Ah, there's nothing like a good night's sleep. Essential to our well-being, most of us spend about a third of our lives in bed. That's a significant amount of time that we are in very close contact with the things that make up our sleeping environment.

The micro-environment that we wrap ourselves up in when we sleep can have a major effect on our health and comfort. Mattresses, sheets, blankets and pillows are not a very exciting topic to me -- hey, I'm a guy. But since we spend such a large percentage of our total time in very close proximity to these materials, they deserve a little thought.

Let's take a closer look at how we can apply the principles of green living to our sleeping environment.

In our modern society, we often improve products through chemistry. Fire retardants have been applied to bedding materials for years and many of these chemicals are now banned in other countries due to their toxicity. Foams made from petrochemicals can release toxins as well. Pesticides, dyes and other chemicals are often found in the most common materials.

Now, I've never seen a brown cloud forming above the duvet, but when one's nose is only inches away from these products for hours at a time, you are breathing whatever they might be releasing.

For example, I purchased one of those memory foam pillows once, hoping it would help a stiff neck. The odor from the foam was so strong that I returned the product. Our sense of smell can often be a good indicator of a potential problem, but not every chemical has an odor so it's important to do your homework. Fortunately, there are products available that are free from these potential hazards.

Just as organic food can help create a healthier diet, organic bedding can help create a healthier sleeping environment. Organic cotton, wool and natural latex are some of the materials found in these products. Natural latex (from the rubber tree) is naturally dust mite repellant, hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial.

Since a full latex mattress is dense and has no springs, it is very stable and motionless, even when someone else may be tossing and turning. In other words, what happens on their side, stays on their side.

There are several sources for organic bedding. One good company is Royal Pedic (www.royal-pedic.com). If you supply a doctor's note they can make your mattress without the fire retardant chemicals. Since I don't smoke and I stopped welding in bed years ago, I think I'd be better off choosing this more natural approach.

An organic mattress cover is a good solution for those who want to keep their existing bed. Often made from various combinations of natural latex, wool and cotton, these covers are just a few inches thick but provide a healthy layer on which to sleep.

Sheets, blankets and pillowcases made from organic materials can easily be ordered online.

Cotton is one of the most chemical-intensive crops grown in the United States. By buying organic cotton products, we not only lessen our direct exposure, but we vote with our dollars for more sustainable farming practices that promote better soils and healthier conditions for farm workers.

Another company I'd like to mention is WoolieBees. This curiously named company manufactures some great bedding products made from natural New Zealand wool. You will find some great information on its pillows, comforters and mattress pads at www.wooliebee.com.

Most of us want to make a difference, live healthier lives and improve our environment. With some thoughtful bedding selections, green living becomes so easy we can do it in our sleep.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Steve can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz or at www.greendream.biz.