Holiday Decor: More Than Your Tree Can Be Green!
Date: November 30, 2009 | Category: Guides, Holiday & Gift, Home Furnishings, Stores & Resources
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, green decor means more than hanging a pine wreath outside. This season, be inspired by all of the eco-friendly options available (including the DIY route!) and commit to creating a healthy home for your family and the planet. From lights to ornaments, to modern menorahs and sustainable stockings - we’ve got you covered!
| To Tree or Not to Tree, the Evergreen Question: Whether you prefer the fresh smell of pine or prefer the ease of a fake tree, each option has an eco angle. For the live route, research organic Christmas tree farms in your area. Check out GreenPromise.com or LocalHarvest.com - both feature farm directories by zip code. Buying a live tree that can be replanted in your backyard is the best choice, but if you choose a cut tree be sure to recycle it responsibly - check out earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.
If you prefer the ease and reusability of a fake tree, try to purchase a vintage or used one locally, and reuse year after year. Or check out the new modern tannenboing tree made in the USA with recycled aluminum. |
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| Go Ornamental: Adorn the tree with vintage mementos and baubles made from renewable resources like rubberwood and felt or recycled materials like misprinted cans. Check out eBay’s World of Good for tons of “eco-positive” ornaments made by fair trade workers around the world - we’re long time fans of One World Projects’ classic recycled glass balls, but our favorite new find for this season is adorable felted acorn tree decorations made from real acorn caps! |
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| Light it Up Efficiently: LED lights illuminate beautifully and mean you won’t have to change any bulbs for a very long time. You can order them on holidayleds.com in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes.
If you are of the mind that nothing sparks the spirit like a fire, try ecosmart’s denatured alcohol indoor/outdoor flickering options (much healthier than wood for all). |
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| Fir Sure: Making a wreath from foliage (especially if you have some in your garden) is a fantastic family project! You can even set it out to dry and then save it for next year. Or if you want the easy way out, order an organic herb wreath from Eco Express. The beautiful arrangement of rosemary, thyme and bay leaves accented with red chili peppers can be saved and enjoyed all through the coming year. |
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| Modern Menorah: We love the eco-friendly modern menorah from Amenity. Made of FSC-certified walnut, the candle blocks can be used year round throughout the house and then joined together at Hanukah! To top it off the candles are made of hand-poured soy. |
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| For Stockings that Truly Stack Up: Chances are you’ve been using the same stocking year after year. If this is the case, then give yourself a green pat on the back and just keep on keepin’ on. If you’re in the market for a new stocking, consider buying vintage or make sure to purchase one made from natural, renewable fibers - like wool, hemp, or organic cotton. Check out this modern take on the time old tradition, these classy handmade felt stockings found on etsy, and these hand-knit styles made from pure merino wool. Or get inspired to make your own! |
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| Open Door Policy: Welcome guests with a holiday-themed door mat made of thickly woven, naturally durable, coir - a fiber that comes from the outer husk of coconut shells. Pottery Barn offers a few different seasonal designs. |
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| Star Light, Star Bright: These delicate little treasures are made from reclaimed milk containers! From felt birds to cardboard wreaths, Branch Home has a great selection of modern picks for holiday decor that are as sustainable as they are stylish. |
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| Deck the Halls: Whether you’re placing holly, mistletoe, or other floral arrangements of choice throughout your winter wonderland, make sure you’re choosing the organic variety and sourcing locally, where possible. Pairing any selection with these red hot and recycled Soho Vases from Bambeco will guarantee a smokin’ holiday soiree no matter how cold it is outside. |
*Top photo credit: Zem’s house, shot by Michele Lee Wilson
Comments
Kirsten@Nexyoo
Date: November 30th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Great ideas. This is another nice eco-friendly decoration: http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/24/tiny-tabletop-cardboard-christmas-tree-from-cloudgate-design/
sheri
Date: November 30th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I love the felted acorn tree decorations!
Ellen
Date: December 1st, 2009 at 8:47 am
Here’s a fabulous tree, fairly made in Haiti from recycled metal. Now you can answer neither in the real or fake tree debate. http://www.threestonesteps.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=26&zenid=23259b2064dd12ffa936da4a17d835ea
Susan
Date: December 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
The Soho vases are terrific! Try this link to bambeco’s Soho vase http://www.bambeco.com/Home-Accents/Bambeco-Soho-Vase-Collection.asp
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