Frequently Asked Questions

We are in the process of updating this section and are continually adding to it. In the meantime, if you have a question about a product, about shipping or regarding anything else, please contact us and we promise to reply promptly!

General questions

Why buy organic?

While many of you already know the many benefits of buying organic products, we realize that others consider it to be a marketing strategy, which attempts to get consumers to overpay for things that they consider to be no better than those grown conventionally. Without going on and on (check out our links in the navigation bar for more info), we want you to know that "organic" is a win/win situation for everyone involved. The more we learn, the more we realize that it just doesn't make sense to NOT buy organic. Consider the following. We used to think that cotton (the conventional kind) was great to buy because it is a natural fiber that is good to have next to your skin. What's not to love about those comfy cotton shirts that have been around longer than our children? Well, in reality, conventional cotton farming takes a humongous toll on our water, our air and our soil. Who knew? Here's where you get to pat yourself on the back if you were already up on this stuff. There are many intelligent people out there, however, who didn't get that memo. In the United States alone, it typically takes 1/3 pound of agricultural chemicals to produce a single cotton t-shirt and 1 1/4 pounds of chemicals to grow the cotton for a set of queen size sheets. Cotton plants are among the most pesticide intensive crops grown on the planet and it is estimated that only 25% of the pesticides sprayed actually land where they are supposed to fall. The rest of them drift off and end up contaminating other food crops, residential areas, and our water.

We aren't here to preach, but we do want you to know that as consumers, we all make choices that impact ourselves, our environment and future generations. Whether you choose to make changes little by little, or go full throttle, the more each of us contributes does make a difference. And the more each of us supports practices that benefit our health and our environment, the more others will catch on.

For more information about organic materials, see below in our Bedding Questions section.

Purchasing and shipping questions

Is my personal information safe when I buy from you?

Yes. When you make a purchase from Natural Emporium, you are doing so on a secure server that is SSL encrypted and CISP (Cardholder Information Security Program) compliant. Your personal information is kept private and is never shared with anyone else.

What is your return policy and how do I return something?

We have a 30 day return policy from the date your order was placed (and a 60 day return policy for Brill mowers). If you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, simply return the unused item(s) for an exchange or refund. Unfortunately, we are not able to take back any bedding products that have been removed from their sealed cases, since it is illegal to resell used bedding. If, for some reason, you are not happy with your purchase once it arrives, let us know right away, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please be aware that there is a 15% restocking fee on bedding that is in its original unopened packaging.

Prior to sending back an item for replacement or refund, you must first obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number from us. Please phone 1.800.704.8485 or email info@naturalemporium.com to get your RA number and mailing instructions. We ask that you send returns and exchanges using an insured or traceable service to ensure that the package arrives safely. Be sure that anything being returned is in its original condition (unused) and that it is sent back in the manufacturer's packaging along with all accompanying warranty cards, instructions, etc. Please enclose a copy of your receipt and a note referencing the RA Number and the reason for return. Merchandise sent back without an RA number cannot be accepted. Should the shipment be incorrect or the product arrive damaged, we will issue you a return shipping label to use so that you do not incur the shipping charge.

Do you gift wrap?

Ever order a gift online and have it sent to you so that you can wrap it, only to then mail it someplace else? Save packaging, postage, and time by having us wrap and send your present for you!

At this time, we are able to offer eco-friendly gift wrap for certain items only ($5.00 per item). These include organic cotton hooded towels, organic cotton storage bins, organic sleepsacks, recycled wrapper products, scented stuffed animals, recycled cotton robes, all natural cooking planks, and countertop compost pails. Products available for gift wrap have a pull-down menu option that you may select when you put items into your recycled shopping bag (cart). Then, when you check out, enter in the gift shipping address (if different than yours). We'll also happily enclose a handwritten note with whatever message you want to accompany your present.

How long will it take before I receive my order?

Most items ship within several days to 2 weeks from the day your order is placed, depending on what you ordered. Toppers and comforters are usually made to order, and consequently take a week or two to get out. Once your goodies have been sent out, you will receive an email from us with the UPS tracking number and estimated day of delivery.

How much does shipping cost and how do you ship?

Most items are shipped via UPS ground or FedEx and costs are based on the amount you spend. See the chart below. If you are shipping to Alaska or Hawaii, increased charges will apply. Once your order has been placed, we will contact you with a more accurate price for shipping. Or feel free to contact us prior to placing your order.



Do you ship outside the United States?

At this time, we ship within all 50 states. Please inquire about rates to Alaska and Hawaii. Some items can be shipped to Canada, so please check with us regarding an order you'd like sent there.

