Introduction: Celebrate a Greener Holiday with Eco-Friendly Holiday Decoration
This season, choosing eco-friendly holiday decoration can be a way to spread joy without adding
waste.
If you’ve ever felt a twinge of guilt looking at the waste left over from holiday decorations—old
lights, plastic ornaments, and endless rolls of wrapping paper—you’re not alone.
As I started paying more attention to sustainable practices in my daily life, it hit me that my holiday decoration could use a little eco-friendly upgrade too.
With so many beautiful and creative sustainable decorations out there—from ornaments
made with recycled materials to reusable LED fairy lights—it’s possible to create a festive,
warm, and environmentally conscious holiday setup.
Let’s look at some easy swaps and eco-friendly holiday decorations ideas that’ll have your home looking stunning with a lighter impact on the planet.
1. Recycled and Upcycled Ornaments for a Unique Holiday Look
One of our favorite parts of decorating is unpacking the ornaments each year. These days, instead of plastic, we should choose decorations made from recycled and upcycled materials. It’s amazing how many options there are!
Recycled glass, metal, and even fabric ornaments can be incredibly beautiful, often handcrafted and full of character.
Check out the recycled glass ornaments from Ten Thousand Villages. They’re handmade by artisans, which makes each one a little unique.
Another great find is “Recycled Magazine Ornaments” from Uncommon Goods, made by shaping strips of colorful recycled magazines into gorgeous ornaments. They bring color and creativity to the tree, and
each one feels like a mini artwork.
Making your own upcycled ornaments can also be a fun family project. Last year, my kids and I
used old wine corks, bottle caps, and scraps of ribbon to make quirky, custom decorations. Not
Not only did it save money, but it added a personal touch to our holiday decor. And now, those DIY
ornaments hold memories, too.
2. Reusable Holiday Decor: Timeless Pieces for Years to Come
One of the biggest ways we can reduce holiday waste is by investing in reusable decorations. Many
Holiday decoration items are single-use or cheaply made to last just one season.
Reusable decorations, however, are designed to be enjoyed year after year, creating a sense of continuity
in your holiday setup.
For example, consider opting for fabric banners instead of disposable paper ones. Cloth stockings, durable tree skirts, and ceramic holiday figurines are just a few items that can be reused for decades.
In most families, we have a set of knitted stockings that we hang each year, each one with a different color and pattern. These pieces have become part of our family’s holiday story, and every year they bring a sense of warmth and tradition.
Pottery Barn offers beautiful hand-sewn stockings made from organic cotton that are both eco-friendly and incredibly cozy-looking.
Or, if you’re interested in ornaments, try looking for shatterproof glass ornaments that can be stored and reused for years without worrying about breakage.
3. LED Fairy Lights: The Energy-Efficient Way to Shine Bright
No eco-friendly holiday decoration setup is complete without a bit of sparkle! But traditional incandescent lights can be a big drain on electricity. Switching to LED fairy lights has been a game-changer for both my electric bill and the environment.
LED lights use up to 80% less energy than regular lights and last much longer, reducing waste.
LED fairy lights are versatile too! You wrap them around the tree, hang them along the banister,
and even drape them over mirrors for a soft, cozy glow.
They’re just as bright and festive as traditional lights, but knowing they’re energy-efficient gives you peace of mind.
The “Twinkly Smart LED String Lights” are my current favorite. You can control the color and pattern with an app, so it’s like having multiple sets of lights in one.
For a more classic look, you might love the simple warm white LED lights from GE, which are both
energy-efficient and affordable.
4. Organic Wreaths: Natural Beauty with a Fresh Scent
A beautiful wreath on the front door is such a welcoming sight, but many wreaths are made from
plastic or artificial materials. Swapping to an eco-friendly holiday decoration organic wreath made from real greenery, paraffin. Pinecones and berries not only look stunning but also fill the air with a natural scent.
Plus, organic wreaths are compostable, meaning they’ll break down naturally after the holidays rather
than ending up in a landfill.
If you’re crafty, making your own wreath is a lovely way to add a personal touch to your decoration.
One year, I went on a nature walk with my family to collect pine branches, holly, and acorns.
We turned these finds into a gorgeous wreath that felt more special than anything I’d seen in stores.
And when the season was over, we just added it to our compost bin.
If DIY isn’t your thing, check out The Bouqs Co. for their organic, sustainably sourced wreaths. They use seasonal foliage, and each one is unique—perfect for an eco-friendly holiday decoration.
5. Eco-Friendly Wrapping Options for a Beautiful Finish
Wrapping gifts has always been one of my favorite holiday activities, but traditional wrapping
paper isn’t recyclable, especially if it’s shiny or glittery.
Thankfully, there are so many eco-friendly holiday options that are just as pretty! Using recycled kraft paper, fabric wraps, or even old newspaper gives gifts a unique, rustic look.
I love using the Japanese “furoshiki” method, which involves wrapping gifts in reusable fabric.
It’s simple and elegant, and recipients can reuse the fabric for other gifts or as a scarf or
handkerchief.
I also keep a stack of reusable gift bags in holiday patterns. They’re quick, easy, and waste-free!
Wrappily makes 100% recyclable wrapping paper printed on newsprint, which is compostable. If you’re interested in reusable fabric wraps, check out the selection from EverWrap—they’re sturdy, washable, and come in lovely holiday patterns.
6. Sustainable Candles for a Cozy Glow
Candles create a cozy, warm atmosphere, but many traditional candles are made from paraffin.
a petroleum byproduct. Switching to soy or beeswax candles means you’re choosing a cleaner.
more eco-friendly option.
These candles burn longer and cleaner, filling your home with a pleasant fragrance without releasing harmful chemicals.
Last year, I discovered beeswax candles with a gentle honey scent, and they quickly became
favorite. There’s something so comforting about lighting a natural candle, knowing it’s not adding toxins to the air.
These make a perfect addition to any holiday decor, and they’re lovely gifts too!
Check out Big Dipper Wax Works for 100% beeswax candles or Mrs. Meyer’s soy candles in seasonal scents like “peppermint” and “iowa Pine.”
These candles are beautifully packaged, environmentally friendly, and perfect for a green holiday celebration.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Season with Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorations
Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. By
choosing eco-friendly holiday decor like recycled ornaments, LED lights, organic wreaths, and
sustainable candles, you can create a festive atmosphere that aligns with a greener lifestyle.
And when it comes to wrapping gifts sustainably, there’s something oddly satisfying about the
creativity it sparks. I’ve found myself turning to things like old maps, pages from worn-out books,
or fabric scraps instead of traditional wrapping paper. One year, I wrapped gifts using pieces of
cloth I found in my grandmother’s collection—it felt like I was weaving a little bit of our family
history into each present. And the recipients loved it! Instead of just tearing through paper, they carefully unwrap each gift, often repurposing the fabric for other uses, from scarves to tea
towels.
Making small changes each year—like swapping to LED lights or choosing recycled
decorations—has made my holiday celebrations feel more intentional. I love knowing that our
family traditions aren’t just bringing joy to us but are also kinder to the planet. This season, let’s
embrace the beauty of sustainable decorations and make our celebrations as eco-friendly as
they are memorable.
Choosing eco-friendly holiday decoration isn’t about sacrificing beauty or tradition. If anything, it
enhances both. Each choice becomes a little act of care for our planet, and it brings us closer to
holiday season that feels authentically joyful. It’s a way of celebrating not only with our loved
ones but also with a sense of responsibility and gratitude for the world we share
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