An eco-friendly holiday season is easier than you think
Vintage clothing, decor and wrapping all classy ways to be eco-friendly
Zero Waste Canada, a Vancouver-based advocacy group, estimates that Canadians toss 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper and gift bags over the holiday season. In addition, they say that household waste increases by at least 25 per cent.
Practicing a conscious and sustainable holiday season in no way means forgoing your traditions, but it does mean aiming to reduce your environmental impact by decreasing your demand for new and altering your waste habits. This may seem like a tall order during this hectic time, but it’s easier (and the results more beautiful) than you might think.
FINDING THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Alyssa Beltempo is a Canadian fashion stylist with a strong online following. She has earned her loyal audience not because she chases the latest trends, but instead encourages building a timeless closet by investing in quality pieces and buying vintage.
“There’s a misconception that sustainable fashion is exclusive to today’s eco-friendly fabrics and manufacturers,” she says. “For me, it’s also about buying less, choosing well and loving what you have.”
Throughout the year, Beltempo makes a point of sifting through second-hand shops, looking for classic, well-made pieces that are absent from today’s fast fashion landscape.
“There’s longevity in vintage because of the high quality construction and the materials used. Clothes were meant to last, so more time was taken and the details mattered. They tend to drape better because of this, too.”
However, she acknowledges that thrift shops aren’t for everyone due to the time and revisiting it takes to find those hidden gems.
If you need a piece for the fast approaching holiday season, she recommends checking out specialized vintage or consignment shops.
“These shops are often curated by people with good taste and a good eye. They find those jewels, dry clean them and repair or refurbish them if needed. You end up paying a bit more for that compared to thrift, but you also walk out with a perfect piece.”
She recommends richer colour palettes instead of holiday specific ones so you get more use out of your items. Another tip? Opt for classic instead of trendy.
“If I can’t see myself wearing it in five years, I won’t pick it up.”
VINTAGE ENTERTAINING, DECOR AND GIFT IDEAS
Beaucoup bakery founder Jackie Kai Ellis’ latest project, website APT La Fayette, is a space she has curated to reflect life from her Paris apartment.
More specifically, the goal of the site is to be as inspiring and nourishing to its readers as the city has been to her.
“I wanted a site where I could relay this essence, so it was important for me to source vintage or antiques from old flea markets or French brands,” she says.
Speaking about what draws her to pre-loved pieces, “I love that each item has a story, a history, another life or lifetimes. I love seeing beauty in things that others may gloss over or think has no value.”
If you’re new to the second-hand market and are unsure of what to pick up, Ellis has some advice.
“I use one rule: when you look at it, does it make you smile and your heart sing? That’s good design; it’s choosing to be surrounded by the kinds of things you find beautiful.”
In terms of looking for vintage items for the holidays, she says, “I think the holidays are all about connection, and so for me, it’s about looking for pieces that make entertaining beautiful and inspiring.”
In particular, she gives the example of mismatched vintage glasses so each guest can choose their own for a toast. They’re also an easy find as thrift stores usually have many.
But what about vintage pieces as part of a gift? Let’s say, a cake stand topped with some treats from your friend’s favourite bakery? Or, a full set of vintage china for your daughter’s new home?
“Gifts are for giving joy, so if you think the recipient would enjoy it — then do it!”
VINTAGE CENTREPIECES AND FLORAL PALETTES
Jessica Clark, owner of Vancouver’s Quince Fine Florals, is an expert at brightening rooms with her loose garden style and use of vintage vessels.
She says: “The key when using vintage is to fill it with foliage and flowers that are on trend. It’s what you put in it that makes it contemporary.”
To do this, she recommends avoiding busy, bright red and green arrangements and instead, opting for understated or, a more muted or moodier palette.
“The trick is making it not look obvious.”
In terms of colours, she says “there are a lot of other colour options that feel just as festive, like crimson, jewel tones or dark aubergine.
“Nude florals are also quite popular right now. We’re seeing these tones pop up a lot in fashion and these trends tend to trickle down. It’s convenient, too, because these neutral shades often complement vintage vessels and blend in easily with a modern home.”
In addition to avoiding the predictable, she also stresses simplicity, noting: “when you’re using multiple elements, keep one part of them simple.”
She gives the example of minimalist mixed evergreens — one or two stems of pine or cedar in little vintage bud vases or apothecary bottles.
“It brings a beautiful, understated, woodsy look and provides that wintry scent.”
VINTAGE WRAPPING
Brown Kraft paper isn’t just one of the most nostalgic wrapping papers around, it’s also compostable. Unlike other types of gift-wrap, which can be laminated or contain foil, glitter and other plastics, Kraft paper breaks down in your green bin. If recycled, there’s also no risk of it contaminating the paper recycling process with non-paper additives like the others would.
However, brown Kraft is old-fashioned in appearance and that isn’t for everyone. Luckily, it now comes in a variety of shades and patterns and when paired with responsible ribbon alternatives, like twisted baker’s twine or colourful jute (both are biodegradable), you can personalize packaging to your taste.
Meaning, you can go for bright and merry, or monochrome and sleek; it all depends on what you prefer.