Looking to conserve energy and cut down that electric bill? Maybe you want to eliminate plastic from your Christmas decorations. But, you’re probably wondering:
How can I make my Christmas eco-friendly? How can I make Christmas less materialistic?
No matter what sustainability angle you’re taking this season, an eco friendly Christmas is just what your home needs to stay festive – so start your decorating with green ideas that won’t hurt the environment and become a conscious buyer and anti-greenwashing warrior!
1-What is the most ethical way to have a Christmas tree?
The short answer to putting up a sustainable Christmas tree?
Head out to the nearest farm and chop down a live tree. There’s no problem with that, right? Wrong. Real trees scatter messy pine needles all over the house, prick your fingers while hanging ornaments, and require constant watering. Who has time for all that work?
Christmas doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet. With a little effort and imagination, we can reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season. Here are some ideas to help celebrate the season while caring for the earth. #SustainableChristmas #EcoFriendly #PlasticFree pic.twitter.com/kWfkPNph6j
— 𝕃𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟 (@EcoGreenSpirit) November 28, 2022
This is where fake trees come in handy. But how sustainable are they?
Most artificial trees are giant stands of plastic, many of which are shipped from China on carbon-spewing journeys. Opting for a thrifted artificial tree ensures the longevity of the piece and cuts down on the need for more shipments from China.
Still don’t want plastic anywhere near your home?
Rent a tree from companies like Love A Christmas Tree, which delivers potted Christmas trees that allow your tree to grow throughout the season.
This option is a little high-maintenance, so if you’re still clamoring for that eco Chistmas tree, it’s time to go thrifting.
2-DIY eco friendly Christmas decorations
Now, once you’ve got your “tree” in place, the question is:
How do you decorate a eco-friendly Christmas tree?
DIY is your best friend for sustainable Christmas decorations.
This is where you can get creative with recycled materials: from snowflake cutouts with recycled paper to baubles sewn from old CDs, your arts and craft skills will be put to good use instead of wasting money on cheap plastic ornaments from the store.
3-Go LED
LED lights use 90% less electricity than regular lights that guzzle energy and barely make a twinkle on your tree. While LED lights tend to cost more at check-out, your electric bill will thank you in the long run.
Or Black Out!
Cutting out electricity entirely isn’t conventional during Christmas, but it’s one of the more sustainable routes to tread.
Decorate your home with eco friendly Christmas decorations like bright festive bows on organic strings of garland, or arrange recycled ornaments in strategic locations throughout the house to reflect sunlight for a natural festive glow. But if that’s a little extreme, you can always go solar!
Chic DIY Christmas decorations can make great sustainable alternatives while turning your home into an eco-winter wonderland.
If we start thinking sustainably during the holidays, we’re caring for all the Christmases to come.
And what’s better than knowing that our futures are merry and bright?
P.S. If you’re planning on traveling this Christmas, take a look a our 7 tips to enjoy a sustainable travel experience!
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: A hand hangs an ornament on a Christmas tree. Featured Photo Credit: Element5 Digital, Unsplash.