Bedding questions

I see the terms "organic wool," "O-Wool," and "Eco Wool" mentioned on your site. What is the difference between them?

When a grower or processor is "certified organic," an independent government or private organization verifies that the company meets or exceeds defined standards and practices. Certified organic farms and processing facilitates are inspected annually and must maintain extensive records detailing their production methods.

"O-Wool" is one brand of organic wool that meets such criteria. O-Wool comes from healthy organically raised living sheep who enjoy a stress-free life of organic food, clean environments, and good health. Their fleeces are sorted and washed with hot water and vegetable-based soaps (no detergents, chemicals, or chlorine bleach), resulting in wool fibers that are strong and springy. The fibers are then carded in a chemical-free carding machine, to ensure superior quality.

"Eco Wool," on the other hand is not certified organic. However, products made using Eco Wool are of incredibly high quality and are comparable to (or, according to some, better than) O-Wool -- minus the certification and the heftier prices. The Eco Wool program has its own guiding criteria (click this link to learn more), and the shephards who grow the wool that we sell meet these very high standards.

Whether organic wool or Eco Wool, the wool inside the bedding products we carry comes from the United States from suppliers who use sustainable and ecological practices. Furthermore, we are proud to support this diminishing industry that we would like to see thrive.

What's so great about organic cotton?

In addition to being one of the least allergenic, most gentle choices you could choose, buying organic cotton helps to preserve the quality of our environment for future generations. Conventional cotton crops are the second largest user of agricultural pesticides in the world, with 25% of the world's insecticides and more than 10% of pesticides being used. The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the United States as "possible," "likely," "probable," or "known" human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin). Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and organic farming methods improve soil fertility, safeguard farm workers' health, and preserve the quality of our earth.

How do I decide which mattress topper to buy?

You say "tomato," I say "to-mah-to." This one is a personal preference. However, the most popular topper is the 2" wool variety, which gives you a nice cushy layer of natural wool, that isn't too thin or too thick.

Do I need to use a mattress cover in addition to a topper?

You don't absolutely need one, but we recommend it as an added measure of protection for your topper. Washing a mattress cover is much easier than washing a topper, should the need arise.

Holy Sheet! I'm having nightmares about damask, sateen and percale. Please help me!

Choosing sheets can be overwhelming, especially if you don't understand what all the terms mean. Here's a brief description of relevant vocabulary:

Thread Count: This refers to the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer and smoother the fabric. We only carry sheets that meet our high standards (between 220 and 330 thread count), so you won't need to concern yourself too much with this.

Percale: A finely combed, closely woven fabric with a thread count of at least 180 threads per square inch, that is noted for a fine texture and more crisp finish. While percale can be made from 100% cotton or a cotton/poly blend, all of our percale sheets are 100% organic cotton.

Sateen: Known for its sheen and lustrous finish, this weave produces sheets that have a soft, satin-like feel.

Flannel: A tightly woven fabric that is brushed to achieve a soft surface and additional warmth. Because flannel sheets are warmer and fluffier than other sheets, they make a good choice for winter bedding.

Damask: A patterned fabric made on a jacquard loom that has a reversible design of contrasting satin and matte surfaces woven into it.

Light therapy questions

How does light therapy work?

Light helps control your body clock (or circadian rhythm). There are 2 hormones that greatly affect your body clock: Serotonin and Melatonin. Serotonin tells your body that it is time for you to be awake, and Melatonin tells your body when to sleep. When your body clock gets off track, your body is releasing these hormones at the wrong times. This causes you to have abnormal sleep cycles, as well as mood and energy problems.
Light is used to control when your body produces these two hormones. Serotonin and Melatonin cannot be produced at the same time. When you use light, your body produces Serotonin, suppressing Melatonin. Depending on what time of day you use the light, this can shift your body clock to get back on track, allowing you to regular sleep, better moods, and more energy.

What are Circadian rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are our body's natural cycles that control appetite, energy, mood, sleep and libido. When our bodies are out of sync with nature, we suffer from a Circadian Rhythm problem. Almost all of us, at some time during a year fall out of balance and suffer from sleep, energy or mood problems.

Which light therapy unit should I get?

The light that we suggest the most is one of the goLITE models. They are our most popular products, requiring the shortest usage times, and without side effects. If the light will be used for a child, we suggest the Brite Lite because its field of light is much bigger, allowing the child to move around more. Though the goLITE is the one we suggest the most, it does give off blue light. If you are looking for something that looks like "sunlight," then we suggest the Brite Lite.

How effective is Bluewave?

