When we think of Christmas decorations, the first things that spring to mind may be tinsel and over the top Christmas tree decorations made from plastic.
If you manage to reuse these decorations year after year then that’s great, but how often do you find tinsel wrapped in a tight knot that’s impossible to untangle?!
Are Christmas trees eco-friendly?
There has been huge debate as to whether we should buy a real or fake Christmas tree. According to the Carbon Trust, a two-metre artificial tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg, more than ten times that of a real tree that’s burned after Christmas.
However, real Christmas trees take up to 12 years to grow to about 6 feet in height. And during that time they capture carbon from the atmosphere and offer a habitat for wildlife. If you dispose of your real Christmas tree properly, by utulising the local authorities collection service, it can be considered that a real Christmas tree is the more eco-friendly option of the two.
1) Paper Chains
A great alternative to tinsel! You could make colourful paper chains that can be wrapped around your tree or hung up around your home.
2) Paper bunting
Another eco-friendly Christmas decoration idea would be paper bunting! It's super easy to to make, and like the paper chains, you can get crafty with any colour scheme you want!
these decorations year after year then that’s great, but how often do you find tinsel wrapped in a tight knot that’s impossible to untangle?!
3) Dried orange
This is our favourite eco-friendly Christmas decorations to make. It's easy, takes little effort and smells absolutely amazing. You can use the dried orange to decoarted your tree or even add to your Christmas wreath.
How to try orange slices
1) Simply cut your orange into slices
2) Use kitchen towel to dry off the excess juice then add line them on a baking tray
3) Add to a 120C fan pre-heated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour
4) Or if you have an airing cupboard you can dry them out slowly in there!
4) Textile baubles
You can make textile baubles at home using any leftover fabric you have. That could be old clothes, a pillowcase or something you grab from a charity shop!