’Tis the season to make garbage. Only a shrunken-hearted Grinch would make such a proclamation and yet, during the holidays, we tend to produce 25 per cent more waste, and dump sites on trails are often started with Christmas trees.
If you’re decking your halls this week, you can do it without decking the planet. Here are some decoration ideas that will keep you off the naughty list.
You might be tucking into home more than ever this year, and keen to make your space full of holiday cheer. Rather than buying new, first check secondhand stores or even a family member’s attic for a treasure of ornaments and twinkly lights. Vintage versions of Santa or manger scenes can add a touch of nostalgia and class to a holiday display.
Feeling twitchy in your small social bubble? Homemade deco is a great wintery activity, whatever your age. Glean materials for a garland from the outdoors or even kitchen pantry. Think popcorn, colourful berries, evergreen cones, and moss.
Keep it all compostable, so it can be taken back by the soil as food at some point down the road. Aim to use natural twine, avoid glues and sprinkles, and steer clear of anything synthetic.
Ornaments can be fashioned from shells, metal, wood, feathers, paper, leather scraps, or gingerbread. Look for paper folding techniques online to create origami diamonds and Danish Froebel star tree bling.
Evergreen touches in and around the home add a classic holiday atmosphere. There are plenty of ways to avoid a plastic tree from a box, many of which are free and use readily available materials from around home or nearby trails.
Trees made from pieced together driftwood can last for years and be a great conversation starter. A short walk outside after a storm will also offer great tree, table centre, or evergreen bough materials in the form of windfall.
To create a tree, make a stable stand, drill holes and insert boughs. Creative types may figure out a system to keep limbs from drying up too quickly as well. Real trees can also be thinned from your backyard to allow others nearby more exposure to the sunlight.
Artificial trees may be found secondhand, if you absolutely have a crush on this type of holiday cheer. If you do go for a real tree, you can opt for a potted one that can then be planted after its time being in the spotlight inside.
Evergreen trees and décor ready for the compost come New Year’s Day can be dropped off to be chipped in the parking lot below Mother Nature on Duncan Street. The annual charity tree mulch takes place from 10 am to 1 pm on January 3 and raises funds for Special Olympics BC - Powell River. Be sure to remove décor, including tinsel.
Celebrating the holidays doesn’t need to involve a landfill hangover. This year, gift the planet your consideration and creativity by thrifting, getting crafty and using nature’s treasures within easy reach.
Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste reduction education program. Find their Holiday Green Guide at LetsTalkTrash.ca.
