To our brave service members past and present: we thank you for your service and dedication. We are thinking of you and the loved ones we have lost this Memorial Day.
And for those families awaiting the return home of your soldiers, this is what you have to look forward to:
Did you know that federal law requires mattresses to pass vigorous open-flame flammability tests? These tests are usually passed with the use of chemical flame retardants. It is a proven fact that chemical flame-retardants offgas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Knowing that, are these flame retardants really helping? An article written by Sam Roe and Patricia Callahan for the Chicago Tribune discusses how research was manipulated by chemical companies to increase the need for the flame retardants. Included is an interview with the study’s lead author, Vytenis Babrauskas.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
CHICAGO — Twenty-five years ago, scientists gathered in a cramped government laboratory and set fire to specially designed chairs, TVs and electrical cables packed with flame retardants For the next half-hour, they carefully measured how much the chemicals slowed the blaze.
It was one of the largest studies of its kind, and the chemical industry seized upon it, claiming the results showed that flame retardants gave people a 15-fold increase in time to escape fires.
Manufacturers of flame retardants would repeatedly point to this government study as key proof that these toxic chemicals – embedded in many common household items – prevented residential fires and saved lives.
But the study’s lead author, Vytenis Babrauskas, told the Chicago Tribune that industry officials have “grossly distorted” the findings of his research, which was not based on real-world conditions. The small amounts of flame retardants in typical home furnishings, he said, offer little to no fire protection.
“Industry has used this study in ways that are improper and untruthful,” he said.
The misuse of Babrauskas’ work is but one example of how the chemical industry has manipulated scientific findings to promote the widespread use of flame retardants and downplay the health risks, a Tribune investigation shows. The industry has twisted research results, ignored findings that run counter to their aims and passed off biased, industry-funded reports as rigorous science.
As a result, the chemical industry successfully distorted the basic knowledge about toxic chemicals that are used in consumer products and linked to serious health problems, including cancer, developmental problems, neurological deficits and impaired fertility.
Industry has disseminated misleading research findings so frequently that they essentially have been adopted as fact. They have been cited by consultants, think tanks, regulators and Wikipedia, and have shaped the worldwide debate about the safety of flame retardants.
One series of studies financed by the chemical industry concluded that flame retardants prevent deadly fires, reduce pollutants and save society millions of dollars.
The main basis for these broad claims? A scientific report so obscure that it is available only in Swedish.
When the Tribune obtained a copy and translated it, the report revealed that many of industry’s wide-ranging claims can be traced to information regarding just eight TV fires in western Stockholm more than 15 years ago.
Although industries often try to spin scientific findings on the safety and effectiveness of their products, the tactics employed by flame retardant manufacturers stand out.
Tom Muir, a Canadian government research analyst for 30 years, called the broad claims based on the eight Stockholm TV fires “the worst example I have ever seen of deliberate misinformation and distortion.”
The American Chemistry Council, the leading trade group for the industry, said flame retardants are safe products that help protect life and property. “ACC’s work is grounded in scientific evidence, as we believe regulatory decisions related to chemistry must be evaluated on a scientific basis,” the trade group said in a written statement.
But when the Tribune asked the trade group to provide research that showed flame retardants are effective, the council initially provided only one study – the one Babrauskas wrote and now says is being distorted by industry.
The full article is available HERE.
OMI has developed a system that allows us to use Naturally Safer® wool as our only flame retardant. As a result, our mattresses are able to pass federal flame tests without the use of toxic chemicals or silica barriers. To use any form of chemical flame retardant in our products would violate our ethical standards and integrity. We stand by our purity so you and your family can have a safer place to rest your head at night.
Keep watching this blog for more information on mattress flammability laws and how we pass them.
Here is a beautiful testimony from an OMI customer family.
