7 eco-friendly Christmas decor ideas

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, yet without getting all Ebenezer Scrooge on you, it’s also a time of huge waste. It’s estimated that we throw away 270,000 tons of food each Christmas and use almost 227,000 miles of wrapping paper—that’s almost enough to paper our way to the moon.

This is why we think it’s important to consider how we can reduce our consumption and limit our waste over this period. Here are 7 eco-friendly Christmas decor ideas to try at home, because this year, we’re dreaming of a green Christmas.

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: use leftover wallpaper as wrapping paper and decorations

What could give a more premium finish than using your leftover wallpaper as wrapping paper? Not only do our wallpaper rolls come in a range of beautiful designs, but they are also FSC® certified. Christmas card cut-outs, gift tags, festive paper chains, DIY Christmas wreaths: there are loads of ways you can creatively repurpose your wallpaper offcuts. 

If you haven’t got any wallpaper to use up, go for recyclable brown parcel paper. You can even use leftover fabric to make bows and ties.

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: make your own cards using leftover paint

This is one of our favourite Christmas hacks. Use your leftover paint to make your own Christmas cards. Not only is this a fun way to get crafty, it saves you from buying expensive and wasteful cards. If you’re going to give it a go, be sure to use recycled paper and plant-based glitter. Take a look at the 5 easy Christmas decorations to try at home for some more eco-friendly, crafty Christmas decor ideas.

Check out what to do with leftover paint. 

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: opt for beeswax or soy-based candles

Whether you’re burning candles at home to create a little bit more hygge in your living room or giving them as a Christmas gift, check the label and make sure you’re buying beeswax or soy-based candles. Not to be alarmist, but when burned, paraffin-based candles release benzene and toluene, both known carcinogens. These natural alternatives are better for the planet, better for people, and better for our pets. 

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: forage for natural decor

Not only does foraging for natural decor get you into the great outdoors, it’s free of charge and looks fantastic. Use it to create a festive tablescape, make a DIY wreath or create your own foraged mantelpiece decor. Plus, there are lots of ways to use little sprigs and twigs, like decorating place settings or adding some extra flourish to your gift-wrapping. Take a look at these festive tablescape ideas for some inspiration.

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: switch to LED lights

They’re one of the best things about Christmas. A bit of sparkle in our darkest months, Christmas lights illuminate our houses and our streets during what would otherwise be a gloomy time of year. Switching to LED bulbs can use up to 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer than conventional bulbs which, as Christmas lights are often left on for hours on end, makes a big difference and can noticeably reduce your electricity bill. Not to mention, LED lights are also safer. Because they don't get hot to the touch, they are less of a fire hazard. If you haven’t switched already, what are you waiting for?

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: opt for a natural Christmas tree 

The debate is over. Whilst it might seem less wasteful to buy an artificial yet reusable Christmas tree, they carry a  carbon footprint of approximately 40kg of greenhouses gasses. That’s because they’re largely made of plastic. Not only are they not biodegradable, but there are also toxic oils involved in their production and they are often shipped long distances. 

On the other hand, a real Christmas tree, that is reused, either by chipping or is kept to grow in the garden, can have negligible or even negative emissions. When buying a Christmas tree, look for one that is locally grown with FSC certification. Alternatively, the most eco-friendly Christmas tree option is the ones you’ve already got: your house plants. 

Find out how you can plant a tree with every wallpaper purchase. 

Eco-friendly Christmas decor idea: homemade crackers

A Christmas table isn’t complete without crackers, but these Victorian throwbacks contribute to a large portion of that additional festive waste. Try the eco-friendly alternative by making your own. What you’ll need: 

• Save up your loo roll tubes! You’ll need as many of these as Christmas crackers you want to make, so start storing them pronto. 
• Wrapping paper (as mentioned above, you can use leftover wallpaper, brown parcel paper or even old newspaper for a rustic look)
• Some ribbon or string (use leftover fabric swatches to avoid buying new)
• A pair of scissors 
• Sticky tape
• Crackers snaps if you want a bang. 

Swap out disposable plastic toys in favour of handmade or environmentally friendly gifts. Little pots of local honey or jams, bags of seeds or miniature soaps are just a few options. If you’re making hats, make sure the paper is recyclable. The only exception when it comes to recycled material is awful terrible cracker jokes. 

And that’s a wrap. Follow these 7 eco-friendly Christmas decor ideas and we’re sure you’ll end up on Santa’s ‘nice to the environment’ list.