The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also be a time of excess and waste. By adopting sustainable decorating practices, we can reduce our environmental impact and create a more eco-friendly holiday season.

Here are some tips for sustainable holiday decorating:

1. Choose Natural Materials:

• Fresh Greenery: Opt for locally sourced, sustainably harvested greenery like pine branches, cedar, or eucalyptus.

• Natural Ornaments: Use natural materials like dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or pinecones to create unique and eco-friendly ornaments.

• Wooden Decorations: Wooden ornaments and decorations are both stylish and sustainable.

2. Repurpose and Reuse:

• DIY Decorations: Get creative and make your own decorations using recycled materials like cardboard, paper, or fabric scraps.

• Upcycled Ornaments: Give old ornaments a new life with a coat of paint or a fresh design.

• Family Heirlooms: Incorporate cherished family heirlooms into your holiday decor to create a sense of tradition.

3. Energy-Efficient Lighting:

• LED Lights: Use energy-efficient LED lights to illuminate your home.

• Timer Switches: Set timers for your holiday lights to conserve energy.

• Natural Light: Maximize natural light during the day to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

4. Sustainable Gift Giving:

• Experiences Over Things: Consider gifting experiences like tickets to a show, a cooking class, or a donation to a charity.

• Handmade Gifts: Create personalized gifts with your own hands, such as homemade baked goods or crafts.

• Eco-Friendly Gifts: Choose gifts made from sustainable materials or support local businesses.

• Embrace the Culinary Arts: There's something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread. Channel your inner chef and try out a new recipe or rediscover the joy of homemade bread.

• Pick Up a Hobby: Whether it's revisiting a forgotten passion or exploring a new creative outlet, hobbies enrich our lives. Like me, you could try embroidery! It's a versatile skill that can be used to repair clothes or create beautiful decorative pieces.

By incorporating these sustainable practices into your holiday decorating, you can enjoy a festive and eco-conscious holiday season.

Local Vashon Resources:

For unique, sustainable finds and inspiration, consider visiting these local Vashon businesses:

• Give Old Favorites New Life: Breathe new life into well-loved clothes, pillows, or other textiles with a sewing class. Local artisan Kavi Rana (Samavesi) offers workshops on upcycling and repurposing, giving your old treasures a fresh start. (Link: [https://www.samavesi.com/])

• Nature's Touch: Embrace the beauty of Vashon's natural surroundings by incorporating it into your home decor. Herban Bloom regularly hosts classes on crafting stunning arrangements and decorative pieces using natural elements. (Link: [https://www.instagram.com/herbanbloom/?hl=en])

• Sustainable Shopping: Refill Vashon is your one-stop shop for eco-friendly home decor and personal care items. Their focus on refillable options and repurposed materials lets you decorate beautifully while minimizing waste. (Link: [https://www.instagram.com/refillvashon/])

By supporting local businesses and choosing sustainable options, you can make a positive impact on the environment and your community.

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