sustainable sleep for a healthier planet

When the lights go out and your head sinks into the pillow, it’s easy to forget the world outside your bedroom. But the choices you make at bedtime can echo far beyond your four walls. They can shape forests, oceans and the air we breathe. They can give plastic bottles a second life, keep waste out of landfills and help protect the planet we all call home. 

This year, World Environment Day invites us to dream bigger and act bolder - for the sake of future generations and the fragile ecosystems we rely on. And here at Silentnight, we’re proud to be doing our part. From our carbon-neutral manufacturing to our recycled bedding materials, we’re making waves in sustainable sleep. 

Let’s take a closer look at how sleep and sustainability go hand in hand, and how your bedtime routine could become a gentle nod towards climate action. 

when is world environment day?

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on the 5th of June. It’s a global reminder that we only have one Earth, and it’s up to all of us to protect it. Its led by the United Nations, bringing countries, communities and companies together to raise awareness, share ideas and take meaningful action. It also gives the rest of us the time to reflect on the impact we have on the planet and to think about what more we can do to protect our home. 

We believe small changes make a big difference. So while World Environment Day invites the world to take action, we’re proud to show how every bedtime can be a step towards a more sustainable future. 

what’s happening to our planet?

Our planet faces many concerns; from rising global temperatures that disrupt weather patterns to melting polar ice that trigger devastating floods and droughts. And this is all happening now. We’re facing more extreme weather, shrinking habitats and rising sea levels. Climate change also affects what we eat and where we live. Deforestation, pollution and fossil fuel use have pushed us to the edge, and scientists warn that if we don’t act now some of the damage will be irreversible. But here’s the good news: by working together, we can ease the pressure. And it all starts with understanding the problem and making more mindful choices.

sustainable living for a greener way forward

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to make a difference. Living sustainably is about everyday habits and conscious decisions that, over time, add up. You could: 

• Walk, cycle or take public transport more often 

• Eat less meat and opt for local, seasonal produce 

• Cut back on single-use plastics 

• Use water and energy more efficiently 

• Shop more consciously and only buy what you need 

• Choose products made from recycled or renewable materials 

• Avoid fast fashion and look for ethical alternatives 

• Invest in sustainable bedding and furniture made with care 

When you sleep in a sustainable bed, on sustainable bed sheets, supported by a sustainable bed frame, you’re not just drifting off – you’re giving back.

how we’re leading the way in sustainability

It goes without saying that we believe in creating a better, cleaner and greener future. We’re proud to be the UK’s most trusted sleep brand, and even prouder to say we’re also one of the most sustainable. Here’s how we’re turning sleep into a force for good: 

• We’re a carbon-neutral plus business with independent verification 

• We’ve committed to net-zero emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement 

• We’ve reduced our carbon emissions by 49% in just four years 

• We use 100% renewable electricity at our manufacturing sites 

• 70% of our raw materials are sourced close to our Lancashire headquarters, cutting fuel consumption by one million kilos 

We’ve also become the first sleep brand to join The Climate Pledge and the Science-Based Targets initiative, ensuring our actions align with keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees.

a zero-waste, planet-positive business

Behind the scenes, we’re working hard to ensure our business leaves no waste behind. Our zero-to-landfill policy means every scrap of material, whether it’s food, foam, paper or polythene, is either recycled or repurposed. Here’s how:  

• Mattress disposal sees foam turned into children’s play mats, metal melted down, and fillings reused in protective clothing 

• Wood waste and chipboard are transformed into pet bedding 

• Even our packaging has changed; by no longer double-bagging mattresses, we’ve halved our plastic use 

We also support reforestation projects in the UK, Kenya and the Amazon, helping to balance carbon emissions and restore biodiversity. And we’ve rolled up our sleeves for coastal clean-ups with the Marine Conservation Society - because sustainability isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we do.

from plastic to pillow

Every minute, another mountain of plastic is created, and much of it ends up in landfills or swirling through our oceans. But what if that waste could be transformed into something useful? Our Eco Comfort range does just that. From pillows and duvets to mattresses and toppers, each product is using recycled plastic bottles that would otherwise pollute the planet. 

• Each Eco Comfort pillow prevents the equivalent of 17 plastic bottles from ending up in the ocean 

• Each Eco Comfort duvet or topper saves 30 bottles 

• And every Eco Comfort Breathe mattress keeps 150 plastic bottles from landfills 

The bottles are cleaned, flaked, melted and spun into high-performance fibres that offer breathable, comfortable support - so you can sleep soundly, knowing your bedding’s kinder to the Earth.  

Sustainability doesn’t stop at materials. It’s a mindset. Because when you lie back at night, it should be with a clear conscience. No tossing, no turning - just peace of mind that your sleep is making a difference. So this World Environment Day, join us in dreaming of something better. 

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