ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS INTERIORS
Do you love decorating your home for Christmas? This is the time of year when many of us make changes to our interior design. Furniture is moved to make room for the tree, additional lighting is hung and decorative elements adorn our rooms. It’s part of building excitement for the festive season. However, is it possible to follow this tradition and have an environmentally friendly Christmas?
What is the Most Environmentally Friendly Christmas Tree?
I love the pine scent and the time spent finding the ideal-shaped real tree, however, is this the greenest option? I’ve questioned whether chopping down 7 million* healthy trees for Christmas is a good decision. However, in the 10-12 years of growth, each tree provides a home for wildlife, whilst also capturing carbon. What’s more, after use, the trees can be chipped and used for mulching.
Meanwhile, modern artificial trees look surprisingly convincing and they can be reused time and again. Unfortunately, they are made from a mix of non-biodegradable materials, which can’t be recycled. One Tree Planted suggests that an artificial tree needs to be reused at least 10 times to match the credentials of a real one.
The Best Christmas Tree Options
If you have space in the garden, why not opt for a potted tree? This can be brought in for the few weeks of Christmas, then moved back outside. However, you do have to be conscious of the temperature variations, so best to avoid positioning near a radiator.
Alternatively, you can put a twist on tradition with an alternative tree. I’ve seen some gorgeous ideas including a tower of books, decorative wall hangings, sculpted wooden trees and a vase of decorated branches. These options can be more practical as they take up less space, leaving more room for visitors!
Moving on to Environmentally Friendly Christmas Decorations
I have friends who have built up a collection of Christmas decorations throughout their life. Each item has sentimental value and they love the mix-and-match nature of their display. Other friends favour a matching scheme and regularly change - it’s out with the old and in with the new. What’s your approach?
Decorations from Sustainable Materials
Either way, my advice is to consider what the decorations are made from. I recommend natural and/or recyclable materials, as these are the sustainable options. I’ve made and sourced wonderful fabric, wood, glass and paper adornments. These include an origami advent calendar that I refill each year! If you are interested in origami decorations, I’d recommend Origami Est kits.
In addition, I’m all in favour of collecting pine cones and greenery to create table decorations and wreaths. Holly, ivy and evergreen firs are scented, as well as looking the part. They can be combined with a bunch of winter berries, dried slices of orange and/or cinnamon sticks to create interest.
Let There Be (Low Energy) Light!
When it comes to illumination, LED tree lights are widely available and use less energy. For outdoor lighting, you might even consider solar-powered options, which use no energy at all! Candles can also be used to create a cosy, muted light, which creates the ideal atmosphere for winter home interiors.
Preloved is Perfect!
Another point on sustainable Christmas decorations is that you can pick up pre-loved decorations in most charity shops. At this time of year, they have plenty of choice, so give someone’s old collection a new lease of life! You might find a gem including antique and retro styles. What’s more, any cost savings at this time of year are a bonus.
Presents that Don’t Cost the Earth
Some of the biggest waste is generated by unwanted presents. You spend precious time and money trying to find a worthy gift for everyone on your list, but some will be rejected. To minimise this waste, I’d first like to mention Martin Lewis’ No Unnecessary Present Pact. He encourages us to agree in advance to not buy for everyone we’ve ever known.
Shop Local & Gift Experiences
Ideally, make your purchases from independent businesses, local makers and charity organisations. They will appreciate your custom and are more likely to spend the money in your community.
Alternatively, use your skills to make gifts. It might feel like you haven’t time, but it will save you hours of navigating the shops or scrolling the internet! To get you started, Good Food Magazine suggests some edible gifts that might tempt you.
If you want to avoid more clutter, consider giving an experience or your time. Would your parents enjoy a wine tasting or afternoon tea? Is the best gift for your sibling an offer to babysit? Would planning a day out with friends be better than more stuff?
Continuing the Environmentally Friendly Christmas Theme
My second instalment of ideas for an environmentally friendly Christmas will be shared in December. The article will focus on the final preparations; gift wrapping and Christmas dinner, as well as planning for the New Year. Why not visit my Home page and sign up for my newsletter to ensure you won’t miss it?
* 7 million is the average number of trees sold each year in the UK according to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association