Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorating Ideas
One of the goals in my business is to be mindful of Mother Earth. Why? Because she’s our home. Where else would we live? I think it’s vital to care for and respect our homes, on big and small scales. Conscientious decor falls into the small-scale category. But what if we all made this effort? That would equal some big-scale respect!
In the blog this month, I have a few holiday decorating tips that will brighten up your home and honor our planet at the same time.
1. Decorate the Table with Natural Elements
My centerpieces involve Nature’s bounty in one way or another (check out my table in the post photo!). Since Winter is right around the corner, I love gathering ever-greenery from our tiny garden, like euonymus, myrtle, rhododendron and cypress. Pretty dried leaves and hydrangeas compliment the greenery with their earthy tones and textures. Walnuts, almonds and chestnuts in their shells add more texture to the scene. I love using produce like small pumpkins and gourds, clementines, grape clusters or pomegranates in the mix. Trim and tuck cut flowers into the arrangement for pops of brighter colors.
2. Use Alternative Options for Gift Wrap
Something I learned from my mother-in-law is to reuse gift-wrapping paper. Yes, you read that right. She saves any pieces that aren’t damaged, folds them into her box, and uses them again the next year. I used to think this was an odd habit, but then I understood that it was a result of rations during the Second World War when she was a little girl. My husband got me on the bandwagon, and now our wrapping paper box holds a mix of nostalgic papers from years past. Whenever we need a new roll, I buy one that’s made from recycled materials, and then we start saving again!
You can also cut open brown paper bags and decorate them with rubber stamps and soy inks. The kiddos can get in on the fun and create their own designs, too. Colorful fabric bags are another option that you can find at lots of shops these days. They can be repurposed for any number of uses.
3. Switch to LED Holiday Lights
One thing’s for sure, LED lights are way more energy-efficient than fluorescents and incandescents. A 36-watt LED bulb gives off the same light level as an 84-watt fluorescent strip! That means they draw much less power from the grid, reducing demand on power plants. They last 6 times longer than other types, so they help reduce producing, packaging, and shipping costs to the environment. Also, there’s no mercury.
What about using LED string lights for the holidays? They’re cooler to the touch than traditional lights, and because of the energy savings, your electric bill will look better for it. These LEDs come in a range of shapes and colors now, plus other designs like rope lights, icicles and netted styles.
4. Opt for Healthy, Planet-Friendly Candles
Did you know that normal, everyday candles are made of paraffin? That material is a petroleum product which releases toxic fumes as it burns, and we unwittingly breathe those in. I’ve also just learned that the wick itself can contain bleach and even lead! Yikes.
Better to buy soy wax or beeswax candles. These types don’t have paraffin, the wicks are unbleached, and they’re scented with essential oils. Soy or beeswax candles are much healthier for us and for the planet overall. Here are a few suggestions from Green Matters for where to buy: Eco Candle Co., Simpler Goods, Hyggelight, Goop, Uma and Sanari Candle.
How does Groovyhome help Mother Earth?
Here are three ways that I’m helping:
1. I don’t recommend renovations or construction. Using the existing space saves so much material from piling up in landfills.
2. I do love to repurpose clients’ furnishings whenever possible. If a sofa has good bones, we can have it reupholstered. Or let’s keep that useful chest of drawers and use it somewhere else in the house. Starting from scratch isn’t the most eco-friendly approach to take.
3. If you do need to let go of furniture, consider donating it to a local non-profit. I volunteer at a furniture bank nearby, where the team has collected, cleaned and distributed furniture to 500 families in 2021 alone. They’re repurposing on a bigger scale, and I’m proud to contribute to their mission.
I hope these suggestions for a greener holiday have inspired you to decorate in an eco-friendly way. Even one small change makes a difference to our planet.
Looking to design a thoughtful, meaningful home in the new year? I can help! Reach out and let's get to know each other.
Cheers,
Nan
About Nan
I’m an interior designer who helps people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about my work is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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