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Climate change is already making people sicker, according to a deep-dive written by Renee Cho for Columbia University's Earth Institute on Monday.
Cho pointed to the example of doctors in Florida who are noticing that their patients run through prescriptions faster as conditions like asthma worsen due to heat waves.
<p>Indeed, Florida doctors have observed enough instances of climate-related health issues that they've banded together to form Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article199310404.html" target="_blank">The Miami Herald</a> reported in February. </p><p>"Being in Florida especially, you can't not realize what's happening to our climate. I see it right now on a day-to-day basis," Dr. Cheryl Holder, president of the Florida State Medical Association, told The Herald. </p><p>Florida doctors have also noticed that heat waves coincide with more hospital visits due to heart failure, Florida Institute for Health Innovation head Roderick King told The Herald. He hopes to fund a study investigating the link. </p><p>In the Earth Institute article, Cho also mentioned the spread of diseases like Lyme disease, which have sickened people in Pennsylvania for the first time. </p><p>Cho's analysis comes a week after an article published in <a href="https://undark.org/article/lyme-disease-ticks-canada/" target="_blank">Undark</a> examining the spread of Lyme disease into Canada, where there were more than six times the number of Lyme disease cases reported in 2016 compared to 2009.</p><p>Some scientists even think climate change had a hand in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016. According to their hypothesis, heavy rains following dry periods produced more fruit, which attracted both bats and apes. The bats caught the disease from the apes while feeding and then passed it to the humans who came in contact with them, Cho wrote. </p><p>If that sounds frightening, know that health outcomes only look to get worse as warming increases. Though most of the culprits will not be rare diseases like Ebola but rather the usual public health suspects on steroids, according to World Health Organization (WHO) projections cited by Cho. </p><p>Every year between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths worldwide, the WHO <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs266/en/" target="_blank">predicts</a>. </p><p>The WHO further breaks down that 250,000 figure. </p><p>The highest death toll, 95,000 per year, is likely to be among children affected by malnutrition, which will increase as <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/drought">droughts</a> and changing rainfall patterns impact the growth of staple crops in poorer countries. </p><p>The next most lethal cause of death will be malaria, at 60,000 per year. Climate change is likely to increase the range of the <em>Anopheles </em>mosquitoes that carry the disease. </p><p>The next is diarrhea at 48,000 per year, as <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding">flooding</a> and fluctuating rainfall threaten clean water supplies. </p><p>Finally, the WHO predicts 38,000 elderly people will lose their lives due to heat waves on a yearly basis. </p><p>Luckily, there are steps that communities can take to mitigate the risk posed by climate change, such as regularly checking public <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/drinking-water">drinking water</a> for disease, planting green roofs to cool buildings, and educating the public about the importance of insect repellant. But in order to take these steps, it is important to be informed about what the health risks are. </p><p>"When we talk about adapting to climate change, we have to have an understanding of what we're adapting to and when. And we don't know that perfectly … But we do know enough to think that we have to start investing now in building resilience, reducing the vulnerability of populations to threats that are dominant in the region, and building awareness so that, as we do learn more, the population is already well-informed and can make use of the information in a productive way," senior research scientist Madeleine Thomson, at the Earth Institute's International Research Institute for Climate and Society, told Cho.</p>
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</p><div id="167d3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="Z95FOU1576662495"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="956934354151854080" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Why Climate Change Is Worsening Public Health Problems https://t.co/fA6gJI3k1H #climatechange #publichealth @NRDC… https://t.co/RbQYlSoC6u</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/956934354151854080">1516985903.0</a></blockquote></div>
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Avocado
Increased consumer interest in sustainability has largely driven the expansion of new organic product lines. It's this combination of consumer consciousness and evolved eco-friendly products that has people searching for the best organic mattress.
But there are many brands in this space. We wanted to take a closer look at the Avocado mattress and explore what makes it such a popular pick in the eco-market.
