturally good for us and don’t use chemicals which can make us sick and make our planet sick at the same time.
In a head to head battle bamboo sheets come out ahead. Bamboo sheets have a lower impact on the environment since they both use less water and don’t need pesticides and fertilizers to grow. Bamboo sheets also are extremely soft and comfortable, wick water away better than traditional cotton sheets, and even are naturally microbial. For all these reasons and many others you might consider switching to bamboo sheets in order for you to fall asleep quickly, stay asleep, and wake up with the energy you need in order to take on whatever life places in your path. You deserve a great night's sleep.
