Deck the Halls Sustainably: Joyful Ideas for Eco-Friendly Holiday Decor

December 06, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to sprinkle some festive cheer around our homes. But wait, let's jingle all the way in an eco-friendly style this year! Swapping out the usual tinsel and baubles for sustainable holiday decorations is not only kind to Mother Earth but also heaps of fun. Here are some merry and bright ideas for decking your halls sustainably!

DIY Decor from the Great Outdoors  

Nature is the ultimate inspiration for sustainable decor. Here are some ideas to bring the outdoors in:

Pinecone Garlands: Collect pinecones, give them a little glitter (biodegradable glitter, of course!), and string them into charming garlands.

Evergreen Wreaths: Craft your wreath using branches and twigs from your backyard. Add some berries for a pop of color!

Dried Orange Slices: These make for a delightful, fragrant, and visually stunning addition to any tree or garland. Plus, they're super easy to make!

🎄 Oh Christmas Tree, How Sustainably Sourced Are Thy Branches?

Choosing the right Christmas tree that is eco-friendly is crucial, but “What are my options?,” you may ask. 

Potted Christmas Trees: Opt for a potted tree that you can cherish year after year. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and cleans the air too!

Rent a Living Tree: Yes, you can actually rent a live Christmas tree! After the holidays, it goes back to the farm to continue growing. While growing, Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gasses and emit fresh oxygen. However, the environmental impact also includes the use of pesticides and fertilizers in tree farming, as well as the carbon footprint associated with cutting, transporting, and disposing of these trees.  Renting a living tree from a sustainable farm mitigates these environmental issues. 

Sustainable Tree Farms: If you’re buying a cut tree, look for local sustainable farms that practice responsible agriculture. The environmental impact of real trees can be mitigated through sustainable farming practices and recycling programs. Trees that are recycled into mulch or used in erosion control are more environmentally friendly.

💡 Lighting Up with a Conscience

Light up your home while keeping energy consumption low:

LED Lights: These are the superheroes of energy efficiency and can save up to 80% of energy compared to traditional lights.

Solar-Powered Lights: Perfect for outdoor decorations, these lights charge during the day and twinkle all night.

Timer Switches: Put your lights on a timer to ensure they’re only on when needed, saving energy and adding convenience.

♻️ Recycled and Upcycled Decorations

Unleash your creativity with items you already have. We all have old jars, cardboard boxes, and fabric scraps around the house.  We can use these materials to make decorations. Cardboard can be used to make snowflakes, stars, and even a 3D reindeer! Old jars can be transformed into beautiful lanterns. Add some LED lights and watch them glow.

Fabric scraps can be used for so many crafts.  You can use larger scraps to wrap gifts and smaller pieces to make decorative bookmarks which are great gifts.  Sew together fabric scraps to create unique, patchwork Christmas stockings full of character.

🌟 Sustainable Shopping

If DIY isn’t your thing, no worries! Look for decorations from local artisans, fair trade shops, or companies committed to sustainable practices. Sustainably shopping during the holiday season is not only kind to the planet but also adds a meaningful touch to your gift-giving.

Support Local and Small Businesses

This holiday season, think about visiting local craft fairs, farmers' markets, or small boutiques for unique gifts. Shopping locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and supports your local economy.  

Choose Eco-Friendly and Ethical Brands

Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp when choosing products. These brands often use sustainable materials and ethical labor practices.

Give Experiences Instead of Things

Tangible gifts are great but creating memories are wonderful.  They also help to reduce material consumption and waste. Some great ideas are gift tickets to a concert, a cooking class, a museum membership, or a spa day.

Use Sustainable Wrapping Options

Traditional wrapping paper is often not recyclable due to dyes and laminates.  Some options include using recycled paper, fabric wraps, or reusable bags for wrapping. Our Small Acts Big Impacts Reusable bags and TuTu Totes make great gift bags! 

Transforming your home into a sustainable winter wonderland is a fabulous way to celebrate the holidays. It’s not just about being eco-friendly; it’s about creating memories, starting new traditions, and having a holly jolly time while doing it. So, let’s make this holiday season the most wonderfully sustainable one yet! 🎅🌲🌟

 

 

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