<h2>What should I look for when buying an organic mattress?<br/></h2><p>Whether it's an <a href="http://avocadomattress.n5ka.net/nrJ1V" target="_blank">Avocado mattress</a> or another product from a reputable manufacturer, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase.</p><p>The first thing to know is that accreditation gets a little fuzzy. </p><p>The reality is that not all mattresses claiming to be "natural" or even "organic" will qualify for an official organic label from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). </p><p>In order to do so, mattresses must be made up of 95% certified organic materials. </p><p>In addition, no harmful chemicals can be used in the processing or production of the mattress, which is considered a complex finished textile product. </p><p>As you research, you may find that some mattress manufacturers will call their products "organic" because they use a smattering of organic products—but not enough to carry the USDA seal, a practice that's known as "greenwashing."</p><p>To find a mattress that has been certified organic, you'll want to look for accreditations like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzAwNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzOTcwOTM1MH0.LFqDzobbjsMxHhtZv3MQ9iOvBSxDwEQF840cDR8Ze9Y/img.png?width=980" id="5dcba" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="47f0b3694c23691bb74eb2e4329e6271" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><p><br/></p><p>You can also look for the GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) logo.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzAxMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzIxMzkwOX0.TQWz8NDTzRpr4Q0sDssTj9r1BwV4cRNbgiGtn9wjWrA/img.jpg?width=980" id="73347" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1952e84d562c83064655dd296fdd14aa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
</p><p>These two standards help to uphold the 95% organic rule.<br/></p><p><span></span>Once you're squared away with certifications, the rest of the buying process is similar to purchasing a traditional mattress. </p><p>First, you'll want to find one that satisfies your desired level of comfort.<br/></p><p>As a rule, many organic mattresses tend to be a bit stiffer, so testing its firmness—either before purchase or during a trial period after you get it home—is in your best interest. </p><p>Lastly, as with most purchases—especially in the organic space—cost is a factor. A goal of bringing home the best eco-friendly mattress money can buy can price some consumers out of the organic market entirely.</p><h2>What makes Avocado the most popular organic mattress?</h2><p>There are two groups that most people will turn to while researching a product: Expert reviewers and fellow consumers. When it comes to picking the best organic mattress, both the pundits and verified customers agree that an Avocado mattress is at or near the top of the list.</p><p><a href="https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/mattress/avocado" target="_blank">U.S. News & World Report recently gave Avocado the nod</a> in the categories of best mattress, best for back pain, best for stomach sleepers, best firm mattress and best hybrid mattress, citing its ability to provide a more restful night's sleep.</p><p>Avocado mattresses were also named best healthy mattress and <a href="https://www.health.com/home/healthy-home-awards" target="_blank">best organic mattress in Health.com's Healthy Home Awards</a>, <a href="https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/best-mattress-in-a-box" target="_blank">best mattress in a box for the environmentally conscious by <em>Shape </em>magazine</a> and <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g29892090/best-mattresses/" target="_blank">best organic mattress by <em>Good Housekeeping</em></a>.</p><p><span></span>The brand has also received a <a href="https://help.avocadogreenmattress.com/en_us/can-you-show-me-your-aca-certification-SJOs16UED" target="_blank">certificate of endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association</a>, been <a href="https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/consumer-reports/" target="_blank">consistently lauded by <em>Consumer Reports</em></a> and touts <a href="https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/natural-mattress-reviews/" target="_blank">more than 18,000 5-star reviews</a> from real Avocado mattress customers.</p><h3>Corporate Stewardship</h3><p>Peeling the curtain back on the company's operations and mission, it's easy to see why so many people consider Avocado to be the best organic mattress.</p><p>The brand's products are American-made, designed in Hoboken, New Jersey, and manufactured by hand in Los Angeles. </p><p>Its factories are powered by renewable energy, and Avocado ethically harvests wool for products from sheep that it raises while also producing its own natural latex.</p><p>It's because of that commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices that the Avocado mattress became the first in the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. And earlier this year, the company announced that it now offsets more carbon than it generates. </p><p>It's also important to mention that <a href="http://avocadomattress.n5ka.net/MG32K" target="_blank">Avocado is certified organic by the USDA</a>.</p><p>With a goal of not only providing superior products that promote healthy sleep, Avocado also believes in the power of sustainability and social responsibility—a belief it backs up by donating 1% of all revenues to environmental nonprofits</p><h3><span></span>Quality Products</h3>
