Ideas for Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations from Eco-Expert Victoria Gerrard of La Crosse, WI

Christmas is a time when people tend to go all out with decorations. And while it can be a fun experience, it can also feel expensive and wasteful.

This year, try a new approach to Christmas decorating – sustainable, creative, and family-friendly.

eco-friendly christmas decor materials

Eco-experts like Victoria Gerrard, La Crosse, WI resident, say not only will you be teaching your children the importance of taking care of our planet, you’ll also be spending quality time together as a family.

Here are some ideas for eco-friendly Christmas decorations to get you started:

1. Collect Pinecones And Leaves On A Nature Walk

This is a great activity to do with young children. Take a walk around your neighborhood or in a nearby park and have them collect bird feathers, acorns, pinecones, berries, and leaves.

If you live in an area with citrus trees, you can also gather oranges or lemons to use as decoration. Just make sure to leave enough for the birds!

Once you’ve collected your natural materials, you can combine them with other eco-friendly supplies to create pretty decorations, like this Holiday Mason Jar Card Display!

person holding pinecones and greenery

2. Make Recycled Paper Garlands

With supplies on hand and ready, it’s time to start crafting! An easy project for all ages is recycled paper garlands.

Use scraps of construction paper or old newspapers and cut the paper into strips. Then turn each strip into a loop, securing the ends with tape or glue.

Older children can create a chain by connecting the loops together as they go, while younger children may have an easier time displaying their loops on a length of twine.

No matter which option you choose, your kids are sure to have a blast showing off a decoration that they helped make themselves!

3. Use Natural Materials To Make Wreaths

Wreaths are another classic holiday decoration you can easily make from sustainable materials.

Start by finding a flexible branch or two that you can use as the base for your wreath (keep an eye out for branches that might work on your nature walk).

Then, help your child wind greenery, berries, pinecones, and other nature items around the base until it’s completely covered. Adding a burlap bow or some ribbon provides a finished and festive touch!

wreath making supplies

4. Create Eco-Friendly Centerpieces

For your holiday table this year, ditch the store-bought floral arrangements and create sustainable centerpieces with things you already have at home.

Gather up some vases or Mason jars (you can even reuse the glass jars from jam and pasta sauce). Then, let your child arrange their nature treasures inside however they like!

You can also add some pretty candles to set the mood for a cozy family dinner.

5. Have Fun & Enjoy Time Spent Together

Victoria Gerrard of La Crosse, WI says the most important part of any sustainable Christmas decor project is that you have fun doing it together as a family!

Take some time to chat while you’re out collecting nature items or tell stories while making decorations. This activity can become a cherished tradition for years to come.

And, best of all, your children will be learning how fun and easy being eco-friendly at Christmas can be!

Why Is Sustainability Important?

As Christmas approaches, many people begin to deck the halls with all of the season’s trappings. But while tinsel and lights may bring holiday cheer, they can also take a toll on the environment.

Fortunately, there are now many sustainable options available for eco-conscious consumers.

One of the main reasons sustainable Christmas decor is preferable is that it helps to reduce waste. Traditional decorations are often made of materials that cannot be recycled or reused.

For example, plastic ornaments are difficult to recycle, and Styrofoam packaging takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills.

eco-friendly wood christmas ornament

In contrast, sustainable decorations are often made from recyclable materials, such as bamboo or glass. This means that they can be enjoyed for years to come without creating mountains of waste.

Another reason eco-friendly Christmas decorations are a better choice is that they help protect wildlife. Many traditional decorations contain small parts that can be dangerous for animals if they are swallowed.

In fact, some materials used in holiday decor, such as tinsel and ribbon, can be deadly if ingested by birds or other wildlife.

Eco-friendly Christmas decorations are often made from materials that won’t harm animals, including cotton and paper. This helps to ensure that our feathered friends can enjoy the holidays without coming harm.

Finally, when you decide to purchase sustainable Christmas decor, you’re generally supporting fair trade practices.

Many traditional decorations are made in sweatshops by workers who are paid low wages and treated poorly.

On the other hand, sustainable decorations are much more likely to be created by artisans who receive a fair price for their work. This helps to ensure that everyone can enjoy a merry Christmas without exploited workers being left out in the cold.

christmas party table

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be a wasteful endeavor. By using sustainable decorations, you can spread cheer while also protecting the environment and supporting fair trade practices.

From pinecone wreaths to eco-friendly centerpieces, there are plenty of ways to bring holiday cheer without leaving a big carbon footprint.

So, this year, make your celebrations a little merrier and greener by investing in sustainable Christmas decor. With a little creativity, you can create holiday decorations that are both beautiful and eco-friendly!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *