Christmas is a magical and wonderful season filled with love and gratitude, but it can also bring with it a lot of waste from disposable decor, excess plastic, and even electrical usage. This year, let's make our holiday decor both festive and eco-friendly! Here's our little guide to making your Christmas both beautiful and sustainable without sacrificing style or tradition.
1. Opt for a Sustainable Christmas Tree
The tree is one of the central pieces of Christmas decor. Time to make an eco-friendly choice! Here's how:
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Real Tree from a Local Farm: Look for a sustainably grown tree from a local farm, as these are biodegradable and support local agriculture. Be sure to compost or recycle it after the holidays!
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Potted Living Trees: A potted tree is great, as it can be replanted after Christmas, making it the perfect eco-friendly option. Keep it in a large pot for a few years, and plant it outside when it's ready.
- Repurposed or Handmade Trees: A Christmas Tree doesn't have to be traditional or green! Reclaimed wood, stacked books, or even houseplants can make modern alternatives for a unique and eco-friendly tree.
2. Use Natural and Biodegradable Ornaments
Reuse your old ornaments and opt for glass ornaments instead of plastic ornaments whenever you can. Furthermore, add some handmade and natural alternatives, such as:
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Dried Orange Slices: Slice oranges, bake them at a low temperature to dry. String them to garlands or use them as tree ornaments for a warm, citrusy scent and beautiful look.
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Cinnamon Sticks & Pinecones: Pinecones make lovely, natural ornaments and can be collected right from your yard or a nearby park. Cinnamon sticks tied with twine add both beauty and a cozy scent to your Christmas Tree.
- Upcycled Ornaments: Get creative with items around the house! Wine corks, fabric scraps, or old holiday cards can be repurposed into beautiful ornaments.
3. Decorate with Energy-Efficient Lighting
While Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere, they can also use up a lot of energy. Here's some lighting tips for a more sustainable holiday season:
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LED Lights: LED Christmas lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional lights - this helps you save energy, reducing your holiday electrical bill without depriving your home of the magic of holiday lights.
- Timers and Smart Plugs: Use a timer or smart plug to ensure that your lights turn off automatically after a certain amount of time, as this conserves both energy and battery life.
4. DIY Garland with Natural Elements
Holiday garlands do not only make great decorations for your Christmas tree but also add charm to any space. By using natural materials, you are ensuring that they are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Here are some simple, sustainable garland ideas for you:
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Popcorn & Cranberry Garlands: This is a timeless classic. When the season is over, these can be composted or used as a treat for birds.
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Eucalyptus or Pine Boughs: Fresh greenery garlands bring wonderful fragrance and a touch of nature indoors. Hang them on mantels, banisters, or doorways for a festive look and compost them when the season is over.
- Dried Flower Garland: Use dried flowers from your garden to create a delicate, vintage-inspired garland.
5. Choose Sustainable Wrapping and Gift Packaging
Gifts are a wonderful way to show our love and appreciation for our loved ones, but they can also be one of the most wasteful aspects of Christmas with millions of tonnes of paper ending up in landfills every year. Instead, switch to eco-friendly wrapping ideas.
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Furoshiki Cloth Wrapping: Inspired by the Japanese art of cloth wrapping, use scarves, tea towels, or fabric scraps to wrap gifts. They look stunning, can be reused, and add a unique touch. At FabRap, we offer a large variety of fabric gift wrap, made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton to make your holiday wrapping as unique as your gift and its recipient.
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Recycled Paper & Newspaper: Plain brown kraft paper or newspaper can be dressed up with twine, greenery, and hand-drawn decorations, adding a rustic charm to any gift.
- Reusable Gift Bags: Fabric Bags or reusable holiday-themed bags are great for gifting, as they can be reused year after year, cutting down on waste. Our FabRap gift bags are a great, reusable option as well.
This Christmas, make sustainability a part of your holiday cheer. With a little creativity, you can transform your home into a festive, but eco-friendly, winter wonderland. By choosing natural materials and reducing waste, you'll not only create beautiful holiday traditions but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Embrace the holiday spirit by giving back to the earth this Christmas.