Christmas has always been a magical time for my family, especially with two boys who love everything about the season. As the owner of Holiday Celebration Trees, I’ve always made it a priority to create festive, beautiful spaces, but over the years I’ve started to look for ways to make the holidays more sustainable.
With so many options for decorations, it’s easier than ever to celebrate in a way that’s both joyful and environmentally conscious.
To decorate your Christmas tree sustainably, choose eco-friendly options such as natural elements, reusable fabric ornaments, DIY decorations, and energy-efficient lights. Avoid plastic decorations, tinsel, and disposable wrapping paper. Opt for long-lasting materials and get creative with items you already have at home.
What’s the Environmental Impact of Traditional Christmas Decorations?
Christmas decorations bring joy, but they can also bring unintended environmental harm. Many traditional holiday decorations contain harmful materials, contributing to waste and pollution. Here are some of the main offenders:
Plastic Ornaments
Plastic ornaments are some of the most popular holiday decorations, but they’re also a big environmental problem. These ornaments are often made from non-biodegradable materials and are thrown away after only a few years of use, adding to landfill waste.
Tinsel and Glitter
Tinsel and glitter might make your tree sparkle, but they’re made from microplastics, which are harmful to the environment. These tiny plastic particles often end up in water systems and take centuries to break down, polluting oceans and harming wildlife.
Non-Recyclable Wrapping Paper
That shiny, glittery wrapping paper might look festive, but it’s often not recyclable. Plastic-coated, glitter-adorned, or metallic wrapping papers cannot be processed by recycling centers, meaning they go straight to the landfill. This adds significantly to the waste generated during the holidays.
Environmentally Friendly Decoration Ideas
If you’re wondering how to decorate your Christmas tree sustainably, there are plenty of creative alternatives that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Here’s a list of ideas that will make your tree stand out—without harming the planet.
Natural Elements
Decorating with items like pinecones, dried fruit, and fresh greenery is a simple way to bring nature into your home without buying new, plastic decorations. These natural elements give your tree a rustic, cozy feel and are fully biodegradable when the season ends. You can string up dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks as ornaments, creating a warm and fragrant atmosphere all around your home.
Reusable Fabric Ornaments
Instead of buying plastic baubles, switch to reusable fabric ornaments. Cloth-based decorations are not only sustainable, but they also last for years, reducing the need for new purchases each holiday season. You can even make these at home with leftover fabric scraps, making them a fun craft activity with the kids.
Paper Ornaments
Handmade paper ornaments are a charming and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought plastic ones. Use recycled paper to create stars, snowflakes, or paper chains. They’re easy to make, biodegradable, and can be composted after the holidays, making them a perfect option for sustainable Christmas decorating.
DIY Decorations
Making your own decorations is not only eco-friendly but also a personal and creative way to celebrate. Use materials like wood, twine, or even old holiday cards to craft custom decorations. These DIY decorations can add a personal touch to your tree while also reducing the need for store-bought, mass-produced items.
Sustainable Wrapping Paper
Who says gift wrap can’t be part of your tree’s decorations? Using sustainable wrapping paper such as recycled brown paper or fabric wraps (like furoshiki) not only looks stylish but is also better for the environment. You can match the wrapping paper colors to your tree’s theme, making the gifts themselves part of the decoration.
Recycled Metal Ornaments
Opt for durable, recycled metal ornaments that are long-lasting and eco-friendly. These sturdy decorations can be used year after year and are less likely to break, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Look for ornaments made from repurposed metals for an added sustainability boost.
Decorate with Natural Twine
Instead of using plastic hooks or ribbons, consider using natural twine to hang ornaments. Twine is biodegradable, looks rustic, and adds a natural touch to your tree while keeping your decorating materials plastic-free.
Why Choose Our Platform Christmas Tree for Sustainable Decorating?
Now that you’ve got some great eco-friendly decoration ideas, let’s talk about the tree itself. Our platform Christmas trees are the perfect base for your sustainable holiday vision.
Made from Recycled Materials
Our platform Christmas trees are made from the equivalent of 1,100 recycled plastic bottles, making them an eco-friendly choice for holiday celebrations. Unlike typical artificial trees that can contribute to waste, our trees provide a sustainable alternative that helps minimize environmental impact. They are also crafted from high-quality recycled materials, which helps divert waste from landfills and reduces the demand for new raw materials.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Unlike cheaply made artificial trees that often need replacing after just a few seasons, our platform Christmas trees are designed to be reused year after year. While there is some plastic used to create the festive look, we’ve limited its use as much as possible, opting for high-quality materials that are primarily recycled. This ensures that our trees offer durability and longevity, reducing the need to purchase a new tree every few years and minimizing overall waste.
Less Surface Area to Decorate
The unique platform design of our Christmas trees provides less surface area to cover with decorations, meaning you can focus on quality over quantity. This reduces the need for excessive, often plastic-based decorations, allowing you to keep your tree both stylish and eco-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Present Display
One of the great features of our platform Christmas trees is the ability to use the platform levels to display wrapped presents as part of your tree’s décor. By using sustainable wrapping options like fabric or recycled paper, you can incorporate your gifts into the tree’s overall look, making your entire holiday display more eco-friendly.
Check out our eco-friendly platform Christmas trees here.
FAQs
What’s the Best Type of Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper?
Use recycled brown paper or reusable fabric wraps, like furoshiki, to reduce waste.
Which Color Is Best for a Christmas Tree?
Choosing a color depends on your style and theme. Classic green trees offer a traditional look, while white or snowy trees provide a more modern, wintery feel.
Are Real Christmas Trees Environmentally Friendly?
Real Christmas trees can be eco-friendly if they are grown sustainably and recycled after use, but factors like transportation and disposal can add to their environmental impact.
What Are Toddler-Safe Christmas Tree Options?
Platform Christmas trees can be a great toddler-safe option as they elevate decorations, keeping fragile or unsafe items out of reach, while still allowing space for fun, child-safe decorations at lower levels.
How Can I Store My Christmas Decorations Sustainably?
Store your decorations in durable, reusable containers to avoid single-use plastic storage. Opt for wrapping fragile items in fabric or recycled paper instead of plastic bubble wrap.
Closing Thoughts
Sustainable decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple changes—like opting for natural materials and DIY ornaments—you can create a stunning Christmas display that’s better for the planet. And with our platform Christmas trees, you have the perfect canvas to bring these eco-friendly ideas to life year after year.
Let’s make this holiday season greener and more joyful. Check out our eco-friendly platform Christmas trees to start your sustainable Christmas journey.
