Make your own decorations for £0.00!
Craig says, “Whether it be decorations for the Christmas tree or other decor such as garlands or reefs, getting creative can not only save the planet, but it can also save you money.
Decorations are more, often than not, made using plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, so when they are inevitably thrown away, they stay in landfill for years. But believe it or not, you can create your decorations using natural and sustainable materials without compromising on style and festive flare.
Garlands and reefs are easily made using branches and stems, pinecones, berries and other festive foliage that you can forage for free in local woodlands, costing you and the environment nothing! Just make sure you check the foraging guidelines in your area to ensure you are doing so legally.
Baubles and other hanging decorations can be made using card, and even old Christmas cards using simple folding techniques. Another more durable option is using salt dough to mould and create hanging or standing ornaments. What is great is that you can purchase card, flour and salt for less than £1 each, meaning creating your own decorations will keep your bank account healthy too!
Get a real Christmas tree or keep your artificial one for a minimum of 7 years!
“You may think that a fake tree is more sustainable, as it can be reused, however, this is not the case. A single 6-foot artificial Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg* – this is more than ten times that of a real Christmas tree that is either burned or turned into woodchips after use.
You see, a real Christmas tree takes many years to grow to its full size, so during this time, they have a sustainable effect on the environment. They make the ideal home for many wildlife whilst also absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. After Christmas, you can burn the tree, or you can use it for wood chips or mulch in the garden – meaning it has no negative environmental impact. Do not send it to landfill, as whilst rotting it will release methane into the environment!
We understand that an artificial tree might still be the preferred option for some, so let it be known, that to cancel out its carbon footprint, you’d need to keep and reuse your tree for at least 7* years!”
Upcycle your decorations to keep up with Christmas decor trends
“We all love to follow trends, but, doing so can not only cost a fortune but create a lot of unnecessary waste. Each year we see a new wave of Christmas decor trends, most often associated with a colour theme. And, whilst we’d always recommend staying true to yourself and sticking with the styles you love if you do want to keep up with the latest trends then you can do so, without throwing out your current decs and submitting them to a lifetime in landfill!
Instead, visit your local craft store and purchase some paints or water-based spray paints – these are less toxic – in this year’s trending shades. Add some biodegradable glitter and get crafty. While there will be a cost, it’s far cheaper and more sustainable than repurchasing your whole Christmas decor collection.”
