10 Sustainable Christmas Decoration Ideas

It’s that special time of year when we indulge in all of our favourite things, have some time off, and spend time with loved ones.

However, Christmas is also the most wasteful time of year. According to GWP Group, we discard an extra 30% over the festive period compared to the rest of the year.

We can make 2021 our most sustainable Christmas ever without spending more. Amazing, right? The greatest way to live a greener life is by consuming less. Less shopping, less food, less packaging, fewer gifts, and less waste equals more money saved!

Do not underestimate the power of small changes, as every little effort counts. So if you can only commit to doing a few things on this list of sustainable decorations, that is just fine! The planet needs more people making small leaps rather than a small number of people making giant leaps. 

Many of us purchase plastic pinecones, citrus fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, and pine leaves to make our homes look more festive. However, you can keep your money and go on a winter walk instead. Pop your boots, hat and gloves on, and bring a bag to your closest country park or woodland. Just make sure only to take what you need and only collect from areas growing in abundance. 

You can find an incredible variety of Christmas treasures in charity shops, from gifts to decorations. One of the best things about charity shop purchases is that you’re likely to find unique pieces rather than something everyone already has. The key to finding great things in charity/second-hand stores is patience! 

Never, ever throw away your used glass bottles and jars again! You can use them for many things, from candlestick holders to flower vases. You can also put fairy lights inside glass jars to create a cosy ambience. It’s so simple and effective and works great for festive movie nights. 

Soy wax candles burn much cleaner and create less black soot than conventional, synthetic candles. Most candles sold in shops are also made from paraffin, which comes from fossil fuels. 

Houseplants can be a unique and creative way of making your home more festive. For example, you can interweave a garland amongst a row of plants or drape fairy lights (carefully) around a large houseplant. If you have a particularly large plant like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera you could even hang baubles on them instead of having a tree. 

Wrap up warm, take yourself out on a winter walk, and see what you can find on the floor! Pinecones, pine leaves, berries can all make fantastic additions to a natural wreath. 

You can use twine to create a garland made from citrus fruits, cinnamon, and whatever other festive materials you have. These garlands can be strewn atop a fireplace, over a shelf, or wherever you see fit. 

Instead of using plastic or metal hooks, invest in a roll of twine or organic cotton string to hang your decorations. Twine and string create a natural, rustic effect. 

LED bulbs can be up to 80% more energy efficient when compared to conventional bulbs. They also have a longer lifespan! 

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle does NOT mean that you have to give up glitter. Oh, quite the contrary. You can now purchase biodegradable glitter to jazz up your Christmas dinner table and absolutely everything else. Is it truly Christmas without a bit of glitter?!