Creative Ideas for a Sustainable Season
From the decorations to the gifts you give, we've put together a guide for a sustainable and eco friendly holiday season.
Decorations
DIY Orange Garland and Spice Clusters
Add a festive touch with a homemade garland using dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. String them together to create a warm, citrusy decoration for your tree or mantel. These natural, fragrant materials will add cozy holiday vibes and can be composted afterward!
Eco-Friendly Lights
Consider switching to energy-efficient LED string lights or solar-powered lights for outdoor decorations. They use significantly less energy, and some solar options are even programmable, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn them off.
Living Centerpieces
Instead of traditional floral centerpieces, try using small potted plants like rosemary, lavender, or succulents. These living decorations look beautiful, smell great, and can be kept as houseplants after the holidays or replanted outside come spring.
The Tree
Build Your Own “Tree” from Foraged Materials
Get creative and make a tree-shaped structure from gathered branches, driftwood, or reclaimed wood. Arrange them in a tiered fashion and decorate with lights, small ornaments, or dried flowers. It’s a unique, artistic take on the traditional tree and can be disassembled and reused next year!
Holiday “Tree” Wall Display
For small spaces, consider making a tree shape on a wall with decorations like fairy lights, small ornaments, or photos clipped to string. This idea is perfect for tiny apartments and is super easy to take down after the season. You can also use fabric strips or washi tape to outline the tree shape, which can be reused each year.
Gifts
Experience-Based Gifts
Instead of material items, give experiences like tickets to a show, a cooking class, or a membership to a local museum or park. Experience gifts create memories and reduce physical clutter, making them meaningful and sustainable.
Handmade or Local Artisan Gifts
Support local artisans by gifting handmade goods, such as pottery, candles, or knitted items. Many artisans use eco-friendly materials and processes, so you’ll be supporting both sustainability and small businesses in your community.
Seed Paper Gift Tags
Look for or make gift tags from seed paper, which can be planted to grow wildflowers or herbs after the holidays! It’s a small detail that adds a bit of nature to each gift and reduces paper waste.
Support Sustainable Brands
Opt for sustainably made gifts like the Dreamsoft Travel Scarf by zestt organics. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton this all-in-one scarf + shawl + blanket makes the perfect cozy gift this season.
Wrapping
Reversible, Reusable Wrapping Cloths
Create or buy reversible fabric wraps that can be used for multiple holidays, birthdays, and beyond. Known as *furoshiki* in Japanese culture, these cloth wraps are stylish and sustainable, making them perfect for wrapping anything from books to bottles.
Recycled Paper and Nature Accents
Use recycled kraft paper or even pages from old books and decorate with twine, dried herbs, or tiny pinecones for an elegant, rustic look. Recycled paper can often be composted, and the natural accents add a charming touch.
These ideas can help you have a beautiful, eco-conscious holiday season that leaves a lasting impression, not a carbon footprint! Enjoy experimenting with these thoughtful, creative touches for a holiday season that’s as joyful as it is sustainable.