• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • Home loans for Aussie expats 
        • image of domestic worker for story on advice on hiring a helper in Hong KongGuide to hiring a helper in Hong Kong
        • Expat life in Hong Kong - advantages and disadvantagesPros and cons of living in HK
        • Moving to Hong Kong - taking a photo of the viewTop tips for newcomers to Hong Kong
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • 9 family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong
        • What to watch – or listen to…
        • Great podcasts we are listening to!
        • Key Chinese events and festivals in Hong Kong - Chinese New YearTraditional Festivals & Events in HK
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • Language courses for all the family
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
        • Does your child need a little extra help?
        • 12 tips for bathing newborn babies
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Décor
      • Readers Homes
        • Beautiful ginger jar lamps for your home
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
        • Taking the stress out of moving
        • Making Your Bedroom Eco-friendly
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Beach escapes - Gili Lankanfushi – MaldivesPlan ahead: 8 great beach escapes
        • Top skiing destinations - Whistler, CanadaStunning ski stays in Europe and beyond
        • Mongolia - kidsA family adventure in Mongolia
        • Where to stay and what to do in Thailand - MerdekaQuick getaways: Where to go in Thailand
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Meat-free meals: Quinoa Lentil Tabouleh5 meat-free meal ideas to try
        • Chocolate Tiffin - RecipeNo-bake Chocolate Tiffin Recipe
        • Fiamma Italian restaurant - tortelliniTaste Test: Peak Italian Cuisine at Fiamma
        • Cocktails - recipesCocktail recipes – make your own!
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • Paraben-free skincare for men!
        • Where to go for holiday pampering
        • Where to get eyelash extensions in Hong Kong - Eyelash ProWhere to get eyelash extensions
        • image of woman having eyebrows done for beauty services in Hong KongUltimate guide to HK beauty services
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Home workout5 workout moves you can do at home
        • Central & Stanley Wellness - functional medicine treatmentFunctional medicine and how it helps
        • KAMA CBD OilWhat is CBD and can it help your health?
        • ATP - weight loss - fitness trainingBody makeover: an inspiring journey
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • December – February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 – $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
        • City Guide 2020-2021
        • City Guide 2020-2021 – $28
      • View all
    Close
Home » Homes » Making Your Bedroom Eco-friendly

Making Your Bedroom Eco-friendly

5 January, 2021 by Expat Living 5 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/where-to-buy-eco-friendly-bedroom-furniture-sustainable-products/

When people think of being “green” around the house, they often think of bathrooms (saving water) and kitchens (minimising food wastage). Yet having an eco-friendly bedroom can be just as important and contribute just as much from an environmental standpoint.

For tips on going green in the bedroom, and also some background on the sustainable aspects of their products, we spoke with representatives from two prominent Hong Kong stores: Thijs Veyfeyken, General Manager of Okooko by European Bedding, and Kate Babington, Managing Director of TREE.

Why is a “green” bedroom important?

Thijs: We live in a stressful and polluted environment. When we go to rest at night, we want to have a release from all of these stressors; and having a “green” bedroom helps! Okooko’s Heveya mattresses and pillows are made of 100 percent organic latex, with no synthetic foam, metal springs or glue. The latex core is also naturally mould-and dust-mite-resistant. By removing these pollutants and allergens, our bodies get to rest better in a healthier environment; we then get the quality sleep we deserve.

Eco-friendly bedroom furniture - Heveya Mattress
Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress by Okooko by European Bedding
Heveya bamboo sheets by Okooko by European Bedding - eco-friendly bedroom products
Heveya Bamboo Lyocell Sheets by Okooko by European Bedding
Heveya pillows by Okooko by European Bedding - organic bedding
Heveya Natural Organic Latex Pillows by Okooko by European Bedding

Kate: As the space where you relax and recharge, it’s important that your bedroom evokes peace and tranquillity. Incorporating “green” elements into your home will help you feel connected to nature, and in turn create a calm atmosphere perfect for winding down and ensuring a restful night’s sleep. This use of what’s known as biophilic design has proven to reduce stress and leave positive effects on wellbeing, which is now more important than ever.

What are some simple steps we can take to having a more eco-friendly bedroom?

Thijs: Invest in products that are eco-friendly and sustainable. These might include a mattress and bedding made of organic and natural materials, and naturally sourced furniture that is FSC-certified or recycled. You could also use air-conditioning only when necessary, use LED lighting and reduce standby electricity, and decorate your space with indoor house plants to help purify the air.