The Toll Family
“My triplets (2 boys, 1 girl) are closing in on 5 years old. Both of the boys, Cooper and Carson, have Autism and my daughter Camryn also has chemical sensitivities. Most people do not realize that Autism is not only a neurological disorder, but it also affects multiple systems within the body, including the body’s ability to detox chemicals and metals. Since learning this, I have made it my mission to rid my children’s environment of as many toxins as humanly possible, thus lowering their body’s total toxic burden. It has been a process for sure, but I am a determined mother who wants to provide every opportunity for their little bodies to heal and grow.
We have been on this journey for just over 2 years now, and were ready for the next step in cleaning up their environment. I came across the New Living and Green Painter stores upon an Internet search for toxin free paints and mattresses. I called and was lucky enough that Adam Brackman was willing to meet my husband and I on July 4th (when the store was closed) to discuss our needs and see the products both stores had to offer.”
“New Living proves that going green doesn’t always come with a higher price tag, however, we sometimes struggle to be able to provide for everything that our special family needs. We would only be able to afford two of the mattresses for the boys at this time and would hopefully be able to buy Camryn her own non-toxic mattress later in the year. When it came time for the mattresses to be delivered, Adam and his crew showed up to deliver the two mattresses. We had already prepared our daughter, telling her that today was about her brothers getting beds and she would get her own “big girl” bed soon. Camryn was filled with joy to see her brothers new beds, but felt a little left out and asked, “when do I get my own bed?” We were prepared to repeat what we had been telling her, but to all of our surprise, Adam said “How about today?” and miraculously pulled a third mattress out of the truck for her! He had worked behind the scenes and with some help from OMI and his family, and together they had taken care of her mattress. Wow! We were thrilled and Camryn was on her own “big girl” bed in minutes!
Adam and OMI went to great lengths to work with our family to make our mission a reality. We are TRULY thankful to him for all of his efforts and are humbled by his sensitivity to our mission and circumstance!!! Thank you Adam, OMI and New Living!”
Thank you!!
Regards– The Toll Patrol
Amber, Dale, Cooper, Carson, and Camryn
Here’s a little video to bring some laughs to your Monday.
850 people in New Orleans were knocked back onto mattresses in “human dominos” to break the world record for the number of people taking part.
Who says mattresses are just for sleeping?
My husband and I decided it was time to invest in a better night’s sleep, so we began the hunt for our perfect OrganicPedic® mattress. Seeing how I am less than 5 feet tall and my husband is well over 6 feet tall, it makes finding a mattress that we can agree on almost impossible.
After testing all the mattresses we arrived at a stalemate. I melted into the Terra Plush while my husband loved the feel of the Flora Nouveau -complete opposites. What solution could we come to if we couldn’t agree which is the most comfortable for us? The answer came in the form of the Duo. The Duo was a lifesaver!
The Duo is a 10” mattress, with dual sleep zones to allow each sleeper to their own preferred comfort. Each side of the mattress has three individually sleeved layers of premium 100% natural rubber surrounded by certified organic cotton, and is available in many different comfort options. Your OMI retailers can help you figure out which configuration is right for you. Click HERE to find a retailer near you. The sculpted surface of the top layer provides the ultimate in comfort and pressure point relief. This mattress has a removable cover and dual-zone internal layers that can be customized to accommodate each sleeper’s preference. It is an everlasting mattress, meaning we can rearrange the layers and even change the firmness levels as our bodies change over time.
After playing around with the layers, we were each able to create the ideal comfort level we wanted. My side has a medium bottom layer and an extra soft middle layer while my husband chose a firm for both the bottom and middle layer.
MSRP (mattress only): twin $3495 • full $4395 • queen $5295 • king $6495
Foundation sold separately
For more information on the OrganicPedic mattresses click HERE. (link)
Sometimes it is important to take some time and appreciate the beauty of our world. This video is just a minute taste of the wonders that span the Earth.
Here at OMI, we strive to lessen the impact that we make on the world. OMI has the only GOTS certified organic mattress Eco-Factory™ in North America.