Recently, the Journal of Neuroscience reported that this specific bandwidth of light is up to five times more effective than other wavelengths at causing this neurochemical shift. A joint National Institute of Health (NIH) study with Philips (formerly Apollo Health) and Thomas Jefferson University was also conducted to determine the antidepressant response of Bluewave LED technology. This study demonstrated recovery and remission rates equal to or higher than similar studies with standard bright light therapy.

Is Bluewave more effective than full-spectrum?

By using this specific light or boosting it in conventional light therapy, researchers hope to be even more effective in eliciting a stronger and quicker response. Until now, light therapy devices have had to produce 10,000-lux intensity in order to produce a therapeutic response. Now the technology can produce more Bluewave light than was available with full-spectrum lamps, while greatly reducing the overall intensity of the light. Furthermore, Bluewave therapy:
- produces fewer side effects than 10,000 lux light
- results in reduced glare & eye strain (10,000 lux light is 25 times more intense)
- is safer than fully-shaded outdoor light
- is clinically tested and published as an effective treatment for Winter Blues
- has been published and advocated by Harvard, Thomas Jefferson, Rensselaer Polytechnic, and others

Is Bluewave technology safe?

The NIH study was conducted in accordance with FDA guidelines for ocular safety. Dr. David Sliney, the NIH physicist responsible for ocular safety testing, reported that Bluewave was well below Governmental threshold levels for ocular safety. Since the risk of ocular damage diminishes exponentially with increasing wavelength (AACGIH, 2001) Bluewave poses no risk of ocular damage (Ocular damage occurs in the range of 340 - 390 nm, ultraviolet and near ultraviolet light). Also because Bluewave technology is very targeted, it produces no UV emissions.

Am I supposed to look directly at the light?

You are not supposed to look directly at the light. It needs to be set in your peripheral vision, with the light washing your face. The important part is that the light gets to your eyes. You need to be in a position that your face is within the beam of light coming from your light box, but it is not necessary (or recommended) that you stare directly at the light box.

What happens if I miss a treatment?

If you miss a treatment every once in a while, then you will be fine. Try not to miss more than one or two days in a row. If you skip treatments on a regular basis, then it may take longer for your treatment to be effective.

Can your light therapy devices damage my eyes?

When used as directed, all of our light products are free from ultraviolet light risk to the eye and produce a safe, diffused field of light. All lights have been tested for ocular safety and have been used in dozens of government and clinical studies.

Are there any major side effects?

All of our lights are safe when used according to recommendations. There have been some reports of temporary headaches or nausea. However, these are usually resoved by sitting farther away from the device or by shortening usage time until acclimated.

I am on a light sensitive (photosensitizing) medication, is it okay for me to use the light?

Although the goLITE does not produce the wavelengths that photosensitizing medications react to, we recommend that you avoid using any light therapy, and avoid direct sunlight until not using photosensitizing medication.

There are times in the middle of the day when I lack energy or feel tired. What can I do?

You can do what's called a "boost." During the day, when you start to feel down or tired you can use your light for 8-10 minutes to get an energy boost. When you do this, make sure you use the light 1-2 feet further away from you than you do for your regular treatment. With the light being this far away, it isn't strong enough to shift your body clock, but it will suppress Melatonin production and increase Serotonin production, which will give you more energy. You can do this process every 3-4 hours through out the day, as needed.

Is there a time that I shouldn't use the light?

We recommend not using the light 3 hours before you go to bed. Otherwise it will keep you awake.

What changes do I make if I sleep in on the weekends?

If you sleep in for an hour, then just use your light as usual.
If you sleep in for about two hours, then you will want to use your light for a little bit longer than your normal session.
If you sleep in longer than two hours, then you can skip the treatment for that day.
It is okay if you miss a treatment here and there, but try not to miss more than one or two days in a row.

How long does it take to see results?

Every person is different, but in general, you should feel that your body is responding within a week of beginning light therapy, and should notice a significant difference in your body clock within 1 - 2 months of regular usage. Again, this varies depending on the person.

Will my insurance company pay for the light?

Most major insurance companies now authorize or reimburse the purchase of light therapy equipment. To improve your chances of being reimbursed, you should first contact your insurance company to see if they cover the purchase of a light therapy unit. Some insurance companies will only cover specific types of units. Most insurance companies will require you to fill out a form, that is usually attainable from their website or from member services. You will also need to provide a doctor's prescription including a "diagnosis code," an itemized bill of services rendered or products purchased along with date of service/purchase, as well as procedure codes (HCPC: E0203, CPT: 96900).

What is your warranty?

We have a 2 year warranty on our light units.