As the weather cools, there is often nothing better than curling up with a cozy blanket.   There are TONS of cozy blankets on the market, come go for as low as $3!  However, here is the deal:  99% of them are made of polyester.  Polyester is really the only material that can achieve that fluffy soft cozy feel.   What is the problem with polyester?

1. Microplastics.  Polyester is plastic.  it is PET plastic spun into a thread.  Even if the blanket is made of recycled plastic from the ocean or recycled water bottles…. it is still plastic and this means that it will give off millions, billions really of micro and nano plastics throughout its lifespan.  We don’t have a lot of research on weather this is good or bad HOWEVER the research we do have indicates it.s bad.   (Earlier this year a study was published indicating that people with micro plastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5x  more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or die in about 34 months after their surgery than those who did not have micro plastics in their plaque). Sadly, micro and nano plastics have been found in every single one of our organs:  from brain, to liver.  Additionally they are in our blood too.   So decreasing our exposure to micro plastics is a sound idea.

2. DYES:  because polyester is a plastic, it is much harder to dye plastic than it is to dye a natural material.   What this means for you is that it requires harsher chemicals.  Synthetic textiles like blankets are typically dyed with immuno-sensitizing azo-benzene disperse dyes, which can cause a skin reaction when you snuggle up in your blanket, or can leach off and migrate into your home dust (where you will ingest or breathe in the chemicals) .

BETTER OPTIONS

1. CERTIFICATIONS

Sometimes, polyester blankets have OEKO TEX certification.  This is is step in the right direction, as OEko Tex does test for a whole lot of harmful chemicals, including BPA, flame retardants, PFAS , prohibited ago dyes, formaldehyde, nickel.   This is a better option, but does not address micro plastics.

2.  Blends:  

One of my recommended blankets does have a small amount of polyester( to give the blanket that fluff).  However since it is 25% polyester the amount used and thus the amount of micro plastics that would be given off are much less than a 100% polyester product.   This is likely your best option if you really want that fluffy banket

3.  Natural materials (Best- ideally organic)

IF you are looking for a blanket that is cozy and 100% free of harmful chemicals and microplastics:   choose organic natural fibers like organic cotton, alpaca and merino wool, linen, Tencel, and hemp for warm and safe blankets. To be sure that the dyes and finishes used on the fibers aren’t toxic, look for certifications and labels from Oeko-Tex and bluesign or GOTS

My PICKS (in no particular order)

Aizome Regenerative Blanket (50”x 70”) ( link: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1346900&u=3145081&m=88368&urllink=&afftrack= ) I love everything Aizome produces because it is all truly plastic and harmful chemical free. They take everything to the next level of purity.  Recommend this for everyone but especially for anyone with sensitive skin. Made from 100% regenerative organic undid cotton

AU Baby (55”x 70”) :  A favorite of mine for my baby, and they just recently launched an adult sized version!  For baby they have Merino wool blankets and cashmere blankets, for adults they have a larger merino wool option.   ALL their blankets are  made with GOTS and OEKO TEX certified materials and 100% plant dyed 

Baby blankets start at $160 use code COZYPLUM for 10% off

Adult blankets start at $330 use code COZYPLUM for 10% off

* FSA/ HSA eligible

Avocado:    limited edition merino wool, cashmere, organic cotton, and recycled cotton throws.   Some are out of stock, but their merino wool  and cashmere ones are available. Starts at $314

Simply organic bamboo PLUSH throw (63”x51”): DISCOUNT CODE:  AIDASPICKS   $130 (without discount) 

 If you want that fluffy feel this is your best option.  It is made entirely from their non toxic viscose, made from organically grown bamboo (75%)  and recycled water bottles (25%) . It is also OEKO TEX certified

SIMPLY ORGANIC BAMBOO knitted throw (63” x 51”):   DISCOUNT CODE:  AIDASPICKS 

Not as fluffy as the other model, this knitted blanket is soft.  It is Oeko Tex Certified and made with 100% viscose from organically grown bamboo.

Saavy Rest:  What I love about this company’s organic cotton blankets is that they come in different sizes, are undyed and are made in the US. 

King/Cal King – 110″ x 90″  $189

Full/Queen: 90″ x 90″ $169

Twin/TXL: 70″ x 90″ $139

Throw: 42″ x 42″  - $89

Coyuchi Cozy Cotton Organic Throw: $248

They have tons of blanket options but most in the $300-$700 price range. However this particular blanket is made with organic cotton chenille yarn, creating lightweight warmth that feels plush to the touch. Size: 46" x 70"

Salt Earth Throw Blanket, 55" x 60" $34

This Amazon find has the most competitive price. It is definitely a thinner summer blanket 9maybe not cozy but soft) and does have GOTS certification.

Need more guidance on Bedding? Read my post CREATING A LOW TOX SLEEP SANCTUARY