From start to finish, we offer you the purest products available. Our organic natural mattresses start from “scratch” with bales of raw certified organic cotton and Naturally Safer® wool. These raw materials are then sanitized in the only non-chemical ozone chamber in our industry before being built into your organic natural mattress to make certain that unhealthful levels of mold, yeast, or bacteria will never enter your home. The organic raw materials used in our natural mattresses come from sources as close to home as possible, and we are proud to support American organic farmers. Waste is also very limited as the factory has only 1 traditionally sized trashcan, as almost all the waste from production is recycled.
Here are some of the fun ways we celebrated Earth Day: “10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day”.
Insist on a Purity Guarantee.
Click HERE to see our Purity Guarantee.
Misleading advertising has invaded our industry. How can you compare all the choices among companies that claim to have the “best” products at the “best” prices? Like the difference between fast food and fine dining, similar materials may be used, but the results can be dramatically different. Not all organic mattresses are created equal.
Companies are making false claims to dupe consumers into buying. The organic mattress industry is experiencing increasing levels of fraud, with companies making outrageous claims online about their mattresses being “nontoxic,” “chemical-free,” “organic,” or “hypoallergenic.” Some of the claims aren’t even possible, and the rest can be verified only with third-party certification by USDA-approved certifiers using organic requirements such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
Without independent testing and certification, there really is no way to know what a mattress contains. Basing decisions solely on a company’s unverifiable claims is risky business. Just because it’s on the web doesn’t mean it’s true.
Regardless of what you’ll see on some websites, it’s impossible for anything to be “truly chemical-free” or “100% nontoxic” – even the purest untouched wilderness landscape contains some chemical traces, and pure spring water can be toxic in high-enough doses.
It is possible to have is extremely low levels of chemical offgassing, however. And that’s what we’ve proven with our certification from the prestigious GREENGUARD® Environmental Institute. We pass their most rigorous standard, for Children and Schools, passing tests for offgassing of hazardous chemicals that measure down to parts per billion at levels that are virtually nonexistent. Third parties guarantee that what we say is true.
We’ve always made the purest mattress available. From day one, we’ve set the standard for organic purity. From the U.S.-grown, certified raw materials we use to our GOTS-certified organic Eco-Factory to the GREENGUARD certification for chemical offgassing of our finished products, our facility, materials, processes, and products are independently certified every step of the way. We even guarantee that we make the purest mattress available with our Purity Guarantee, which states that “If you can find a purer mattress, we’ll give you ours for FREE!”
That proud tradition continues with the introduction of the world’s first certified organic mattresses. Our Classic Innerspring is certified organic as a finished product by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Enjoy this Earth Day by choosing an activity that helps or honors this planet that we call home.
Trees are not only beautiful but provide habitats for plants and animals as well. Your local nursery will be able to help decide what will work in your area.
Visit a local park, river or lake to see the beauty that is Mother Nature. Take the kids along and give them a lesson on the plants and wildlife that are indigenous to your area.
Spend a few hours at a local park picking up litter so that the area is clean and useable for all.
Pick a new recipe and cook an entire meal made with locally grown vegetables and non-processed foods to share with friends and family.
Take the time to evaluate your recycling and see if there are ways to improve upon it or establish a system. See our earlier blog “How to Create a Recycling System that Fits Your Lifestyle” HERE.
Many people do not realize that most household appliances use electricity even when not in in use. Be sure that all your appliances are unplugged when not in use to eliminate waste.
Don’t have the space to plant a tree? Try planting a renewable vegetable or herb garden. If you have a smaller yard, the vegetables and herbs can be planted in larger pots and placed on decking.
Switch all you paper bills to E-bills and pay bills online to eliminate excess and unnecessary paper.
Spend the evening without technology and electronics. Read a book, have a family game night or visit friends and family.
Donate to your favorite charity or organization- time, energy or anything you can give.
