This December, no matter where you are, you’re likely take in familiar holiday delights: tinsel dusted over the limbs of a flocked Douglass fir tree or Hanukkah bush; strings of lights twinkling on fences, eves, and banisters; menorahs in front windows; reindeer, snowman, and other winter holiday bric-a-brac on lawns and side tables...
Now for the sad news? Much of this décor is destined for a landfill or, at the very least, a rarely-visited attic corner.
So go green. Only decorate with items you can reuse, repurpose, or recycle. No—we’re not suggesting you spread granola on your table runner and stick a candle in the middle. But it is possible to beautifully and tastefully decorate your home without buying any disposable products.
The Low-Down on Trees.
Your cheapest and greenest option? Forego a tree altogether. But we expect that if you’re reading this, you’re not going to do that. Here’s what you need to know to be an informed tree-buyer:
Fake trees – If you already own a fake tree, don’t let it go to waste. Use it. If you’re thinking about buying one, consider this: While it may seem green to buy a fake, re-usable tree, these trees are made from petroleum-based products and are often shipped from abroad, pumping a heck of a lot of CO2 into the air before it ever gets to your living room. The fakes are usually made of unrecyclable PVC, and often contain lead as a stabilizer. Our advice: skip ‘em.
Living trees – A real, live tree may be the choice some people. It requires no needless cutting down a living tree, and when the holidays are over, you can plant it in the ground and watch it grow. Of course, this might not make sense if you live in a city or if you live in a climate that’s not conducive to pine-tree growing. If you go the living tree route, consider decorating a tree that’s actually in the ground or one that’s already in a pot in your house.
Cut trees – Trees are farmed like any agricultural crop, so seeking out pesticide- and herbicide-free trees is best for you and the planet. Buying locally-grown trees is also the best option—this means no extra fossil fuels are used to get it to you, and you’re supporting your local economy. Perhaps the worst part about cut trees is that so many of them end up in the nation’s landfills. If you choose to buy a cut tree, make sure to recycle it. The National Christmas Tree Association helps you find a recycling center near you. Trees with tinsel or flocking aren’t usually accepted at these centers, so avoid these synthetic, non-recyclable decorations.
Ornaments.
Skip buying ornaments in favor of making your own tree décor.
Here are some quick ideas:
-Cookies make great ornaments. Make a simple sugar cookie or ginger bread recipe and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Pinch a hole in the top of them before baking, then tie a ribbon through the hole to hang it on the tree.
-Use recycled paper to make origami “doves.” Follow directions to make a crane and attach a small twig to its beak to signify an olive branch.
-Homemade garlands can take the place of store-bought ones. Popcorn and fresh cranberries are easy to string. Take a long piece of sturdy thread and attach a needle at the end to make it easier to get the stuff on.
If crafts aren’t your thing, check out these cut eco-conscious ornaments from Molberi. Use the SustainLane GreenSaver coupon code for a 20% discount: sustain08.
Table Décor.
No mail order wreaths this year. Edible arrangements make great centerpieces. Fill bowls or glass hurricanes with organic and locally-grown colored fruits available at the farmer’s market, like granny smith apples, pomegranates, and cranberries. These can easily be used in future recipes, like pies, jams, and compotes. You can also gather fallen twigs and branches from the ground. Arrange them in the center of the table with soy or beeswax candles for a festive, wintery look. Wrap napkins with sturdy herbs like rosemary and thyme. For place settings, stay away from disposable dishes, cutlery and napkins. If you are short on tableware, think about renting dishes for the night. If you must go disposable, make sure your wares are biodegradable and/or compostable.
Lighting
Anyone who’s paid a December electricity bill knows how it spikes with the annual addition of holiday lights. White twinkling lights look great on your eves and in your windows, but they can cost a pretty penny.
If you’re in the market for new lights this year, why not go for LED (light emitting diode) holiday lights? These bulbs use up to 95 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. An added bonus: LEDs create less heat, so they’re much safer to have on your tree and around your home.
Regardless of what type of lights you use, the easiest way to save money on your electricity bill is to flip the switch to off during the day and when you go to bed.
Candles
If candles will adorn your dinner table or sideboard, consider using soy or beeswax candles instead of petroleum-derived paraffin ones, which is what most candles are made from. Soy and beeswax are made from renewable sources and are said to rid your home of allergens and clean the air. They’re also virtually dripless, odorless, and smokeless. You can find beeswax candles for menorahs here.
