Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorating Ideas
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. With that, it can also be a lot. As a professional organizer, I'm always looking for ways to bring harmony and sustainability into our homes. This year, why not join me in embracing an eco-friendly approach to holiday decorating? Not only do these eco-friendly solutions feel gentler on the planet, but they also contribute to a more decluttered and serene space.
Rent a Living Christmas Tree:
Imagine a Christmas tree that lives on long after the holidays. Renting a real tree is a fantastic eco-friendly option. Post-celebration, these trees are returned and replanted, reducing waste and supporting local tree farms. The Rent a Living Christmas Tree company says their trees "return to their natural habitat in our forest nursery, where they continue to produce oxygen and serve as an ecosystem for the wildlife habitat."
Sustainable Card Sending:
Sending holiday greetings is a cherished tradition. This year, opt for plantable cards. These unique cards, embedded with seeds, offer your loved ones a burst of greenery long after the festive season. The beauty of these cards is that instead of throwing them away after the holidays, you can plant them in your garden when spring comes!
Reusable Advent Calendars:
I am obsessed with investing in a classic advent calendar that you can reuse for years to come! This wooden advent calendar is absolutely beautiful! You can fill it with treats or even sweet messages, making each countdown to Christmas personal and waste-free.
Revitalize Existing Decorations:
Before you head out to purchase new holiday decorations, take a moment to reimagine the decorations you already have. It's not just an eco-friendly choice, but also an opportunity to infuse your holiday decor with personal creativity and charm. Here are some ways to breathe new life into your existing ornaments:
Eco-Friendly Paint: Give your old ornaments a fresh, new look with a coat of eco-friendly paint. You can also refresh them with biodegradable glitter. It's an environmentally friendly way to add shimmer without contributing to microplastic pollution.
Fabric and Textile Transformations: Use fabric scraps or old holiday linens to add warmth and texture. Reinvent a tabletop display, or create festive bows to adorn various decorations.
Natural Elements Addition: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks into existing decor. These can be attached to wreaths, garlands, or even strung together to create a charming, rustic vibe.
Lighting Updates: Swap out old light bulbs in existing fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Repurposed Centerpieces: Create unique centerpieces using a combination of existing items. Old candle jars, unused vases, or even a stack of vintage holiday books can form the base of a stunning centerpiece. You can also set a rustic and sustainable table setting with natural elements like pine cones, branches, and handmade cloth napkins. This approach reduces waste and adds an organic charm to your holiday meals.
Natural Wreath Making:
A homemade wreath using natural materials not only looks stunning but also brings a piece of the outdoors in. Upcycle old fabric, use fallen pine cones, or fresh herbs to craft a unique and eco-friendly wreath. You can also read my blog on how to make a DIY Holiday Wreath.
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping:
Use recycled brown paper, old newspapers, or reusable fabric for an eco-conscious approach to gift wrapping. Decorate with natural twine or hand-painted designs for a personal touch.
Embracing eco-friendly holiday decorating is not just about being environmentally conscious; it’s about crafting a space that resonates with warmth, simplicity, and mindfulness. As we organize and declutter our homes for the holidays, let’s also think about our impact on the planet. This season, let your decorations tell a story of sustainability and thoughtful care.