Celebrating the eco-friendly way
A beautiful spend-thrift Christmas decor is within reach. Here are a few tips to help get you there, Debra Norton writes
Holiday decor can be frugal and more sustainable,
It’s tempting to buy holiday decor to add to our collection of shiny, bright ornaments, twinkly lights and maybe something new to decorate the holiday table. In an age when there is pressure to make everything “Instagram worthy,” our obsession with outfitting our homes with the latest holiday trends is taking its toll as we grapple with a world of excess and the fragility of our planet.
Zero Waste Canada, a Vancouver-based advocacy group, estimates Canadians toss away 25 per cent more garbage than usual during the holiday season simply because we buy more stuff — sparkly wrapping paper, tinsel and plastic decorations — that can’t be recycled. Trends come and go and when we tire of the latest look, it often ends up tossed or donated, but that attitude toward accumulating things is shifting.
People are cutting back and looking at ways to be more sustainable, says Kym Klopp who has run EcoExistence in Toronto for the past 11 years.
“I’ve seen a tremendous uptick in interest in eco-friendly products,” she says, adding, “People are starting to realize we don’t need so much stuff.”
The reality of climate change is on our radar and demand for eco-friendly, sustainably sourced products has soared, says Felicia Laplume, who runs Eco-Lifestyle Market, featuring local brands selling handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable wares in Toronto. People are becoming more conscious and more aware, she says, adding that her most recent market on Nov. 10 was the busiest yet. “We had a lineup waiting for the doors to open. Today was, without a doubt, one of the busiest markets that we’ve ever seen and not just in terms of numbers, but in the amount of products being purchased.”
The next market takes place Dec. 15 at the Great Hall at 1087 Queen St. W.
Here are five ways to create a festive holiday home and be a bit kinder to the planet.
BUY A REAL TREE
Environmental Defence Canada recommends buying a real tree as they are free of toxic plastics and sold at local tree farms. When shopping at a garden centre or pop-up tree shop, ask where the trees are sourced and whether they are pesticide free.
If you need new lights, get LED lights which last longer than typical incandescent, halogen or DFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs, use less energy and as a result, you’ll save money on your electricity bill. At the end of the holiday season, consider leaving the tree in your yard for winter birds to enjoy — propped up against a fence or shed it can provide shelter for small birds and food when decorated with homemade or store bought birdseed ornaments. Or put it out with yard waste for pickup.
SHOP LOCAL
When you do buy holiday decor, invest in quality products that will stand the test of time and avoid plastic. Skip the holiday-specific items adorned with Christmas tree motifs and invest in decor items you can use year-round like a small tray or platter with a grouping of beeswax candles or ornaments, or an oversized jar or crock filled with branches. Local craft markets and independent shops are often great sources of holiday decor and gifts made from more eco-friendly materials, that have minimal (if any) packaging and support local artisans. Online, Etsy is a great source for handmade holiday decor and Ten Thousand Villages has unique, handcrafted, fair trade products made by artisans.
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW
Look for previously loved holiday decorations. Some people get rid of holiday decor after one season or are downsizing their collection, and these often end up in thrift stores where candle holders and vases are often plentiful. Fill vases with fresh greenery and use as table decorations. They don’t have to match, just try to stick to one colour. Unpack the decorations you already have or rethink using everyday objects. Fill a bowl with fragrant fresh greenery or vintage ornaments picked up at the thrift store or antique market.
MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS
While watching “Elf” for the hundredth time and snacking on popcorn, string some into a garland. Make ornaments from paper and fabric or bake edible cookie ornaments. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, less is more. Consider using as many natural options as possible. Go on a winter walk to collect fallen branches, pine cones and greenery to make a wreath or decorate your mantle. Although not recyclable, good quality velvet ribbon can be used year after year and adds a luxurious quality when laid across a mantle or tied around a wreath.
BE A CONSCIOUS HOST
At parties and family get-togethers, avoid single-use items such as cutlery, plates or glassware. Instead, use real dishware — borrow, rent or buy what you need. Thrift stores are full of Grandma’s old china and stemware, and it’s back in style. Don’t worry about whether or not it matches. Set the table with an eclectic mix or opt for a more monochromatic look by sticking to a simple colour palette. Pull out those cloth napkins instead of contributing to the landfill. Adorn the table with vases or jars filled with fresh greenery and the glow of beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks that burn cleaner. Stock the bar with second-hand glasses picked up at a thrift store. Munro makes candles from eco-friendly soy and Canadian beeswax. The cotton wick burns clean and the ceramic containers are meant to be reused as a jewelry holder, dish for spare change or for planted succulents.