Welcome back to the 12 Days of Sustainability – Day 6 Handmade Decorations
The holiday season has begun. Think parties. Decorations. —and lots of trash.
Americans toss out about 25% more garbage during the holidays. That includes food waste, wrapping paper, shopping bags, and more. In fact, a study on Stanford University’s website notes that the 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year in the U.S. could fill a football field 10 stories high.
The good news is that a few changes can make to your holiday decor to better your eco-footprint. Here are a few effective plastic-free and zero-waste holiday decorations for you to make this festive season, and enjoy year after year.
Dried Orange Garland
Dried orange slices are pure Instagrammable AND sustainable, and for good reason – they are stunningly effective. The good news is that if you want your house to look and smell amazing for Christmas, then these garlands are so easy to make.
Paper Bag Stars
You won’t have to worry about expensive or tedious maintenance requirements when it comes to solar lights. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation — there won’t be much to follow, by the way — and you’ll be able to look forward to years of problem free performance.
Zero Waste Candle Holders
These eco-friendly festive candle holders are simple but elevate any dinner table or mantel. If you’ve got some empty wine bottles and some greenery then VOILA — an instant plastic-free and zero-waste holiday decoration. Snippings from your Christmas tree would work, as would some ivy, rosemary, or eucalyptus.
Popcorn Garland
If you want an easy zero-waste Christmas decoration, then try this Cranberry and popcorn garland from Mountain Cravings. This could be a great one for slightly older kids to get involved in — plus you can snack along the way!
What are some of your favorite ways to #gogreen and
benefit our environment during the holidays?
