The 6 R's of Sustainable Bedding

Green Luxury Made Possible

The Sustainability of Down-Filled Bedding 

In the realm of luxury bedding, down-filled products have long reigned supreme. But beyond their sumptuous comfort lies a deeper story of sustainability and eco-friendliness that often goes untold. From ethical sourcing to reduced carbon footprint, down-filled bedding exemplifies sustainable living in the most luxurious way possible. Join us and discover what makes down-filled bedding the epitome of sustainable luxury. 

Recently there has been a strong trend on the “5 R’s” of sustainability. When we analyze down-filled bedding we discover that it fits perfectly in the description. When looking into the literature, there were different definitions, so we created our list. We decided to add another one because St Genève products are that good! But what are the “6 R’s” of sustainability that we chose to use, you might ask. 

1. Respect: We respect the environment by reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting sustainability. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we aim to protect natural ecosystems and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

2. Reduce: Buy what you need, decrease waste and carbon footprint. 

3. Reuse: Choose items that can be used multiple times, the longer the better. 

4. Repurpose: When an item no longer works in its intended form, you can reuse its parts and create something new. Donations are a great way to give a second life to materials.

5. Recycle: We choose components that can be transformed and rescued from ending as waste. 

6. Reset: This is one of the most important areas and is heavily overlooked. Reset or Rot stands for materials that are compostable and can go back into the soil or the environment without harming nature. 

Explore with us how St Genève’s products adhere to these principles, from their sourcing through production to their final destination.

RESPECT

Our ethical and sustainable sourcing is at the heart of everything we do, therefore:

• We partner with farms that uphold the highest standard of humane treatment for their geese and ducks, ensuring both the welfare of the animals and the exceptional quality of the down.  

• We source from regions such as Canada and the European Union, where birds are raised to maturity on family farms, ensuring every down-filled product is crafted with compassion and responsibility. 

• We use fabrics that undergo physical down-proofing processes, eliminating the need for chemical coatings and reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful substances. 

• We use materials like cotton and TENCEL™, avoiding polyester and petroleum-based fabrics to reflect our commitment to sustainability and responsible production.

REDUCE

The reduction of consumption, waste and carbon footprints, are three areas that guide many decisions inside of St Genève. From our sourcing to our production facility, you can find multiple examples of this strong principle. In our down-filled duvets and pillows, you can see other ways in which we decrease our footprint.

By sourcing mature down we lower the carbon footprint, given that young down may disintegrate after a few years of use. Mature down on the other hand, maintains its insulating properties for decades reducing the need for frequent replacements and subsequent waste generation.

You can reduce your footprint by decreasing heating in your home. With duvets on beds and sofas, you can turn down the thermostat. The USA Energy Administration states that a reduction of 3° F while you're asleep can save about five percent off your annual heating bill. Imagine the benefits if you turn it down by 10° F or more!

Moreover, the International Down and Feather Bureau's recent study reaffirms what we've long believed: down is unparalleled in its eco-friendliness. Compared to polyester, down boasts significantly lower impacts on human health, ecosystems, resources, energy demand, and climate change. With 18 times less impact on climate change than polyester fill, down stands as a clear choice for environmentally conscious consumers. See the video here.

REUSE

Quality down-filled bedding isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in sustainability. At St Genève, we stand behind the longevity of our products, guaranteeing our down duvets for up to 20 years and our pillows for 5 years.  With proper care, St Genève's bedding will last for a lifetime and the down filling for generations. 

REPURPOSE

Being in this industry has made us lucky enough to see firsthand the long-lasting qualities of down. We restored a down quilt made during the US Civil War that was over 150 years old! Repurpose it and give it back. 

Other ways in which we have repurposed our materials have been through donations of offcut fabrics to various organizations that sew items for people in need. 

You can repurpose your old duvet and make it a pillow or a small filled blanket. Whether it's recovering the duvet with new material or repurposing its filling, down bedding embodies the circular economy ethos, minimizing waste and maximizing utility.

RECYCLE

Down and feathers, the primary components of luxurious bedding are not merely the byproducts of the poultry industry; they represent a long-lasting use of what otherwise would be waste. Following this principle, we aim to create packaging that can be recycled, repurposed or composted. 

RESET 

When the time comes to bid farewell to your beloved down-filled duvet or pillow, rest assured that the cotton coverings and down-fill will gracefully return to the earth, leaving no harmful residues or lasting ecological footprint.

Looking Forward

In a world where luxury often comes at the expense of sustainability, down-filled bedding stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of opulence and eco-friendliness. As you enjoy the comfort of down-filled duvets and pillows, rest assured that you're not just embracing luxury; you're embracing a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us in the pursuit of green luxury, where indulgence meets conscience and sustainability becomes a daily reality.