Kate: Opt for furniture crafted from renewable, chemical-free materials, such as solid eco-wood and natural fibres. We love how wood naturally grounds a space while adding plenty of warmth and character, as well as how handwoven baskets can add a beautifully natural tactile finish. Consider adding soft furnishings made from natural textiles such as cotton or linen; this will create a lovingly layered effect and enhance the look of your own cosy sanctuary.

Tell us about the eco features of some of your products.

Thijs: Our mattresses and pillows are made of latex sourced from a GOLS-organic-certified plantation. That means no chemicals have soiled the rubber sap or the soil. The plantation itself is also carbon neutral-certified as the rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis) absorbs carbon dioxide like rainforest trees.

Our bed sheets are made of bamboo lyocell fibre. This is the most environmentally-friendly way of making bamboo sheets as it’s a closed-loop manufacturing process, and only uses natural dyes. Bamboo plants themselves are also very eco-friendly. They can grow with little water and help prevent soil erosion. And, like rubber trees, they’re also very good at absorbing CO2.

Kate: Sustainability sits at the heart of who we are. Many of our signature solid eco-wood collections are reclaimed (from old Indonesian houses, fishermen’s boats and even railway sleepers), FSC-certified or sustainably sourced. Our suppliers share our commitment to the environment, and maintain the same standard of sustainability. So, water-soluble dyes are properly disposed of, and our wood is kept free of chemicals and in its natural form; this reflects a holistic approach to creating furniture that’s as sustainable as it is stylish.

Eco-friendly bedroom furniture - TREE twist bed and bedside table
TREE twist bed and bedside table
Eco-friendly bedroom furniture - TREE vintage teak bed
Vintage teak bed from TREE
TREE light bed frame - eco-friendly bedroom furniture
TREE light frame bed in teak

We also offer collections using wooden off-cuts that otherwise would be left to waste; it gives another lease of life to these small pieces of beautiful, character-filled wood. Our accessories are sourced from local artisans to support grassroots businesses and their communities while preserving age-old handcrafting traditions.

What else do you do in terms of promoting the green side of the business?

Thijs: Aside from choosing eco-friendly materials and suppliers, we also donate to charity by recycling our mattresses for the needy. Additionally, we’re a proud sponsor of students in the Sumba Hospitality Foundation. This sustainable organisation offers hospitality training to youths in Sumba so they can find work in Bali hotels. Lastly, we’re in the process of becoming carbon-neutral ourselves and are devising a plan to only work with suppliers who are carbon neutral (or willing to work on becoming carbon-neutral).

Kate: We work with Trees4Trees, an independent non-profit organisation that shares our passion for the environment. Together, we have continually planted new trees (over 90,000 to date), keeping our natural forests replenished for future generations to enjoy. We’ve also begun a transformational tree-planting project in the Wonosari village of Java, Indonesia. Closer to home, we offer biodegradable packaging at our TREE café, partnering with HK Recycles to ensure that our recyclables aren’t sent to landfill. We also support communities in need through charitable collaborations, such as Angels for Children.

Also: 4 Fab Plants to Add

Adding indoor plants to a bedroom not only gives you an actual green look to go with the eco-friendly/green feel, but it’s also a great natural way to improve air quality and remove toxins, thereby contributing to a better living environment and better sleep. We asked Keren Goldman of Hong Kong-based Keren’s Garden for four recommendations.

#1 Snake Plant

The best plant for the bedroom is the snake plant. It’s a great air-purifying plant, for starters. But you can also grow it under almost any light conditions (from direct sun to moderate low light), making it among the easiest plants to grow. The snake plant thrives on neglect, while also emitting oxygen at night.

Snake plant
The snake plant is perfect for the bedroom

#2 Money Plant

The Golden Pothos, or money plant, is another great air-purifying option. You can grow it in soil or water, and it’s easy to propagate; that means once you have one plant you can make many more plants from it. It grows well in humid conditions, and has lovely variegated patterns.

#3 Peace Lily

Besides looking beautiful and helping create a tranquil vibe, the peace lily is another great air-purifying plant. It also lowers the microbe count in the air, helping to relieve allergy symptoms. Note: Peace lilies aren’t safe for cats; best to keep them away from any pet.

#4 Aloe Vera

The aloe plant has many uses besides helping to purify the air. It’s great for skincare and haircare, for example; just cut the leaf lengthwise and spread the gel on your skin or hair as needed. Indoors, it should only be placed in a very bright spot, so it’s best on a windowsill or near a balcony.

Plants to avoid

There are other plants that are often recommended for the bedroom, including lavender and valerian. However, they rarely grow well in Hong Kong’s humid environment, and will often die shortly after you buy them. It’s best to choose plants that suit the HK climate; you also need to pay attention to the light conditions required by each plant. The four listed here are ideal. In fact, they’re even recommended for households by no less an organisation than NASA on account of their air-cleaning properties!

