Bridal Registries - What Every Bride Needs To Know


Creating a bridal gift registry is not difficult, but failing to do so could mean big trouble. Here are a few tips that every bride needs to know to avoid some embarrassing moments.

Every bride should create a gift registry. This is easy to do and it also provides your family and friends with specific items that are needed or wanted for your upcoming wedding. The gift registry eliminates the old problem of receiving three toasters, two coffee pots, and five sets of bath towels, all in the wrong color. Opening duplicate gifts at a shower or wedding can be an embarrassing situation for both the gift giver and receiver. Today, most stores, both small and large, have the ability for the bride and groom to create an online gift registry.

The first thing you need to do is begin taking stock of the things you need for your new home. For some couples, just about everything is needed from dishes to rugs to a barbecue grill. However, for couples who are mingling two homes, gift items will be far more select. In either case, you need to determine the gifts you want so people will know exactly what to buy.

Now, once your list is in hand, you want to determine the stores from which the gifts can be purchased. Keep in mind that while there is nothing wrong in choosing some expensive, high-end gifts, you also want to remember the people who will be paying for the gifts. As a result, choose items that you need but also affordable wedding gifts. By mixing the price ranges up, everyone has something from which to choose. However, you also want to maintain your style, as well as colors.

In selecting merchants, you could easily choose a number of retail stores that have thousands of great gifts, all very affordable. On the other end of the spectrum, you could choose a couple of reputable department stores for your crystal or china pieces. The great thing about an online gift registry is that when an item has been purchased from your want list, it shows the item is taken. Therefore, the person buying can then select something else not chosen by another guest. This will avoid an awkward situation, especially at a small or intimate bridal shower, where all your guests are watching you open your gifts.

The types of gifts you can register for is almost endless, from traditional items like the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, and so on, to less traditional stores like home improvement centers

Here are some other unique ideas you may want to consider:

Causes - The website at www.idofoundation.org allows family and friends to donate to a cause rather than buying actual gifts.

Green Gifts - Some couples are into nature, preferring organic things opposed to inorganic items. A great website, www.gaiam.com is an excellent place to visit.

Nature Lovers - Many couples are huge outdoors enthusiasts, loving to camp, backpack, swim, boat, etc. An excellent site that offers these types of gifts is located at www.rei.com.

As you can see, the number of possibilities for gift ideas are vast. However, you need to consider the people that will be attending your wedding or wanting to buy you gifts so you can make practical choices, but also not give up the items you need or want. With so many options, you can have the best of both worlds. Some great tips when registering for your wedding gifts include choosing complete sets, especially for kitchenware and going with specific colors to match your home.

Some of the more common items chosen include - bone and casual china, earthenware, ironstone, tableware, flatware, pots and pans, cutlery, bed skirts, duvets, rugs, towels, shower curtain, blankets, and the list goes on.

In summary, creating a bridal registry will be one of the easier things you will do while planning your wedding, however it's also one of the most important. Don' t take a chance of putting a guest in an awkward situation by skipping this step. Also, choose items you actually need to set up your new home but also gift ideas that people can afford. As a result, you will receive items that that you and your new spouse really need and want and that will fit beautifully into your new home.

L Hayes is a wedding professional and owner of Wedding Favors Emporium. They carry an extensive line of unique wedding favors as well as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and bridal shower gifts. For more information about wedding planning and wedding reception ideas, visit their website at: Wedding Favors Emporium.com

Selecting the Best Sticky Yoga Mat


You’ll probably be very pleased with your choice if you have decided to take up yoga. Your strength and flexibility will be increased by doing yoga on a regular basis and it will help you to focus your mind and teach you how to reach a state of tranquility in this busy and uncertain world. The best thing is that your new exercise program won’t require much equipment. A sticky yoga mat is the one major thing you will need.

Yoga teacher Angela Farmer came up with the idea for sticky yoga mats. Doing yoga while her hands and feet slipped out from under her caused frustration. Soon she started using carpet padding to do yoga. Her father soon took interested and patented the first sticky yoga mat. Then came the “Tapas Mat” under the Hugger Mugger company.

Today sticky yoga mats come in a dizzying array of colors and thickness. To find the right mat for you, it is best to take into account the workouts that you do along with your personal taste. A yoga mat at least four millimeters thick is needed by people who practice Ashtanga Yoga which is a fast paced type of yoga preferred by athletes. If you are very thin or frail and need extra padding then you might want to choose a thicker mat.

