Reduce, reuse, recycle: a mantra that gained popularity during the 70s with the passing of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.* As a zero-waste brand focused on sustainability, we recognize how these words remain applicable in today’s world. Data shows an upward trend in the amount of trash produced each year; over 11 million tons of textile waste were added to landfills in 2018 – a ton of which was bedding and towels.** From spent candle jars to old mascara wands, you may be surprised by how much “garbage” can find a fresh use and old bedding is no exception. Spring cleaning is a time when many purge their homes of items they no longer need, but before you toss your tired sheets consider upcycling them.

Blankets and sheets are excellent sources of yardage. If you’re more advanced in your sewing skills, you can make easy mock-ups for complex designs without wasting expensive fabric, but don’t worry if you’re a novice. There are still plenty of projects that benefit from worn bedding, and you can find countless free patterns and video tutorials to help you if you get stuck. Faded fabric can be redyed and reused. Heavyweight bedding, like throw blankets and comforters, is good for jackets, curtains, or even winter pajama pants. To use up your lighter-weight fabrics, consider making a pillowcase dress. These simple garments only require a straight stitch and are excellent donations if you don’t have a child in your life. Basic aprons, bandanas, hair scrunchies, tote bags, and drawstring pouches are also easy to tackle and take less than an afternoon to construct. In the hands of children, old sheets and blankets are affordable fuel for the imagination. Cloaks, tents, and puppet theatres don't require the use of a needle and thread, though industrious kids may enjoy learning to sew clothes for dolls or costume pieces for themselves. Please remember that adult supervision may be required for children using crafting tools.

Sewing may not be your preference, but there are options available that require minimal to no stitching. When stretched across a frame and prepped with gesso, you can use your sheets to make a canvas. If they have holes, use them for packing material, dust covers, or cleaning rags. Patches can be made from smaller scraps, and you can paint or embroider them for extra pizazz. Other options include using them for picnics or (if you live in an area with frequent cold weather) emergency blankets to keep in your car.

Pillows also have the potential to fulfill a different job! If they’re stuffed with down, you can save the feathers, clean, and reuse them, but what about polyfill products? Like sheets, polyfill pillows make excellent packing materials, but their uses don’t end there. Recycling your pillows as a door draft stopper helps to keep waste out of landfills and reduces your electric bill. Sew them together to create a “floor raft” for children’s sleepovers and family movie nights or keep them around as kneeling pads for housework. If you have sagging couch cushions, plump them up with pillow stuffing. Furry friends can also benefit from new stuffing in their toys or beds, and if you don’t have a pet, animal shelters often accept donations.

Knowing what to do with old bedding doesn’t help if you don’t have the right tools. Don't hesitate to connect to the resources around you! Having community support helps you find supplies and get guidance, plus it gives you an outlet to offer your own materials. If you don’t have the time or desire to recycle bedding, “pay nothing” groups are excellent ways to get it in the hands of someone who can put it to service. We strive to be more than a mattress company, and being environmentally mindful is a key component of our values. Spring cleaning allows us to refresh our homes. Why not use the opportunity to cut landfill waste and breathe new life into old linens?

Sources: Florida West Coast PBS, Environmental Protection Agency