Beside removing toxins and purifying the air, plants create a haven and a feeling of sanctuary. Caring for them can be a relaxing form of meditation that contributes to a more relaxing environment and a better state of mind.

Directory

Okooko by European Bedding
13/F, The Plaza LKF, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central
6286 1132 | europeanbedding.hk

TREE
Horizon Plaza (Ap Lei Chau) | HomeSquare (Sha Tin) | YOHO Mall II (Yuen Long)
tree.com.hk

Keren’s Garden
9668 7736 (WhatsApp) | facebook/kerensgardenHK

Categories: Home Décor Homes Tags: Eco-friendly Keren's Garden Okooko by European Bedding TREE

You May Also Like

Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats

Taking the stress out of moving

Inside a Kowloon home with history

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Kellett School

Best International Schools In Hong Kong, Preschool to Secondary

Furniture in Hong Kong: Guide To The Best Furniture Stores

sightseeing in Hong Kong

Top 30 Hong Kong Attractions & Best Places To Visit

Where to live in Hong Kong

Guide to Living in Hong Kong and where to live

Landing pads: places to stay in Hong Kong

Brunch in Hong Kong

Best Sunday Brunch Places in Hong Kong

What's On

Puccini's Turandot Opera

The MET’S “Nightly Met Opera Streams”

Students at Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy – Applications Open for 2021/22

CDNIS - Admissions

CDNIS Admissions Timetable: Apply Now for January and August 2021

Events & Weekend Activities - The Grounds is the city's first responsible entertainment destination

The Grounds: HK’s first ‘COVID-19 responsible’ entertainment destination

Elsa in scene from Frozen

FWD Presents: The Frozen Exhibition Hong Kong

You Rise art exhibition by JM Robert

“You Rise” Solo Exhibition by JM Robert

Expat Living Hong Kong 🇭🇰

expatlivinghk

Open
Pieces for your dining room mood board!🪑We are feeling these tones 🤎
Open
Thanks Julianna for this delicious 
Easy Blueberry Oreo Cheesecake to start the weekend!
Serves 4, or 2 if you're hungry😉

Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients:
• 6 digestive biscuits
• 50g butter 
• 250g cream cheese (1 brick) 
• 6 Oreo biscuits
• 125g blueberries (1 box)
• 100g milk or whipped cream 
• 5 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:
For crust:
1. Crush digestive biscuits in a big bowl and add melted butter.
2. Press together at the base of the cake mould.
3. Set aside to cool.

For filling: 
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk or whipped cream on medium speed in a bowl until it is smooth and creamy. 
2. Add crushed Oreos and beat until they mix evenly. 
3. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
4. Freeze for two hours and top with blueberries!🫐
Open
If you’re looking for a place to live in Hong Kong - particularly if you’re moving here and want an easy landing pad - a serviced apartment can be a godsend! @hongkongparkview is like a mini town with everything you need from a Clubhouse with full facilities to a toy shop, clothes and food shop! 🏞🛍
Open
Read our Winter issue on any device for free 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig.
Inside: Two inspiring home reno stories, great dining room furniture ideas, insider's guide to Hung Hom Bay and plenty of other great reads, including easy dessert recipes!
Open
How cool is this - Hong Kong-based @ovolohotels is the first hotel group to go entirely vegetarian across its restaurants, bars and food services for a year! 🌱This move is the latest in the group’s series of eco-friendly initiatives, and doesn’t this look delicious!👏🏻
Open
If we’ve learnt anything this last year it’s how much a magical view can do for your mind🌿These are just some of the properties showcased by @knightfrank 🙌🏼 Head to knightfrank.com.hk to see what’s currently available! 🏞
Open
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from the team at @expatlivinghk ❤️

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
There’s been a buzz lately around CBD (Cannabidiol, derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant) and its purported health benefits. 
Did you know it’s available in Hong Kong? 🌿

@kamacbdhk is a new HK-based company offering CBD products that can help a number of ailments, check out our article and their page for more information!🌺
Open
🎄 Merry Christmas everyone! It's been an extraordinary year and we're so grateful for your support. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season 🌟🥂
Open
This 1950s colonial-style walk up in Kowloon Tong has been styled so well by tenant Jerome, it is fascinating to hear about the place and it’s history! For the full story and Jerome’s recommendations see our DEC-FEB issue✨📖
Open
Whether you’ve hiked up Old Peak Road or taken the tram, make sure you’re hungry, as you’ll want to consume most of the menu from @fiammahk 🍴🍅
Open
5 steps for a stylish Christmas, courtesy of Hong Kong-based home furnishing retailer @indigo_living 🎄
 
#1 Decide on a Theme:
Every momentous Christmas feast begins with a stunning table-scape. Whether you’re going for the classic red and green pairing or a contemporary setting, pick a theme that you can go all out with! 
 
