I recently shared my “go green” know-how in a recent Toronto Star article (Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019), “Here’s how to go green for Christmas,” by Carola Vyhnak.
CELIA ALIDA RUTTE PICTURED IN THE TO STAR ARTICLE, “HERE’S HOW TO GO GREEN FOR CHRISTMAS”
The article focuses on “great ways to start a waste-free, planet-friendly Christmas at home.” I couldn’t agree more! The waste generated during the holidays is undeniable. We can mitigate our trash by rethinking how to decorate this festive season.
Disposable Living
We live in a time when “throw away and disposable” is ingrained in our culture. When something breaks, we throw it out. If your Christmas lights don’t work anymore, please don’t put them in the trash. Instead, make an effort to purchase new light bulbs and fuses. Try to fix them.
Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!
It seems that everything has to be done “yesterday.” It is okay to build up your Christmas tree ornaments over time, even years. If you want a look that works with your home décor, then do the research and plan how you want the Christmas decorations to look. Perhaps you take time each year to make a few new ornaments for the tree. There is a feeling of accomplishment when making something for yourself and your family. The sentimental value for your homemade decorations means you will keep them longer than store-bought.
Get Cozy, Be Happy!
Hygge Christmas |Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels
A Hygge style Christmas is a trending holiday style. Inspired by the Danish culture, it is “the quality of being warm and comfortable that gives a feeling of happiness.” (Oxford Lerner’s Dictionary) Warm throw blankets, thickly patterned socks, roaring fireplaces, hot cocoa, and lit candles are all a part of this style. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Donate and Reuse
Glass of milk and a Christmas present | Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels
Ornaments that you no longer want or need should be donated to places like Value Village. They bag second-hand decorations and sell them around Christmas time. And while you are there, pick up some second-hand ornaments and refurbish them with paint or resurface them in different materials for your own tree. There are thousands of resources online for Christmas decoration making. Search for Natural Christmas Decorations, or Natural Christmas Ornaments. There is so much inspiration!
Ditch the Dangerous Tinsel
Cranberries and cones | Photo by Jessica Lewis from Pexels
Here are some wonderful materials for making natural decorations:
- Fresh greenery
- Sea shells
- Feathers
- Logs, slices of logs, shavings of tree bark, birch logs
- Acorns
- Pine cones
- Eggshells, with the insides blown out, and hand-painted. Glue a bead at the top to fasten a hook or a string for hanging.
- Burlap
- Green and red apples
- Limes, oranges, grapefruit, fresh or dried
- Cranberries
- Nuts with their shell
- Twigs
- Cinnamon sticks
Last but not least, the traditional homemade popcorn and cranberry strings. Simply beautiful!
So “go green” for the holidays! Design for Conscious Living® can help you with an environmentally friendly design and decoration for your home or business.