Other Considerations in Buying a Sticky Yoga Mat

There are dozens of different colors for sticky yoga mats. There are a few that also have pictures or patterns. Many health or sporting goods stores have sticky yoga mats and then there are countless yoga sites online. A basic mat will cost between fifteen and twenty dollars while a more specialized mat will cost you between thirty-five and forty dollars. You can find good deal on used or new sticky yoga mats by checking some of the online auction sites.

The chemicals that go into most sticky yoga mats are a concern for some people. If this is the case then you can choose to use a rubber mat, Gaiam mats, eco-Yoga mat or the Earth Elements mat. It is a little more expensive for these mats at about thirty-five dollars but you won’t have to worry about the toxins in the environment and find the higher price is worth it.

An important first step to practicing yoga is selecting the right sticky mat for your needs Yoga for Beginners.You will be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of yoga once you have a good mat Yoga Exercise.


How to Purchase Environmentally-Friendly Household Items


No home's interior design is complete without the proper bedding and bath accessories to pull the look together. You can find bed and bathroom products in a number of places and there are many different products available through the sustainable resources found across the Internet.

The following article highlights some places to find bedding and bath products for your home and also exposes a few environmentally-friendly choices you can make.

Bed, Bath and Beyond is a Large Retail Store

Bed, Bath and Beyond is one of the most popular stores that offers a vast selection of items for the home. Although this retail store specializes in bedroom or bathroom products, there are many products hight-lighted for many other areas of your home. You can dress your interior landscape from top to bottom at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Linens and Things is a Well Known Brand

Another fantastic option is a store like Linens and Things. This store is great for finding unique interior design products for bedding and bath. Linens and Things is organized much like Bed, Bath and Beyond and you can find plenty of other things aside from products for the bedroom and bathroom.

Trying Buying Organic, Recycled, or Sustainable Products

If you really want something different that is in line with your environmentally conscious shopping needs, you may want to opt for an organic retailer like Gaiam. This shopping site is pretty good. It offers not so common bedding and bath items manufactured from hemp or recycled materials. I love to browse through these kinds of stores. A person may experience a slightly higher cost for green, Earth-friendly items in the current shopping sites but this little extra cost is worth investment.

Buying Your Household Items on the Cheap

There are some who prefer something thrifty. There are plenty of places to find great deals on bedding and bath products. Outlet stores are ideal stopping points for finding some frugal deals for the home. These retailers often showcase high-end items at a fraction of the price.

Another great place to find a deal on bedding and bath products is the closeout store. Retailers like Big Lots offer discontinued items for the home. There are many great savings offered on odd shaped, or repackaged products as well. Many of the irregularities are not detectable and you can score big with a visit to one of these retailers.

Of course, there are the department store chains that boast everyday low prices and outstanding sales. You can locate many environmentally friendly bedding and bath products at local retail stores. There are more option emerging everyday. You can find just about all of the household items that you may need. One stop shopping is a wonderful option for busy people who want to find affordable products for their home in little time.

Shopping for Bedding and Bath Products is Best Online

My personal favorite place to shop is the Internet. There is a boatload of options related to bedding and bath products that can be sent right to your doorstep. I enjoy shopping from home. It makes it much easier to fin the organic, reusable, recycled, or sustainable products that I appreciate.

I find it really useful to lookup items online in one place. A number of Eco-friendly search engine can assist a person in researching many of the sustainable bedding and bath products for your home.

At Solargies, we plan to make the right Eco-friendly, green solutions available to the American homeowners. My role involves the leadership, communication, and the education related to the adoption solar energy system rentals. We provide homeowners the option to rent a solar electric system and avoid the huge, upfront investment in solar technology. Learn more at http://www.Solargies.com.


Give the Gift of Good Health



If you are anything like me, you are still scrambling to find last-minute gifts for the loved ones in your life. Why not go a little above and beyond and give them the gift of good health? I know it sounds a little corny, but compared to another sweater that they won't wear or a CD they will just end up exchanging, this is something that will actually make a difference in their lives. I know you don't have much time left for shopping so I have searched locally and on the web for the best healthy gifts that you can still get before December 24th (hurry most online orders are due today)!

Great Harvest Bread. One of my favorite and most inexpensive gifts to give (and receive) is a healthy and wholesome loaf from Great Harvest Bread. There are many great local bread companies but I love Great Harvest because they use freshly-milled whole grain wheat flour and they have some of the healthiest breads in town. I suggest you go with their gift pack which gives your recipient little cards that they redeem for 1 honey loaf, 1 loaf of their choice and a jumbo cookie, all for only $12.