Easter is a great time to celebrate Mother Nature, so skip the plastic grass and artificially sweetened candy and opt for organic treats and eco-friendly gifts.
Pick a Basket that can be Reused
Chose a reusable container that can be used again and again. Sand pails and toy toolboxes make for fun toys that can be played with later.
Recycle a basket and give it a fresh look with new ribbon.
Ditch the Fake Grass Filler
Stay away from the dreaded and irritating plastic grass that finds a way to stick to everything in your house. Use shredded fabric from old clothes or blankets to add color and texture. Or go with shredded newspaper, magazines or printer paper.
Fill your Basket with Organic Treats and Earth-Friendly Toys
There are many different organic treats that can be put into the Easter basket; here is a list of a few great options:
Vegan Organic Easter Bunnies and Assorted Chocolates
Sjaak’s makes an all-natural, sweet dark chocolate bunny and assorted chocolate boxes. It’s 100% organic, Fair Trade Certified and completely vegan. Visit the SJaak’s website HERE for more information.
Surf Sweets Natural Jelly Beans
Their complete line of all natural, organic gummy candy and jellybeans is completely free of additives, dyes and preservatives. Surf Sweets stands by their motto of “If it doesn’t exist in nature, you won’t find it in Surf Sweets.” Visit the Surf Sweets website HERE for more information.
Yummy Earth Organic Candy
No chemicals, no artificial flavors, and no corn syrup. The line includes many different candies from lollipops to sour jellybeans in 21 delicious flavors with real fruit extracts and delicious taste! They have something for everyone! Visit the Yummy Earth website HERE for more information.
Lifekind Certified Organic Cotton Bunny
A cute, cuddly and healthy bunny for Easter that is sure to delight children of all ages. The huggable, floppy-eared, handmade bunny is a Lifekind® original. Made with safe, certified organic materials, it’s covered in super-soft terry fleece, the body is stuffed with organic buckwheat hulls, and the head, arms, and legs are filled with organic cotton. Visit the Lifekind website HERE for more information.
Made by Me Wood Toys
Made by Me toys are beautiful wooden toys that are designed and crafted in Vermont, USA. All their products are made from local sustainable hardwood. These toys are great as they are not only fun to play with but you get to build and decorate them too. These toys come in many different designs such as trucks, racecars, trains and more. Visit the Little Cool Toys website HERE for more information.
Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs
You do not need to use harsh and toxic chemicals to dye your Easter eggs. Chose the safer and healthier option by using organic products that can be found in your kitchen.
Boil eggs with all natural ingredients, such as brown onion skins for orange, red cabbage for sky blue or carrot tops for green. Or experiment and see what colors nature can give you!
Soak hard-boiled eggs in grape juice for lavender, beet juice for pink or strong brewed coffee for brown.
Have fun with all the organic possibilities out there, and here’s wishing you a happy, healthy Easter!
When customers ask us which mattresses we love, it’s hard to decide because there are so many wonderful choices. So when the time came to buy a mattress for my 5-year-old daughter, I knew I had a tough decision to make. I chose the Fusion, since it’s a great combination of both natural rubber and innersprings that can offer the support needed to accommodate my daughter for years to come. The Fusion offers comfort at a wonderful price!
This 10”, two-sided mattress is the “best of both worlds,” combining a sturdy innerspring core with the supportive 100% natural rubber latex. The innerspring coil system is covered on both sides with certified organic cotton canvas and several layers of our sanitized certified organic cotton padding. The padding is covered with another layer of cotton canvas, then internally hand-tufted to keep the padding from shifting and to minimize body impressions. Finally, a luxurious 2” layer of 100%-natural rubber latex is added to the top and bottom surfaces, for increased cushioning, and it’s finished with our signature OrganicPedic® quilting.
MSRP (mattress only): twin $2395 • full $2995 • queen $3195 • king $4295
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