TThe holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and generosity, but it can also be a time of overflowing trash cans. According to Oklahoma State University, families tend to generate about 25% more trash this season, and it's easy to see. From disposable gift wrapping to fancy decorations that end up in landfills on New Year's Eve, short-lived celebrations can inadvertently create long-term waste.
But that doesn't mean you have to endure a dreary and cheerless December in a cave: a few thoughtful swaps can lead to magical holiday celebrations with less waste, and some of them even benefit communities in need. Here are nine sustainable purchases that can help fill the season with intention and maybe even inspire those around you to do the same.
Musubi Kiln Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Cloth
Instead of turning to traditional gift wrap, which can't always be recycled due to its glittery finish, reduce paper waste with traditional Japanese cloths known as furoshiki (or more formal versions called fukusa). These simple scarves come in a variety of sizes and patterns; This one from Musubi Kiln is made from cotton, which has a nice thickness that conceals the gift and is easy to use, even for those new to fabric wrapping. And if this wrapping paper sells out, the other designs can be reused and given as gifts for any other occasion.
Estrella star garlands
Add a whimsical sparkle to your tree with this colorful 1.5m garland made from silk paper stars and water hyacinth, an invasive weed in Bangladesh where these garlands are made by hand. Serrv International operates a Fair Trade certified factory that primarily employs widowed women, single mothers or heads of households. The 76-year-old non-profit organization has helped more than 1,000 artisans in Bangladesh obtain skilled training, employment and advance pay, helping to improve their living standards and increasing access to education for children.
Hearth & Fir Heartland Grand Slim Christmas Tree
According to the Carbon Trust, an artificial Christmas tree can be more environmentally friendly than cutting down a new tree every year, as long as you use it for at least 10 years. That's why it's worth investing in a device that's designed for the long term.
This 6-foot, heirloom-quality model features lifelike needles with the realistic variation you would see on a natural tree and 52 lush branches sturdy enough to hold all of your favorite ornaments. It is available in unlit and pre-lit (with LED bulbs) versions and is very easy to assemble – you simply stack the sections, fluff the branches to your liking and start decorating. When you need to store it, it disassembles quickly and has its own sturdy storage bag to keep it safe year after year.
Organic Coyuchi velvet tree skirt
A Christmas tree that's meant to last for generations deserves a skirt that can last that distance, and this Coyuchi skirt is a good example. Unlike the countless options for fancy tree skirts, this one will add a touch of understated elegance to your holiday decor that's unlikely to go out of style, and its neutral color will easily fit into any existing color scheme. Its soft ivory velvet fabric includes 100% organic cotton padding and a smooth satin backing with no synthetic materials, and its quilted surface provides a cushion layer for placing gifts. The generous 52-inch diameter is enough to look great under a larger Christmas tree. You can also find matching stockings for a harmonious addition to your mantel.
Hand-dipped beeswax Hanukkah candles
Candles are an essential part of the Festival of Lights, but not all candles are created equal—if you're worried about respiratory irritation, you might want to double-check what they're made of. This set of hand-dipped candles is made from 100% natural beeswax with pure cotton wicks. This makes them environmentally friendly, biodegradable and burns cleaner than their petroleum counterparts. They come in a pack of 45, enough for all eight nights of Hanukkah.
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Felted wool ornaments
The rustic charm of felted wool ornaments is undeniable, but they are also incredibly durable, unlike glass and plastic ornaments that can break easily. Handcrafted in a Fair Trade certified factory in Nepal, this set of six adorable winter sports animals is made from 93% wool, 5% wire and 2% paper and features a natural jute hanging cord. While the athleisure style is currently sold out, Pottery Barn Kids' wide selection also includes other festive options, including nostalgic teddy bears, purringly playful cats and chic snowmen.
Solar powered fairy lights
The holidays wouldn't be the same without the magical twinkle of lights, but if saving electricity is your priority, this solar-powered set offers a sparkling display without the guilt. A small solar panel charges two batteries, powering all 1,128 warm white LEDs on this 34.5-foot-long string. This also means you don't have to place them near a power outlet. However, keep in mind that you'll need to purchase the rechargeable batteries separately (a two-pack costs about $13 on Amazon). A full charge takes about six hours, and if the short daylight hours where you live aren't enough to charge the batteries every day, you can also charge them via a USB port.
Mistletoe garland made of felted wool
This sweet mistletoe garland is made from 100% hand-felted wool and offers a reusable, pet- and child-safe alternative to the real plant (which is poisonous if swallowed!). At 6 feet long, it looks fantastic over your mantel, wrapped around a banister or draped over a door. Unlike true mistletoe, it will not fade or wilt over the course of the season. And it's made in a Fair Trade certified factory in Nepal, helping to support and empower local artisans. If the mistletoe style is sold out, try the very similar holly version.
World Market Check Holiday Blanket
Sometimes a single accessory is enough to adapt your living room to the seasons, such as a festive blanket. You'd never guess that this throw was made from recycled plastic bottles: its thick braided tassels and chic holiday check pattern make it extra cozy. Measuring 50 x 60 inches, it's soft, thick and perfect for snuggling up with while watching a classic Christmas movie on a chilly evening.
Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a freelance food, wine, and lifestyle writer who has spent more time testing kitchen appliances, mastering a no-makeup makeup look, and searching for the perfect carry-on suitcase than she'd like to admit. A Francophile/Francophone with a practical side, she writes with equal enthusiasm about everything from cookware to cultural peculiarities.