Subscription to a Healthy Magazine. Some of my favorites are Cooking Light, Prevention, Shape, Fitness, Health and Men's Health. Most will be around $12-18 for a year's subscription and it really is a gift that gives all year long.

Gaiam Walk Fit Kit Pedometer. This little gem keeps track of daily steps and calories, plus it includes a stop watch and distance counter. Anyone trying to improve their health and stay more active will love this easy to use pedometer available at www.target.com for only $24.99.

CalorieSmart. I always say that weight loss is all about calories in and calories out. This portable, pocket sized, handheld device will take all the work out of monitoring your calories taken in from food and spent during exercise. It contains nutritional info for over 35,000 foods and even includes menu items from over 250 restaurants. Plus it allows you to enter your daily workouts so you know exactly where you stand at the end of the day. This is a wonderful tool that will certainly help take the headaches out of weight loss and food monitoring. $80 at www.amazon.com.

Local Lessons/Classes. I met a man the other day whose wife bought him a "Tennis in No Time" beginner's tennis class from a local tennis club four years ago. He's played tennis regularly ever since. Why not give your active loved one tennis lessons, golf lessons, a Yoga or Pilates class, dance lessons or a healthy cooking class? Sometimes something unexpected can end up being the best and most memorable gift. For ideas and types of classes available call local a Yoga studio, any of the local gyms, tennis or golf clubs or try looking up cooking lessons in the yellow pages.

Reebok Adjustable Weights. These are great for the home exerciser. They are space-saving, adjustable hand weights with 5 settings from 2.5 to 12.5 pounds each dumbbell. No more buying 3 or 4 sets of different hand weights - all you need is this one set and you are ready for any workout. $61.99 at Target or look for them online.

From a sickly little girl to a healthy chef to the stars, Darlene Nicholson transformed herself into The "Kick in the Butt" Healthy Lifestyle Expert and creator of the popular DVD "The Healthy Grocery Store Tour". Visit her website http://www.lifechanginghealthysolutions.com and get your complimentary copy of "Surviving the Holidays" Your "No Fail" Plan of Attack for Staying Healthy & Fit"


Tags: , ,

How to pick yoga mats

If you’ve reached the conclusion that yoga is the perfect thing for you at this point in your life, you probably know that you need to look for yoga classes somewhere in your area. However, for those who don’t have access to classes or do, but they don’t fit their immediate needs, there’s always the option of practicing yoga at home. And for this, you need a yoga mat – so check out yoga mat reviews and take your pick.

There’s a series of easy steps to be taken before starting to practice yoga in the comfort of your own home. First, you need a yoga walkthrough – they’re easy to find as either books or dvds are now widely available online. In fact you can find just about anything if you search the web, even if what you’re looking for is a childs yoga mat. It’s best to check out the available offers, find out what would be better for your use and then choose to buy something that will help you relax while practicing yoga.

While taking courses, you’ll probably have a mat available for use at the local yoga center. Otherwise you need to purchase one of your own. Still, you might want to buy one even if you’re taking a class. This way, you can be sure you can practice more, at home. So, look out for yoga mat reviews by either users or producing companies and decide which one helps release nervous tension more.

The first and probably most important criteria when buying a yoga mat or a pilates mat is its material. Its main purpose is to ease pain in certain positions and actually keep you from feeling the floor. As yoga mat reviews will most certainly point out, a thick yoga mat can seem to ease pain better, but it will also be stuffy and harder to carry around. Even more, it might not be as firm as needed. Therefore, the best choice for either pilates mats or yoga mats would be balanced between thickness and firm grip on the floor, depending on what style of yoga you’re practicing. Try a gaiam yoga mat. This brings us to our next point regarding the material the mat is made of. If it’s possible, buy an environment friendly mat (for example, instead of artificial, regular rubber yoga mats, the harmony natural rubber yoga mats are recommended). These are, of course, more expensive, but your body will be thankful.

The next step consists in actually matching the size (the length) of the mat to your height. You wouldn’t want a mat that is too small because who knows what injuries might occur. So depending on the available space and your dimensions, consider that the bigger the mats are, the better you feel on them.

Don’t forget to match apparently random elements to your preferences as well. Its color is crucial in determining your mood and the way you relate to it. Other small details also contribute to the overall effect. You could go for a sticky mat for example, which will have a better grip to the floor. You should also pay attention to the small bumps some yoga mats might have – they indicate which side should be up.

