Greet the Season With Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorating Ideas

The holiday season is here; people are scrambling to prepare for hosting gatherings and spending time with loved ones.  A huge surge in shopping, from gifts for loved ones to new holiday decor, occurs around this time of year.  While festive decorations bring warmth to our homes, it’s important to consider their environmental impact.

At Topgreener, we want to do our part and advocate for sustainable and eco-conscious living. Having a great holiday and thinking about the environment can effortlessly go hand-in-hand. Here are some easy ideas for eco-friendly decorating to get you started: 

1. Natural Ornaments

Instead of opting for plastic ornaments, choose decorations made from natural materials. Pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks make charming additions to your tree. These items are biodegradable and can be composted after the holidays if you want to change the ornaments you have yearly.

2. DIY Decorations

Get creative and involve the whole family in making your own decorations. Use recycled materials like old newspapers, magazines, or cardboard to craft unique ornaments and garlands. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your holiday decor.

3. Energy-Efficient Lighting

Switch to LED lights for your holiday displays. LED lights are not only more energy-efficient but also last longer than traditional incandescent lights. Consider using solar-powered lights for outdoor decorations to further reduce your carbon footprint.

Setting your holiday or Christmas lights with a timer will also help ensure the lights are only on when necessary. This will save you from the hassle of manually turning off and on your lights as well as keeping your electricity bill low.

4. Upcycled Centerpieces

Create stunning centerpieces using items you already have at home. Upcycle glass jars, wine bottles, or tin cans into candle holders or vases. Fill them with seasonal flowers, branches, or even herbs for a fresh and festive touch.

5. Sustainable Wrapping

Ditch the traditional wrapping paper and opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Use recycled paper, fabric, or even newspaper to wrap your gifts. Top them off with reusable fabric ribbons or twine, and encourage recipients to reuse or recycle the wrapping.

6. Green Decor

Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating living plants into your holiday decor. Potted evergreen plants, such as mini Christmas trees or poinsettias, can be used as festive accents and later planted in your garden. This adds a sustainable and long-lasting element to your decorations.

7. Reuse or Trade Decorations

Many communities have programs that allow you to share and exchange decorations.

This reduces the demand for new products and minimizes waste. If you’d like a new theme every year, simply finding a neighbor or friend you can swap decorations with can accomplish that. 

8. Digital Decorations

Embrace technology by using digital decorations. Create a festive screensaver or digital artwork to display on your computer or TV. This eliminates the need for physical decorations while still bringing holiday spirit to your home. It can also minimize your storage space while being a focal point to your holiday design. Furthermore, you can send an e-card you designed instead of a physical holiday card to save paper. 

This holiday season, let’s celebrate in a way that not only brings joy to our homes but also cares for the planet. By embracing eco-friendly decorating ideas, we can create a festive atmosphere that is both beautiful and sustainable. Small changes can make a big difference, and together we can make our holiday celebrations truly green and bright.