Where to Find Zero Waste Christmas Decorations
Rather than contribute to the single-use plastic mountain, here are some better ideas:
East End Press is a one-woman empire in Glasgow, which makes lovely creative garlands and decorations made from paper and upcycled cotton waste. Keep away from flammables (don’t use fairy lights with paper or cotton decorations).
Keep pets away from Christmas trees due to pine needles, tinsel & decorations. Secure the tree well to stop it tipping over. Use non-toxic ornaments and don’t leave food-based decorations within reach.
Holly and mistletoe are also unsafe near animal friends. Read more on keeping pets safe at Christmas.
Eco Tinsel (made from recycled paper)
Eco Tinsel offers garlands made from 100% recycled paper over PVC tinsel that never breaks down. Handcrafted to high standards with 1000 precision handmade cuts, each garland is 180cm in length in wide strips to create super-bushy decorations in various colours that have rings to make them easy to hang.
Not to use near Christmas lights, keep away from fire and flames.
Recycled Paper Christmas Baubles
These recycled paper Christmas baubles are ideal alternatives to disposable plastic versions. Handmade in India (providing secure employment), it makes a classic decoration that is lightweight and easy to hang.
Made from recycled brown Kraft paper and paper pulp, it’s hand-painted with a stylish snowflake design, for those who prefer a more natural look. Choose from gold, silver and white.
Most Christmas decorations are made from plastic and glitter, which end up in landfills nationwide on Boxing Day. Also never use snow globes near pets or young children, as they contain antifreeze, which can be lethal if they smash.
Safer Christmas Lights
Throw away dodgy Christmas fairy lights. Check smoke alarms before use (have a fire blanket and extinguisher nearby).
Choose low-voltage LED lights that are cool to touch, last longer and save up to 90% on energy use. Ensure air circulates around the transformer, and keep away from carpets and furnishings. Never overload sockets, and turn lights off when you leave the house or go to sleep.
If using outside Christmas lights, use an RCD (residual current deice) to switch lights off, in case of a fault. Outdoor Christmas lights cause light pollution to birds and wildlife, and can also cause circuit cut-offs to neighbouring houses.
Avoid Outdoor Light Pollution
Outdoor holiday lighting can unsettle birds and other wildlife, especially if strung through trees or kept on all night. If you decorate outside, use warm white bulbs and keep lights low to the ground.
Turn off outdoor displays by bedtime to give birds and bats a break from the glow. Balanced lighting helps wild creatures navigate, keeps your electricity bill low, and still brings joy to your home.