Any yoga fan with self respect should take care of his yoga mats accessories. Your yoga mat roll deserves to be transported around safely. The best way to choose your yoga mat carrier is also through yoga mat reviews. It would also be a great idea to own a yoga mat spray, ideally with an antibacterial yoga mat. Furthermore, according to yoga mat reviews, yoga mats need certain maintenance, but if you’ve made the right choice, it will undoubtedly hold out wonderfully in time.

One of the most influential mood factors when practicing yoga , especially for beginners, is the yoga mat. Pick it to best suit your requirements and you’ll soon find out how indispensable it is for rewarding yoga. To find out opinions from other users about their own experience with additional equipment, check out our yoga mat reviews.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_115342_23.html
Tags: , ,

Bring a Little Green Living Into Your Kid's Lives!



Everyone seems to be concerned about the ecology. We need to do our part in helping to create more environmental safe living conditions for our children.

The team at Showroom411.com has devoted an entire section of our website called "Living Green", which deals with many aspects of today's green issues. We would like to share with you; a few of the many things that will help preserve the safety of our most precious commodity, our children.

Did you know that 25% of the worlds pesticides and 10% of the world's insecticides are used on cotton crops each year? Choosing sustainable and lower impact goods such as organic cotton will reduce your personal consumption of natural resources and help you do your part in creating a healthy and balanced environment.

Trying to figure out what products are environmentally safe for our children can be a real challenge. From infants to toddlers, there are great steps you can take to make their lives better.

It's as simple as feeding a baby. It really is that simple because most plastic baby bottles are made with polycarbonate, a rigid durable plastic that has the potential to leach bisphenol A into your baby's drinks. Bisphenol A has been linked to a number of health concerns, including hormone disruption and some cancers, but preventing exposure is easy if you choose glass or safer plastic (#2, #4 or #5) bottles.

And it does not stop there. Since infants and children are more sensitive than adults to synthetic chemicals, it is particularly important that their clothing be made of natural, organic materials. The fact is that there are products that are made from 100% chemically untreated cotton which breath more easily than synthetic fibers. Clothes made with this do not emit toxic vapors from pesticides which are sometimes used in growth and manufacturing.

Look for baby clothes that are not made with synthetically dyed fabrics because they are not only safer for your children but will help give you peace of mind.

There are so many other products out there than help make Living Green a reality for our kids. From Chlorine-Free Baby Wipes and Diapers to Natural detergent that won't leave behind harmful residues that could irritate baby's sensitive skin.

With the environmentally safe bedding products that are now available, you can put your child's allergies and chemical sensitivities to rest with the exclusive bedding and linens made from pure organic cotton and other natural fibers - made especially for children.

We don't want to forget toys! Can you believe that there are complete lines of eco-friendly games and toys available as well? Imagine stuffed toys with no toxic content that are made from recycled sweaters and are so lovable it will feel like grandma made them for you.

How about board games? These games are made from recycled paper and are toxin free. They meet the Life Cycle Standard and are safe for your kids because they are made with vegetable inks for color and use water based non toxic coatings.

You have got to check out EnergyStar.gov! When you get to the homepage look for a bright yellow KIDS tab near the top of the page and click on it. It will take you to one of the most kid friendly and fun areas of the website, that will not only be educational for kids but for teachers and parents as well. I'm very serious about this; you have got to share this site with your kids.

With websites like Gaiam.com, SeventhGenration.com and GreenHome.com, there are an abundance of green living products in which to choose from. I believe that everyone will be amazed at what is available today and just bringing a few of these green products into your life will contribute to helping improve the lives of your children and of our world.

As a building professional for our 40 years, Rick Maselli wanted to reach out to homeowners and share his vast knowledge of the home improvement field.

In 2007, Rick founded RTM Directories Inc. and as president of this company his goal is to help the do-it-yourself people out there to have a one stop home improvement resource and that resulted in his new website, http://www.showroom411.com

Showroo411.com is Your Ultimate Home Improvement Resource which is free to the public and reflects all the hard work that Rick has put into to being a building professional who cared not just about the work he provided, but for people he worked for as well.



Environmental Awareness and Our Health

As Human Beings, we should all have the common goal of valuing the choices that will lead to enhancement of our Personal lives, our Communities and our Earth. In order for our Environment to be Healthy, the People within it must also be Healthy. We do this by becoming aware of the products that we use in our day to day lives, by living healthier lifestyles and through personal development.

