7 Ideas for DIY Zero Waste Christmas Decorations
The Holidays are here! But we all know the festive mood doesn’t kick in until our houses are decked out in Christmas decorations.
From lush greenery and colorful ornaments, to glowy string lights and beautiful centerpieces, there’s something truly magical about holiday decorating.
But there’s a dark side to this fun annual tradition - it creates a ton of waste.
According to a study, the average American throws away 43% more trash during the holiday period than at any other time of year. This adds up to about 29 pounds of trash per week!
Think of all the waste that comes from christmas gifts, food waste, that real tree that doesn't get disposed of properly, and more.
Unfortunately, Christmas decorations are one of the offenders. Most artificial trees are made with plastic. Then on top of the tree the lights, wreaths, and tinsel typically aren’t recyclable and often end up in landfill.
So, is there a way to decorate your home for the holidays and be environmentally friendly at the same time?
Absolutely! A little creativity can go a long way.
We have compiled a list of zero waste Christmas DIY decorations that you can make this holiday season. All of these crafts are sustainable and eco-friendly.
If you're looking for decorations to purchase we also have an Ethical & Sustainable Holiday Decor guide.
7 Zero Waste Christmas Decoration Ideas
If you're hoping to have a low waste Christmas, but still want decor for the festive season, these ideas are a great starting place.
Learn how a sustainable Christmas tree can be an option and how to make a few of your own decorations.
A lot of these options are a great way to be more present during the holiday season. Invite your family members and friends to participate in these DIY projects to create memories and eco-friendly Christmas decorations.
Dried Orange Garland
Dried orange garland is the perfect decor idea to envelop your house in holiday cheer. You can make several pieces and drape them across your holiday mantel or Christmas tree. And the best part is you won’t need a fancy dehydrator!
What You’ll Need
• Navel oranges
• Parchment paper
• 2 Cookie sheets
• Jute or natural twine
• Skewer
• Decorative hooks
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 250ºF and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper then set side.
Cut the oranges crosswise into 1/4-inch slices with a sharp knife or mandolin for the most consistent rounds.
Dry the orange slices with paper towels and place them on the lined cookie sheets in a single layer.
Bake for 3 hours and then flip the oranges over at the midway mark until the middle of the oranges are dried out.
Remove from oven and let the oranges cool.
Using a skewer, poke two holes into the top of each orange slice.
Thread twine through each hole, evenly spacing the oranges on the garland. Tie each end and hang from hooks.
You can repeat the above for as many garlands as you like.
Go Chop Down a Real Christmas Trees
Going to a Christmas tree farm and cutting down your own Christmas tree can be a great way to embrace natural decorations, family traditions, and a zero waste holiday season.
Just be sure you think about what you're going to do with the tree once the Christmas season is over. Be sure to explore composting options in your area.
Unfortunately a lot of trees end up in the landfill which is not the best thing for the environment. On top of that be mindful about the decorations you put on the tree.
For Christmas lights consider shopping second-hand stores, using natural materials to create ornaments such as cinnamon sticks or citrus fruits, or display the Christmas cards people send you on the tree.
Foliage Candle Holders
Need a great centerpiece or romantic addition to your table? Try this simple craft project. Foliage candle holders are sure to add hygge vibes to you home. You can switch up the foliage to match your mood and color scheme.
What You’ll Need
• Empty, clear glass bottles
• Taper candles
• Selection of foliage
• Scissors or secateurs
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Collect foliage from your garden, or forage from a walk. You could even buy it from a local florist. Foliage could include Fern, Eucalyptus, Holly or Bay tree sprigs, to name a few.
2. Once you’ve chosen your foliage, place one or two sprigs in each glass bottle and fill with water up to its neck.
3. Add candles, preferably, long and tapered as they add height and interest.
This one can be a fun one to get the kids involved in. Have them go for a walk and find different elements for the candle holders.
Zero Waste Holiday Table Decor
There are so many ways to get creative when setting the table for a holiday dinner and creating a centerpiece.
Similar to the idea above consider using votive candles in glass jars and placing natural elements like pine cones or garland in between the candles.
You can also look for seasonal table decor at your local secondhand shop or borrow seasonal table decor from neighbors and friends.
Popcorn & Cranberry Garland
Beautiful and charming, this craft is an old-fashioned Christmas tradition that will take you on a trip down memory lane. Popcorn & Cranberry garland is a great craft for kids too!
It’s a great way to spend quality time with your little ones and you can even make it while watching a Christmas movie (Just try not to eat it all!)
