This post is contributed by MemoryFoam, a leader in eco-friendly natural mattresses and memory foam.

Life is about balance. Certainly Zen is about balance. Environmental and “green” issues are also about balance.  We must be part of the planet, working with natural resources instead of just consuming them.

Sleep is essential for health, but the products we select are also essential for the survival of the natural resources of the planet.

There is a responsibility in the selections we make, the products we buy and the process that creates them; all must be in tune with what is good for today and for tomorrow.

There has been much written on the importance of sustainability and environmentally friendly manufacturing and products. It’s easy to be caught up in the hype, buying things because they are trendy and seem “green”.

It is important to know the company manufacturing and selling your products. We must ask: what is their commitment to the planet, and how does their manufacturing process contribute to that commitment?

Mattresses are a great example. There is much muss and fuss over which type or style mattress to buy. But when you look at the manufacturing process, the raw materials and the finishes, one can determine a clearer picture of the company’s commitment to healthy and eco-friendly sleep.

Memory foam is a perfect example. This was an engineered product, designed to relieve pain and support a better night’s sleep without the pressure points of a coil or innerspring mattress. Early versions of memory foam often involved a petroleum or polyurethane process that resulted in toxic odors and allergic reactions. In some cases this included exposure to dangerous chemicals, chopped foam and filler to make the bed dense but without engineering it for restful, healthy sleep.

But when you look at a company like MemoryFoam, you can see the commitment to changing the manufacturing process. The raw materials are not chemical compounds, but all natural plant materials. There are no fumes or allergens in the production process. The fabric finishes are organic cotton rather than synthetics. The company works to reduce waste in the manufacturing plant, to select healthy raw materials and to deliver a product that surpasses industry standards.

There is balance in responsible manufacturing. There is delivery of a healthy product that improves the quality of life without stripping away precious resources from the earth and future generations.

Sleep is nearly a third of your life. It is a commitment to your health and well-being. Balance the investment in your mattress with your commitment to the planet. Balance your sleep with the Zen of sustainable, responsible manufacturing.