Us as Humans tend to exploit our Environment. The same environment that we depend on for clean air and water. If our Environment does not protect us from harmful UV rays, does not prevent the spread of disease causing organisms and control pests then how will it sustain us?

Our Ecosystem has a natural balance which we should try to maintain. By using natural products we can reduce the amount of waste material we release into the environment. We can contribute to climate stability by simply planting more trees, which reduces Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere and hence reducing respiratory illnesses. A cleaner environment will have less disease causing organism and hence a healthier population.

Global Warming is a major concern. Global warming describes changes in climate due to human influence and results in increased temperatures. Naturally occurring processes contribute to Global Warming. Some of these include greenhouse emission of gases like Carbon Dioxide, water vapor, ozone, volcanic emissions and solar activity.

Increases in temperature can have devastating effects on us and our environment. Disease carrying organisms favor warmer temperatures, an example of which is the mosquito which spreads dengue fever which can be fatal. Increase in the number of disease causing organism can lead to increase in human mortality.

Other negative effects of Global Warming are increase in sea levels and subsequent damage to coastlines, increase in intensity and extreme weather conditions which can wipe out whole communities. Glacier retreat presents a problem. Fewer crops will be produced leading to greater malnutrition, less healthy individuals and animals.
Unnatural increase in greenhouse gases result from industrial production by burning of coal, oil and natural gas.
Many Environmental groups are advocating for action against Global Warming on the Consumer level. We can do our part by equipping our houses with environmentally friendly products and saving money at the same time through our purchases and changing lifestyles.

We need to be aware that their are Companies that also value our Environment, are aggressively promoting products that contribute to Healthy Lifestyles. Gaiam, pronounced Guy-Um, is one such Company. They are not only merchants for Health and fitness related products and services, but also are involved with conservation programs that so far have resulted in the planting of 52,000 trees which of course will increase absorption of Carbon Dioxide.

Gaiam’s products reflect Gaiam’s commitment to ensuring that our World is Healthier because we are utilizing eco-friendly products and Gaiam is delivering services that ensure our personal development.
In addition to media, Gaiam’s products include mind-body fitness and wellness solutions, organic cotton apparel and home textiles, and renewable energy solutions.

Let us renew our commitment to making ourselves both Healthy in mind and body and helping to preserve our home by using eco- friendly products.We might seem insignificant in the big picture, but our contributions will eventually add up.

The Author is a stay at home Mom having been disabled from the pain of RSD. Read about RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Find articles on Health, Travel and Environment as well as links to Health and Wellness Merchants. Locate Merchants with unique products. http://www.smahi.com

DVDs For Yoga



Yoga DVDs have the professionals on them doing actual shows to demonstrate the poses and meditation and the breathing of yoga. It is easy for those who want to learn the art of yoga at home and these DVDs will give them the ability to do so. It will give you the impression of having a teacher right there in front of you, teaching you each step to a pose just like in a yoga studio or a gym. There is some interesting yoga DVDs on the market today.

1. Power Yoga Total Body Workout - will show you how to get the strength from inside the body and bring it out to be used. You will also learn to cleanse the body through detox methods of heat in the body that will give you an inside strength, endurance, and go ability. This is a great CD for beginners on up to advanced levels for about fifteen dollars.

2. Gaiam Yoga Conditioning for Athletes Movies - will give you he learning necessary to take time from an athlete is game and give them some e better playing ability. This only lasts for about an hour and will give you great things like strong muscles and the ability to go longer and give you a sharper focus. You can get it also for about fifteen dollars.

3. Gaiam Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss Yoga Movies - will give you the unique routine that is best for you. It has won an award for the 2005 Self Magazine Fitness DVD. It will go through all the levels that will fit with your abilities with four different workouts that will help you to move up. You will see symbols on the screen that will let you know that the pose is one on a higher level. You will also be able to take advantage of the extra three hours of other things that cannot be added to the video tape. It is an alternative way for you to give your mind and body a way to loose weight and to keep it off for about fifteen dollars.

4. Gaiam Prenatal Yoga Movies - will give you the deep and best for your life as a woman. It is so easy to accomplish and will give you comfortable ways to better yourself while you are pregnant. This video will give you an hour of poses that will make you stronger and stretching that will give you more energy and help you to go longer. This video will give you what is necessary during childbirth for you to be able to focus on the ways to help with delivery and labor pains for about fifteen dollars.

You will find many DVDs for yoga that you can buy that will give those who try them the quick way to get the yoga at home when and where they want. The yoga on tape is a way for even the younger ones to enjoy the art of yoga.