What You’ll Need
• Popcorn
• Fresh Cranberries
• Large Needle
• Kitchen twine
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Buy popcorn or pop it in your microwave without butter or salt and let it cool slightly
2. Thread twine though the needle, and tie the knot at the end (A blunt plastic darning needle is safer for kids.)
3. Push the needle through the center of a popcorn kernel or cranberry to make a garland. Alternate popcorn with cranberries to create different patterns if desired.
Special hack: Cranberries only last a few days, but they’ll last longer if you use clear shellac craft spray.
Moss & Foliage Christmas Wreath
No holiday decoration is complete without a wreath. They are a wonderful way to greet your guests and add beauty and color to the season.
The truth is, many Christmas wreaths are hard to recycle and let’s face it, just don’t look as nice as the real thing.
If you have access to local foliage, you can make your own wreath. For a visual tutorial on a moss & foliage wreath check out this guide.
What you’ll need
• Moss
• Foliage and herbs
• Reusable florist wire
• Green twine
• Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add generous amounts of moss to the top of the wreath ring, wrapping green twine tightly around to create a compact, sturdy base.
2. Take a small bundle of the foliage and lay it on the moss, tying green twine around the stems.
3. Add another bundle and overlap the last half of the previous layer to avoid gaps. Continue until the moss is covered.
5. When you’re satisfied by the design and shape of your wreath, tuck the twine under the moss and secure it with a knot before cutting.
6. Display your handiwork in your kitchen, over the mantle or wherever you want to add a garden-fresh scent.
Snow Covered Pine Cone Garland
Want to create a forest feel in your home this Christmas? Ditch your old plastic decorations and create a snow covered pinecone garland.
The beauty of this zero waste Christmas decoration is that you can put it up now and keep it up through the holidays and well into the New Year. Get everyone involved in the hunt for pinecones, even the little ones.
This plastic free pine cone decor is sure to create memories and make your home a bit more festive!
What You’ll Need
• Pinecones
• White craft paint
• twine
• jute chord
• Scissors
• Paper plate
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place some white paint on the paper plate and dip the edges of the pine cone petals to make them look snow-kissed. Repeat all pinecones and set aside to dry completely.
2. Tie a 6 inch piece of twine in between and around the bottom of each of your pinecones.
3. Cut a thick jute chord to your desired length- this will be your garland- and tie each pine cone to the jute chord.
4. Hang the pine cone garland over a fireplace mantel, buffet table or wherever else you’d like.
Rag Ball Ornament
You probably have some extra fabric (or clothes) lying around the house. Put it to good use this holiday season and make rag ball ornaments.
You can use them on your Christmas tree or as a bowl filler for table decoration with Rag Ball Ornaments.
What You’ll Need
• Fabric
• Glue
• Something in the shape of a ball (used styrofoam ball, crumpled up newspaper or old plastic shopping bags or anything else at your disposal)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut your fabric into strips. The larger the ball, the thicker you will want your strips to be. If you like the frayed look, snip a little at the top and then tear it the rest of the way.
2. Lay the fabric strips on a box and spray with a glue adhesive.
3. Attach one end of your strip and wrap it around the ball - press down along the strip of fabric to secure it.
4. Cross over back and forth with the rest of the strips until the entire ball is covered.
5. If you prefer to hang it, take a piece of jute twine and tie a knot, then glue it onto the rag ball.
Zero Waste Holiday Decor Tips
Here are a few general tips to keep in mind while trying to have decorate with a low waste mindset.
Avoid single-use plastic decor as these will end up in the landfill and take a lot of time to break down
Try using natural materials such as pine cones, fresh flowers, cranberries, citrus fruits, or popcorn
If you purchase a real Christmas tree or wreath be sure to consider what will happen to it after the holiday season ends. Try to find a composting service that will be able to pick up the tree.
Purchase Christmas trees locally if possible to reduce your carbon footprint
Before buying new check your local charity shop, Facebook marketplace, or thrift shop
If you do choose to purchase new decorations be sure to purchase quality over quantity. Look for well made items that will last a long time as reusing decorations over time is the best way be ready for a more eco-friendly Christmas next year.
Pass down decorations to family members. This is meaningful and keeps the holiday decor out of the landfill.
If you do create natural garlands and decors like mentioned above be sure to dispose of them properly. If they’re able to be composted that’s the most sustainable way to dispose of natural decor.
Hopefully this guide inspired you to get crafty and create zero waste Christmas decorations.
These small changes to our holiday routines can make a big impact.
And don’t forget to check out our zero-waste Christmas gift ideas.
For more tips & tricks on sustainable living be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.