As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to decorating our homes with festive touches that make everything feel a little more magical. However, the waste generated by holiday decor can often be significant. Fortunately, with some planning and a few creative ideas, you can decorate your windows and doors in a way that’s festive, stylish, and kind to the planet. Embrace eco-friendly holiday decor this year and create beautiful, sustainable displays that will make both you and the environment feel great.
Natural Greenery: The Power of Plants
One of the simplest and most classic ways to decorate for the holidays is by using natural greenery. Wreaths, garlands, and swags made from pine, cedar, fir, and eucalyptus not only add a beautiful, organic touch to windows and doors but also bring in the fresh scents of the season.
- DIY Greenery Wreaths: Instead of purchasing plastic or synthetic wreaths, make your own with branches, berries, and other natural elements you can find in your backyard or at a local farm. Weave the branches into a circular form and add a few pinecones or sprigs of holly for extra color. When the holidays are over, these wreaths can be composted or even turned into mulch.
- Window Greenery Swags: Use small bundles of greenery tied with twine or jute to create elegant swags for windows. Secure them to curtain rods or directly onto the window frame using eco-friendly tape. Swags made of rosemary or eucalyptus bring a natural aroma that doubles as a holiday air freshener.
- Potted Plants for Doorsteps: Instead of opting for non-biodegradable decorations, place potted evergreens by your front door. These potted plants can be kept year-round, and they serve as a welcoming display that you can add lights or ornaments to during the holiday season.
Upcycled and Reusable Decorations
Repurposing and reusing materials you already have is an excellent way to cut down on waste. Here are some upcycled decoration ideas that can bring charm to your home.
- Repurposed Fabric Ornaments: If you have old fabric, such as leftover cloth from other projects or even old sweaters, transform them into ornaments for windows and doors. Cut the fabric into festive shapes like stars or snowflakes, sew the edges, and stuff them lightly to create a 3D effect. Hang them in clusters along the top of windows or doors.
- Vintage Window Frames as Displays: Do you have an old window frame lying around? Use it as a holiday display piece! Paint it in seasonal colors and add small clips or hooks to hang holiday cards or ornaments. This way, you can turn an item that might have been discarded into a centerpiece for your entryway.
- Burlap Bows and Garland: Burlap is a biodegradable material that has a rustic charm perfect for the holidays. You can make bows to hang on window latches or create garlands to string around door frames. Burlap holds up well and can be used again year after year.
Energy-Efficient Holiday Lighting
Twinkling lights are synonymous with holiday decor, but they can consume a significant amount of energy. By switching to energy-efficient and eco-friendly lighting options, you can reduce your holiday energy footprint.
- Solar-Powered String Lights: Solar lights have come a long way and are now available in warm, festive colors. Use these lights to decorate around windows and doors without adding to your electricity bill. Just ensure they receive adequate sunlight during the day to stay illuminated at night.
- LED Lights: If solar lights aren’t an option, LED string lights are the next best thing. They use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent lights and can last for many years. Look for lights labeled “warm white” if you prefer a softer glow over the bright blue tint that some LEDs produce.
- Timers for Lights: To save even more energy, put your holiday lights on a timer. Set them to turn on at sunset and turn off after a few hours. This ensures you’re not using more energy than necessary, and you’ll still have a beautifully lit display when it matters most.
Handmade Ornaments from Recyclables
Get creative with recyclables you already have in your home. By making ornaments from items like paper, cardboard, or even leftover jars, you’ll save money and reduce waste.
- Paper Snowflakes: A classic, easy craft, paper snowflakes can be made from old newspapers, magazines, or even junk mail. Cut them out in various sizes and hang them in windows to create a whimsical winter scene.
- Jar Lanterns: Glass jars can be transformed into charming lanterns for window sills and doorways. Simply place a small candle or LED light inside each jar and wrap the outside with twine or ribbon for a rustic, festive look. You can also paint the jars with a frosty or snowy effect to add a holiday glow.
- Cardboard Stars and Trees: Recycle cardboard boxes by cutting them into festive shapes, like stars, trees, or bells. Paint or decorate them with eco-friendly glitter, and hang them around your door frames or in windows for a cheerful, homemade touch.
Sustainable Window Art
If you love the look of decorated windows, try out these eco-friendly window art ideas that don’t rely on non-biodegradable materials.
- Chalk Markers for Temporary Art: Chalk markers are an excellent way to create temporary designs on windows. You can draw snowflakes, holiday greetings, or even a snowy landscape scene. Once the season is over, just wipe clean with a little water.
- Nature-Inspired Stencils: Use leaves, ferns, or small branches as natural stencils for spray-snow or frost-effect paint on windows. Just place the foliage against the glass, spray lightly, and remove the stencil to leave behind a delicate design. Look for eco-friendly snow spray that’s safe for indoor air quality and the environment.
Zero-Waste Door Decorations
Your front door can make a holiday statement with zero-waste decor that highlights natural and biodegradable materials.
- Dried Fruit Garland: Dried oranges, cranberries, and even cinnamon sticks can make for a beautiful, natural garland to hang on doors. These ingredients not only look stunning but also release a warm, festive aroma.
- Herbal Wreaths: Use herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender to create a beautiful and fragrant wreath. Once the holiday season is over, you can repurpose the dried herbs in cooking, tea, or potpourri.
- Corn Husk or Straw Door Hangers: Corn husks, straw, or wheat can be woven into shapes for a rustic, farmhouse-style door hanger. These materials are natural and biodegradable, meaning they won’t leave any lasting environmental impact.
Encouraging Wildlife-Friendly Decorations
If you’re in a more rural area, consider incorporating wildlife-friendly decor outside that can also feed birds and other small animals.
- Seeded Pinecone Hangers: Coat pinecones in peanut butter and roll them in birdseed to create ornaments that local birds can snack on. Hang these pinecones on bushes or outdoor tree branches near windows so you can enjoy the view.
- Dried Fruit and Nut Garlands: String together nuts, dried fruits, and popcorn to make a garland that doubles as a snack for wildlife. These decorations can be composted after the holiday season, minimizing waste.
By choosing eco-friendly holiday decor, you not only create a festive and welcoming atmosphere but also reduce your environmental impact. Whether you’re adding handmade ornaments, using energy-efficient lights, or opting for natural greenery, there are countless ways to make your holiday decor sustainable. Celebrate the season while also showing love for the planet—an effort that reflects the true spirit of the holidays.