You can also find more info on Yoga Apparel and Yoga Certification Videos. Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.



Tags: , ,

Social Values and Yoga



Yoga is a group of ancient practices that was originated in India. Yoga is primarily associated with some asana. Hatha Yoga has influenced entire dharmic (religious), family and other spiritual practices throughout the world. The yoga and Ayurveda are all about working with the forces of nature. These are not just material energies but powers of consciousness.

In India yoga and meditation is classified in to various types. There is a huge variety such as jnana yoga, karam yoga, bhakti yoga, kundalini yoga, mantra yoga, purna yoga and raj yoga. Bhakti is an Indian word which means devotion, so bhakti yoga is all about love and devotion, Hatha yoga represents the easy yoga styles, karam yoga depends on self action and services, jnana yoga emphasis use of mind to exceed mind, Kundalini Yoga comprises the use of sexual experience for enlighten and knowledge. In Mantra Yoga the person has to chant words till the mind and emotions are transcended. Purna Yoga stresses on the significance of Karma in daily life. Raja Yoga offers a solution for complete and holistic healing.

The social values are dependent on your personality. If your personal values are your foundation then your social values is your building. How deep and strong your foundations go, is how high and erect the building you place upon it.

If you are regular performer of yoga then the great thing about yoga is that it keeps your spine strong and erect. You are tall and straight and you are able to walk with purpose and pose thus you are confident and clear. You are full of energy and you have that warm glow, you have control and focus. You are true to others because you are true to you.

Yoga can accelerate the sense of duty and responsibility as human beings. The biggest virtue of Yoga is that the individual is in full command of his own. The power of Hath Yoga is so strong that after some weeks of practice, an individual is so lost that he/she no longer knows himself/herself and each person notices a change in his bearing and reaction.

Read about Body Building Tips. Also read about Fitness Programs and Quick Weight Loss Diet
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_609054_23.html

Tags: , ,

Sleep Well in Your Green Bedroom



We all know about the benefits of eating organic foods and using eco-friendly free cleaners and other household items, but now this toxin-free existence has extended into other areas of the house. Apparently a tidy, relatively dust-free bedroom just doesn't cut it anymore in today's chemical ridden society.



How green is your rug? Natural products such as jute or wool are the most desirable.



Your bedroom furniture may be oozing toxic gases. Anything composed of particle board or panelling and left unsealed, can emit formaldehyde and has the potential to cause difficulty in breathing, watery eyes, or allergies. Extreme levels have been known to cause cancer in animals and humans.



When you're painting your walls, look for a low VOC brand that contains less toxins. A good rule of thumb is, the stronger the paint smell after you put it on the wall, the higher the level of toxicity.



How many of us are sleeping on an organic bed? An organic bed emits no toxic chemicals and provides a healthy sleep environment.



Most traditional mattresses are made with fire retardant chemicals which seep out, only to be absorbed by our pores and lungs while we are sleeping. After ingesting various chemicals throughout our average day, it gives our bodies a much needed rest if we omit these toxins from our sleeping hours. This is especially true when you consider that people spend about one third of their life in bed.



Some of the common toxins emitted during sleep include:



  • Formaldehyde, a chemical which is used in many adhesives and can cause eye and throat irritation and headaches.

  • Carcinogenic flame-retardants (known as PBDE’s), many of which are banned in Europe and some U.S. States.

  • Decabromodiphenyl Oxide, a brominated flame retardant now being found in women's breast milk.



Here are a few of the green features in organic bedding and mattresses:



  • Natural latex cores wrapped in a natural flame retardant such as cotton or wool

  • Emission-free mattresses that contain neither glue nor adhesives (these can emit toxic fumes for the first 2-3 years)

  • Natural fiber bedding that not only breathes, but naturally resists dust mites
  • Any cotton material used in the production of the bedding should be unbleached. Traditional cotton is not an acceptable choice due to its exposure to large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers prior to harvesting.

  • No PBDE’s (fire retardants)

  • Hypo-allergenic

  • Made in a chemical-free manufacturing plant



Various affordable green mattress retailers include IKEA, Cozypure, Gaiam Greensleep/Vimala and EcoChoices.



This article was written on behalf of Mark Zawaideh, a top sales associate in the United States, and based in the Northville Michigan real estate market. If you're looking to buy or sell property in the Canton MI real estate area, be sure to visit Mark at MarkZProperties.com.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_461837_27.html