Now that you have your eco-friendly tree (potted, recycled,
etc) at home ready to decorate take a moment to stop and consider decorating it
with environmentally friendly ornaments. For inspiration take a look at the easy
tips below.
1. Make Your Own
Make your own Christmas decorations. Make holiday decor out
of old Christmas cards, light bulbs, CD, Soda cans, corks, popcorn, lids, buttons
or whatever you can find around the house. The Internet is filled with
inspirational DIY ornaments and decoration ideas. Log onto any eco-friendly site or
and search engine and type “recycled ornaments” in the search engine. Then click on the
image tab. With Bing click on the images tab before you hit enter. Don’t be
surprised if you see a variety of materials recycled to make ornaments.
2. Swap It Up
Swap ornaments with someone you know. Maybe you can start a
holiday ornament/decor swap in your neighborhood or amongst a group of friends.
Ask your neighbors, friends and family if they are interested in swapping
holiday decor. If no one seems to be interested log on to Meetup.com and see if
you can start a local ornament/decoration swap group in your area.
3. Freecycle Wants
As always, turn to Freecycle for any of your needs. Someone
out there in your local community probably has extra ornaments or decorations.
4. Buy Second Hand
If you feel you are not talented enough to make your own
ornaments or don’t have the time to make them stop by a resale shop that
donates its profits to people in need and shop for ornaments there. You will
not only get a good deal on gently used ornaments, you will also keep these
ornaments from ending up in the landfill and you will indirectly help someone
in need. You can also shop here for gently used stocking stuffers and other
holiday décor.
5. Buy Eco-Friendly Handmade
If buying new is your thing, you purchase can still remain
eco-friendly. Buy eco-friendly ornaments and decorations locally or online. Consider
buying fair trade, recycled, handmade or all of the above. . If you do buy
online find out if the store you are buying from ships their products out in
eco-friendly packaging. If they don’t have eco-friendly packaging and shipping feel
free to suggest it.
6. Mix it Up
Do a little bit of each of the tips above: make your own,
swap some, freecycle a little, buy second hand and eco-new.
That’s it. It’s that easy. Now, sit back and admire you
eco-friendly holiday work.
