When Did Furniture Become So Temporary?
Remember when furniture was passed down through generations? Our grandparents didn't replace their beds every few years. Yet somehow, we've slipped into a world where 12 million tons of furniture end up in landfills each year. That's not just a statistic—it's mountains of discarded materials that once stood in our homes, holding our lives and stories.
As Earth Day 2025 approaches, we find ourselves thinking about how something as personal as the bed we sleep on connects to the health of our shared planet.
The Hands That Craft Our Sleep
At Tatami Shop, we’ve spent over 26 years working alongside skilled Japanese artisans, seeing how simple Igusa Rush becomes something extraordinary through their craft. There’s something profoundly human about creating with natural materials — a connection to tradition and nature that feels rare in today’s mass-produced world.
When you lie down on one of our Tatami Mattresses, you're resting on something created with intention and care. The artisans who harvest and weave the Igusa Rush aren't just making furniture; they're continuing a tradition that has respected the earth's natural cycles for centuries.
Your Body Knows the Difference
" My dad has been using his Tatami Mattress for over 20 years, and it's been a game-changer for his back. It’s sturdy yet gentle, offering great relief from back pain and helping him sleep better at night. "
Our Tatami Mattresses and 9-in-1 Sofa Bed adapt to your unique body and how you naturally want to rest. Whether you're curled up with a book, stretched out in meditation, or drifting off to sleep, there's a configuration that feels made just for you. And unlike synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture, Tatami maintains its breathable comfort through the night.
" I’m a longtime user and huge fan of the 9-in-1 Sofa Bed — superb for naps and mid-day lazing. I recently added the Tatami Cool Seat Mats to my collection, which I use on my work chair, car seats, etc. "
What If Furniture Could Tell Its Life Story?
Think about the average mattress. Its biography includes petroleum extraction, chemical processing, and eventually, decades or centuries in a landfill where it refuses to break down.
Now imagine a Tatami's story: Sunlight shining onto the Igusa Rush in fertile fields. Skilled hands harvesting and weaving. Ten years (or more) supporting your rest and wellness. And eventually, biodegrading back into the earth from which it came.
" I have been using it for the last 8 years and the materials used are very durable. "
Small Choices, Big Ripples
When we launched Tatami Shop in Singapore 26 years ago, few people were talking about furniture sustainability. Today, as we approach Earth Day 2025, more of us are awakening to how our daily choices ripple outward.
Every night you sleep on Tatami, you're choosing:
- To keep one more mattress out of the landfill
- To support traditional craftsmanship that works in harmony with nature
- To surround yourself with natural materials that are good for both your body and the planet
A Different Kind of Earth Day Commitment
Earth Day isn't just about grand gestures. It's about the intimate choices we make in our homes—the spaces where we live, love, and rest.
This Earth Day, consider how something as personal as your mattress choice connects you to the larger web of life. When you choose Tatami, you're not just buying furniture—you're choosing to be part of a story that respects both human wellness and the health of our planet.
After all, what could be more human than caring for the earth that sustains us all?