<p>Beyond just its top-selling mattress, Avocado manufacturers ancillary bedroom products like bed frames, dressers and end tables.</p><h2>Do I pay more for an organic mattress?</h2><p>Like any consumer good, organic mattresses come in a variety of price points based on size, comfort level, materials used and amenities. However, generally speaking, you will pay more for an eco-friendly mattress than you might for a traditional mattress. </p><h2>What am I paying for with an organic mattress?<br/></h2><p>Perhaps the biggest reason why someone would purchase an organic mattress is because of its sustainability. </p><p>According to a survey covered in <em>Forbes</em>, more than three-quarters of all participants said they <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2019/07/23/77-of-people-want-to-learn-how-to-live-more-sustainably/" target="_blank">wanted to learn more about sustainable lifestyles</a>. And for at least some of those people, supporting the environment meant altering their habits of consumption. </p><p>Further, statistics show a substantial cross-section of consumers across various age ranges who are even <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/228380/people-who-pay-more-for-eco-friendly-products-and-services/" target="_blank">willing to pay more for eco-friendly products and services</a>.</p><p>One of the reasons why someone might be willing to pay more to purchase the best organic mattress is for their own safety. </p><p>Products treated with harsh or toxic chemicals can contaminate the air we breathe, a particularly troubling hazard considering <a href="https://www.reference.com/world-view/percentage-average-human-s-life-spent-sleeping-3b3e05c6a8925081" target="_blank">we spend about one-third of our lives in bed</a>. To make matters worse, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air can be as much as <a href="https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality" target="_blank">five times more polluted than outdoor air</a>.</p><p>There's also the <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/best-organic-mattresses" target="_blank">durability factor of a certified organic mattress</a>, writes SleepFoundation.org. Compared to an organic mattress, there could be several years difference in how long a traditional mattress lasts before wear and tear or loss of support forces a replacement purchase. And because an organic mattress has high-quality materials that maintain its support and shape, you're likely to report better sleep patterns for longer.</p><h2>Final Thoughts on Avocado</h2><p>If your quest to find the best organic mattress has led you to Avocado, it's a good place to start. The brand has a verifiable commitment to sustainability, uses natural and non-toxic materials, and even donates a share of its revenues to nonprofits with a similar mission and vision. </p><p>Whatever direction you go in for your next purchase, we encourage you to think about how your purchases impact the world. Small choices over time add up, and we can all shop a little smarter.</p>
Avocado Vegan Mattress
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzAzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNDkwMDMyMX0.zu1arLxCzFa1-qq7Lg_nJMSuyqvxC6DIx715xpqmQqs/img.jpg?width=980" id="54fb0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0720ceac909ef550c9bb977027ae721b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>GOLS organic certified latex</li><li>GOTS organic certified cotton</li><li>1,000+ pocketed support coils </li><li>No polyurethane foams, polyester, or toxic fire retardants</li><li>Replaces all cotton with wool</li><li>Vegan certified</li><li>PETA-approved</li></ul>
$899
Alpaca Wool Plush Mattress Topper
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzA4MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NzMwNTI5OH0.LEx4dUTi1np_XCFc1taoy9y3Wgu43HoWF3p0Q1PITPY/img.jpg?width=980" id="bff7b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="165eaa5fed1d9c5f64cc03b51c9e147d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>Certified organic and natural materials</li><li>Natural alpaca and GOTS organic certified wool and cotton</li><li>Soft, plush feel that's more "luxurious" than most common products</li><li>Elastic straps to hold it in place</li></ul>
$449
Avocado Green Pill
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzMwMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjY3NTczMn0.GynsxBf0E3Nvl0192XtWsB9-JrKywFLT7UhSwkX_VXw/img.jpg?width=980" id="a9604" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="29f27629674202517662576d32a7d547" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>GOLS organic certified latex and GOTS organic certified kapok</li><li>Organic jersey cotton liner that's machine washable </li><li>GOTS organic certified quilted cotton cover</li><li>GREENGUARD Gold certified, vegan, and handmade in Los Angeles</li></ul>
$89
Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg1MzExOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODE2Njc0OX0.6e0zVUOdjW0FuEC3tPvpBOvil1gN8CE3teZ8VVnwTDE/img.jpg?width=980" id="11382" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="091acb792fe57f4663a76438044b9e74" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Avocado
<ul><li>GOTS organic certified Indian Suvin Cotton</li><li>1,000 thread count per inch weave </li><li>Sateen finish</li></ul>
$349
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