Sustainable Christmas: Six DIY ideas for decorations
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Christmas creates a huge impact on our environment—and that’s the last thing we need in 2021.
So we’ve compiled a list of ways you can make Christmas a bit greener from items you already have around the house. Here’s how to create chic, on-trend and festive decorations with the planet in mind.
Orange Garland
A super-cute way to decorate your tree (or your cocktail!) with some dehydrated fruit. The Ginger Home has a great tutorial to get the perfect look.
You’ll need:
- 4-5 Navel Oranges
- Sharp serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Cookie sheets
- Baking Paper
- Fishing wire or twine
Make it here: thegingerhome.com/how-to-make-a-dried-orange-garland
Ceramic-look Baubles
Credit: collectivegen.com
We’ve all done it. Bought a box of cheap baubles, they’re fantastic Christmas tree fillers on a budget but they might not be the minimal organic style that’s trending this season.
Don’t go out buying new ones, because Collective Gen shows us it’s so easy to DIY and you’ll also save yourself a lot of pennies.
You’ll need:
- Water-based paint (interior wall paint, acrylic etc)
- Baking powder
- Skewers or a way to hang the baubles
- Paintbrush
- Raffia
- Box
- Scissors
Make it here: collectivegen.com/2020/11/my-trash-to-terracotta-christmas-ornament-upcycle
Porcelain-look Ornaments
Credit: lifeoverlunch.com.
Ditch the plastic and make some porcelain-look decorations, thanks to Life Over Lunch’s tutorial. They’re so simple and you probably already have everything you’ll need in your pantry.
They’re also a great gift option as you can make whatever you want.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups Baking soda
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1 1/4 cup Water
Make it here: lifeoverlunch.com/better-than-sd-ornaments
Branch Christmas Tree
Credit: collectivegen.com.
Living in a smaller space or not wanting to purchase a plastic tree? Well, get your walking shoes on because you’ll need to find some fallen tree branches for this Collective Gen tutorial.
This hanging Christmas tree is so cute, we would struggle to take in down in Jan.
You’ll need:
- 5 Branches
- 2 meters of thin rope
- Glue gun
Make it here: collectivegen.com/2018/12/diy-hanging-branch-christmas-tree
DIY Australian Bush Christmas Wreath
This one is for all those who are a forager at heart. Interiors Online shows us how to create a simplistic, timeless and a beautiful ode to the Australian landscape.
You’ll need:
- Decent sized table or space to work
- One wreath frame (pick up from any hardware or craft store)
- Florist tape/wire (if not, electrical tape or twine will do)
- Selection of native flora, pick it from around your suburb or buy from the local florist
Make it here: interiorsonline.com.au/blogs/inspiration/diy-australian-inspired-christmas-wreath
Recycled Fabric Tassel Garland
Credit: greyhouseharbor.com.
The clothing industry is one of the most impactful on the environment, with 57% of clothing going directly to landfill at the end of use. This DIY from Grey House Harbour is perfect for re-purposing any textiles around your house that you no-longer use.
You’ll need:
- Old Clothing
- Ribbon or twine
- Tape
- scissors
Make it here: greyhouseharbor.com/how-to-make-a-fabric-garland
Pro tip: Not in love with the colour options of your preloved clothes? Use food scraps to create a natural dye to match your Christmas colour palette. This process of fabric dying creates a beautiful earthy tone. Make it here: ediblela.com/news/natural-food-dyes
Feature image: facebook.com/apairandasparewebsite
