The problem with latex

[phoenix]

HI Dandylion,

Thanks for this - you really are amazing!! I wish there were more people like you to help consumers make decisions. I hope you’re getting paid somehow??!

Thank you very much. You’re always welcome to make a donation to the site here.

Your points about the “greenness” of products ring very true. For me personally, the ideal is buying items that do not destroy or pollute water- and land-based ecosystems, because we now know that humans have destroyed about 60% of the species on the planet and are on track to do a lot more damage. The sad part is that much of this is happening to service consumer markets, when many consumers would not choose to support such destructive processes if informed and given the choice. For instance, palm oil production (and now latex production apparently) is destroying Indonesian forests and threatening orang utans with extinction, as well as creating major health problems for locals, yet most of us have no idea that this substance is in our cake mix, bread, cookies, etc. Trying to choose less problematic products can be really hard work given the research required and then the searching for alternatives. But hey, that’s my choice!

This all really comes down to your own personal definition of “pollution” and “biodiversity”, and as you stated the selection of what product to use is certainly one’s own choice and there’s nothing wrong with holding true to your own personal beliefs. There is a large scale of course from minimal regulation, to man and capitalism are the enemy and any changes are evil. I personally find much fear mongering on each side of these arguments (like in many cases) with more accurate information in the mid-ground. But these topics (and some of your forward-looking statements and opinions) tend to get a bit political, and while I certainly don’t mind discussing them in my personal life, they are a bit off-topic and outside of the scope of the forum, so it’s an area I tend to avoid on the site. But I certainly respect your beliefs and reasons for them .

looking at the GOLS certified organic latex options locally (Vancouver, BC),

The better options or possibilities I’m aware of in and around Vancouver, BC are listed in post #2 here. There is also a list of some online mattress sources for Canadians in post #21 here.

There are quite a few choices there (many of which I know don’t meet your requirements), but some of which you may not have already investigated. There are a few vendors on these two lists who do cater to more “natural” offerings, and they may be worth a phone call or a visit.

seem to have the choice between the Essentia Bionda bed ($2K for a queen, but they do free 36-month financing if you qualify - takes 2 weeks to arrive), or the Sleeptek Kama range (much more expensive at $3.5K up for a queen). (I know from Forum posts that Essentia has some issues with their marketing, but also that as this bed is basically only organic latex that should not be an issue?)

Yes, there have been issues with some of the claims made on the Essentia site (a forum search on Essentia will bring up information about that), but they do offer some products using better quality materials and latex would be a good quality material. The Sleeptek would also be a high quality choice.

I hope that helps expand you options!

Phoenix