Like many, you may be counting down the days to the holidays and setting the stage to fill your home with good cheer. Here are some tips for holiday greening that will keep you off the naughty list.
Avoid wasting money on new items by checking secondhand stores or even a family member’s attic for a treasure of ornaments and twinkly lights. Thrift shops save up holiday donations all year long just for you. You might even find vintage versions of gnomes or manger scenes that can add a touch of nostalgia and class to your holiday display.
If you’re a creative elf, homemade décor is a great wintery activity. Glean materials for a garland from the outdoors or kitchen pantry. Think popcorn, colourful berries, evergreen cones and moss.
Keep it all compostable, so it can be taken back by the soil after the celebrations. Aim to use natural twine, avoid glues and plastic glitter and all things synthetic. Ornaments can be fashioned from shells, metal, wood, feathers, paper, leather scraps or gingerbread.
Look for paper folding techniques online to create origami hearts and Danish paper stars. No time to craft yourself? Visit one of the many holiday fairs with your basket to fill up with décor, stocking stuffers and locally made gifts.
Evergreen touches in and around the home add a classic holiday atmosphere. There are plenty of ways to avoid a plastic tree from a box, many of which are free and use readily available materials from around home or nearby trails.
Trees made from pieced together driftwood can last for years and be a great conversation starter. A short walk outside after a storm will also offer great tree, table centre or evergreen bough materials in the form of windfall.
To create a tree, make a stable stand, drill holes and insert boughs. Spraying boughs with water will help keep them from drying up too quickly as well. Real trees can also be thinned from your backyard to allow others nearby to more exposure to the sunlight.
Artificial trees may be found secondhand, if you absolutely have a crush on this type of holiday cheer. If you do go for a real tree, you can opt for a potted one that can then be planted after its time being in the spotlight inside.
Evergreen trees and décor that are ready for the compost come New Year’s Day can be dropped off to be chipped and raise funds for local charity group in January. Be sure to remove décor, including tinsel.
If you’re decking your halls, you can do it without decking the planet. This year, gift the planet your consideration and creativity by thrifting, getting crafty and using nature’s treasures that are within easy reach.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected] or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
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