Make more conscious choices during a time often linked with excess. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, choose more sustainable materials, or minimise waste, here are some eco-friendly Christmas decoration ideas you can incorporate into your displays this year.
1. High-Quality Christmas Tree
Choosing a high-quality Christmas tree is a smart investment in eco-friendly decorating. It removes the need to cut down a new tree each year and can be reused for a decade or more. For an even lower carbon footprint, look for trees made with more sustainable materials. Balsam Hill’s reNEW™ Christmas trees offer the same lifelike look and feel, while being crafted with recycled or plant-based plastic.
2. Thrifted or Vintage Ornaments
Support a circular economy and reduce overconsumption with these thoughtful ideas:
- Visit estate sales or thrift stores to find unique décor with character and charm.
- Host swap meets with friends and neighbours to refresh your decorations without buying new ones.
3. Upcycled Christmas Accents
Give new life to old or broken ornaments by arranging them into festive centrepieces or Christmas vignettes. Fill a decorative bowl, lanterns, or a shallow tray with a collection of these ornaments to add a thoughtful touch of Christmas cheer.
4. LED Christmas Lights
Reduce your energy use and electricity bill by switching to LED lights for your Christmas tree and other displays. They use up to 80% less power and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a smart and sustainable choice.
You can also consider solar lights for outdoor decorations and displays.
5. Natural Décor
Gather natural elements like pinecones, acorns, and evergreen cuttings to add a rustic touch to your Christmas décor. Dried orange slices, bundles of cinnamon sticks, and mistletoe sprigs also make beautiful accents. These materials can be composted once you’re ready to pack everything away.
Just be sure to keep organic décor out of reach of children and pets.
6. DIY Ornaments
Get little ones involved in the decorating fun and encourage creativity by making tree décor from recycled materials.
- Make your own salt dough ornaments.
- Paint wood slices for a natural, handcrafted look.
- Fill clear Christmas balls with recycled wrapping paper, old ribbon, and other festive accents.
- Use wire, pipe cleaners, or beads to create snowflake-inspired ornaments.
7. Heirloom-Quality Decorations
The saying “buy nice or buy twice” applies to Christmas décor as well. Invest in well-crafted essentials like tree skirts, toppers, and ornaments in timeless or neutral designs that you can mix, match, and refresh year after year. It’s a more sustainable choice over time, and these pieces can become part of your family’s Christmas memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Sustainably Decorate for Christmas?
Sustainable decorating is about making mindful choices that reduce long-term impact on the planet. You can recycle or upcycle decorations to minimise waste or invest in high-quality décor designed to be used for many years. Supporting local handicrafts made with more earth-friendly materials and processes is another thoughtful option.
What Can Be Used Instead of Tinsel?
Tinsel can be difficult to recycle, so consider alternatives made from more eco-friendly materials. Paper chains, wooden or glass bead garlands, burlap ribbon, and natural evergreen garlands all add festive charm while being easier on the environment.
What Is an Eco-Friendly Alternative to a Christmas Tree?
This depends on what eco-friendly means to you. For some, it involves choosing a live Christmas tree that can be composted later. For others, it means investing in a high-quality Christmas tree that can be reused for many years, which experts note can offset its environmental impact. You can also choose Christmas trees made with recycled post-consumer plastic or renewable, more sustainable materials, such as Balsam Hill’s reNEW™ collection.
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