As the Christmas season approaches, we look forward to decorating our homes with festive cheer. But with holiday celebrations often comes an increase in waste, used wrapping paper, high energy consumption, and disposable decorations (in case one doesnāt think sustainably). The good news is that you can beautifully transform your home for Christmas while also being kind to the planet. Here are some sustainable decorating tips for each room in your home, to bring in the festive vibes without the carbon footprint.
Living Room: The Heart of Christmas Cheer
The living room is where the tree typically takes center stage. To make it more eco-friendly:
- Choose a Sustainable Tree: A real, locally-grown Christmas tree or a potted tree can be replanted after Christmas. Real trees are biodegradable and recyclable, unlike artificial ones that tend to be made of plastic. If you own an artificial tree, keep using it for as long as possible to maximize its lifecycle.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switch to LED Christmas lights, instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. They use 80% less energy and last longer. Also, consider solar-powered lights if you have access to sunlight, even in the winter.
- Natural Decorations:Ā Decorate with natural gifts, such as pine cones, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks. These are compostable andĀ give off a lovely, festive fragrance. Repurpose old scarves as tree garlands or make DIY paper snowflakes from recycled materials.
Kitchen: A Festive Hub for Gathering
The kitchen is often bustling during the holiday season, especially if youāre hosting family dinners. Hereās how to make it festive and green:
- Reusable Tableware: Use ceramic plates, cloth napkins, and metal cutlery instead of disposable tableware. This table linen from Weaver Green, made from recycled plastic bottles is an even greener choice as it is not only recycled but recyclable and can be washed and reused in the same way as standard cloth. If you must use disposable items, opt for compostable alternatives made of bamboo or wood.
- Eco-Friendly Candles: Scented candles can fill the kitchen with warm, holiday scents, but many conventional candles contain harmful chemicals. Choose soy-based candles, which are biodegradable and emit fewer pollutants.
- Greenery from Your Garden: Add a touch of green to your table with rosemary, eucalyptus, or holly sprigs. You can also create your wreath using clippings from your garden, reducing the need for plastic decor.
Dining Room: Where Christmas Memories Are Made
Set the mood with eco-conscious choices in your dining room this year:
- DIY Centerpieces: Create a sustainable centerpiece with a glass jar filled with fairy lights, pinecones, or dried flowers. This gives a cozy glow while being environmentally friendly.
- Repurposed Place Settings: Craft your place settings using recycled materials. Upcycle Christmas cards from previous years into napkin rings or gift tags. Use a throw as a tablecloth rather than buying a paper one that will be thrown out. Personal touches like handwritten place cards from recycled paper add a charming, homemade feel.
- Plastic-Free Crackers: Traditional Christmas crackers often come with plastic trinkets and wasteful packaging. Look for eco-friendly crackers with recyclable paper and wooden or paper prizes inside, or consider making your own with personalized surprises.
Bedrooms: Cozy and Calm Festivities
For a restful holiday retreat, incorporate sustainable ideas into your bedrooms:
- Festive Bedding: Rather than purchasing seasonal bedding, invest in neutral, high-quality throws and cushions that can be used year-round. Add a pop of color with a blanket made from repurposed materials such as these gorgeous blankets, throws, and cushions from Weaver Green.
- Upcycled Decorations: Create garlands from old fabrics, beads, or scraps of wrapping paper. Hang them across bed frames or windows to create a festive atmosphere. Using upcycled materials cuts down waste and adds a personalized, unique touch.
- Use recyclable Christmas wrapping: For a greener Christmas, choose recyclable or reusable wrapping paper like plain craft paper, and opt for natural gift decorations such as twine, dried oranges, and sprigs of greenery.
Related Article – 7 Eco-Friendly Gifting Ideas ā Plantable, Vegan, Recycled, Reusable
Outdoors: Welcoming and Warm
The exterior of your home can be as eco-friendly as the interior with a few smart choices:
- Natural Outdoor Decor: Use greenery like evergreen branches, ivy, and pinecones for outdoor wreaths and garlands. Add dried citrus or berries for a festive pop of color.Ā Also, a colorful outdoor rug, such as this one made from recycled plastic bottles from Weaver Green makes for a more inviting entrance.
- Solar-Powered Pathway Lights: Opt for solar-powered outdoor lights to light up your garden or front path. They are sustainable, require minimal maintenance, and reduce your energy bills.
Wrapping It Up: A Greener, Happier Holiday
Christmas is a time of joy, and making eco-conscious decorating choices helps spread that joy to the planet. Include natural elements, repurpose existing materials, and choose energy-efficient solutions to create a festive home sustainably. Each of these small changes adds up, making a big difference for a greener Christmas.
Images courtesy of https://www.weavergreen.com/
Author: Laura Polito, InHouse Communications
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