#2 Organise Your Linen:
Generally speaking, a crisp white linen table-runner will do. But if you’re looking to up the ante this year, go for one with subtle prints on it. 
 
#3 Choose a Centrepiece:
 A beautiful Christmas centrepiece is the fastest way to add cheer to your party. It’s also a great excuse to show off your creative flair to friends and family. 
 
#4 Invest in a Good Set of Tableware:
When it comes to tableware, most people play it safe with crystal glasses and porcelain plates. Why not take it up a notch by throwing a set of gold cutlery into the mix? It’s an instant pop of luxury that exudes warmth to traditional red and green themes. 🍴
 
#5 End with a Bang:
What’s a Christmas dinner without some good old-fashioned crackers? Sure to put a smile on anyone’s faces, they’ll also ensure your party goes out with a bang! 💫
Open
What a view 🙌🏼

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
Less than five days left to vote for your favourite businesses! You could win fun family staycays and dining vouchers, so make sure to vote today by visiting 👉 expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Jazz up your dining area with these pretty picks!⚡️

Companies tagged in the photos for more details🪑
Open
Get ready for Christmas, CNY and beyond with these fab treatment packages now available at @amooma.spa ✨

#1 BUBBLE & SPARKLE
A package for two, including an aroma steam shower, deep sleep tourmaline crystal massage, sparkling champagne facial and a glass of champagne 🥂

#2 HO! HO! HO! IT’S ME-TIME!
Designed for one person, this me-time includes a ling organic forbidden rice scrub, ling nourishing body wrap, AMOONA signature blend and knesko gemological face mask 🧖🏼‍♀️
Open
How good do these look 😍 New recipe from @charissa_and_co_wellness. You can try a free sample by scanning the bar code on our online articles 💜

Recipe: Flourless Pecan Cranberry Brownie

Ingredients

Brownie base:

2 servings of Nuzest Clean Lean Chocolate Protein
1.5 cup of pumpkin puree
1 cup of hazelnut butter or almond *
1/2 cup of raw dark cacao powder
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/3 cup of dehydrated cranberries
2 teaspoons of Manuka honey ** Optional
White chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons of Erythritol
Dark chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 tablespoons of raw dark cacao powder
1 teaspoon of Erythritol
Instructions

Brownie base:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Grease a square baking tray with coconut oil and line tray with parchment paper.
In a large blender, mix all the brownie ingredients together until smooth.
Pour the brownie mix into the pan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Once cooked, allow the brownies to cool on a rack.
Chocolate drizzle:

You will need two separate mixing bowls for the white and dark chocolate drizzle.
Melt the cacao butter at low temperature and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Pour the chocolate drizzle over the cooled brownies.
Pop them in the fridge to set or enjoy them as warm brownies.**
Optional: Sprinkle some fresh pomegranate and dried cranberry seeds onto the brownies (after cooling in the fridge for 20 minutes).
Open
TGIF 🌿🌿

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
In our new winter issue we take a look at Dutch expat Nicole Hessing’s impressive home renovation in Clearwater Bay 🏡 Check out the article for all her tips and local recommendations 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig
Open
Good morning! We’ve got another delicious recipe from @charissa_and_co_wellness 💕

Recipe: Persimmon Vanilla Chia Porridge

Serves 2

Ingredients

PERSIMMON-VANILLA-CHAI-PORRIDGE.jpg
Chia Vanilla Milky Layer:

1/2 cup of chia Seeds
1.5 cup of coconut milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 servings of Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Vanilla 
1 tablespoon of tahini paste
2 Medjool dates
2 slices of fresh persimmon
Persimmon Coconut Porridge Layer:

1 whole persimmon chopped
1/2 cup of coconut yoghurt
2 tablespoons of coconut flakes
1 teaspoon of almond butter
Instructions

Chia Vanilla Milky Layer:

Blend all the ingredients together apart from the chia seeds.
Once the mix is well blended, add the chia seeds and mix well. Place in a glass jar and leave overnight in the fridge.
Persimmon Coconut Porridge Layer:

Blend all the ingredients together until creamy and smooth. Place in a glass jar, leave overnight in the fridge.
The next morning you can enjoy your porridge by layering your chia porridge with the persimmon porridge.
Optional: Add in between crunchy texture by sprinkling some raw buckwheat groats already activated or quinoa puffs
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.