Let’s start with your home. Homes are the heart of the holidays. Creating a holiday ambiance helps make the season festive and fun. Saving decorations to re-use every year is the best way to buy less plastic and reduce waste. If you don’t like to clutter up your closets with holiday decorations or you’re like me and love to get new decorations each year that reflect my newest style inspiration, then consider looking for eco-friendly decorations. Many decorations are made from different types of plastic. Everything, from tinsel and figurines to garlands or new centerpieces is commonly made using plastic. Unfortunately, plastic is one of the biggest pollutants on Earth. The majority of plastic that is made does not get recycled. This plastic is piling up in our oceans and landfills. It takes over 450 years for a single plastic bottle to degrade to the point of being microscopic. Even once plastic is microscopic it doesn’t go away, it floats in oceans and seeps into the soil. Microscopic plastic is a growing concern of scientists around the world and has been found in fish and other animals, contaminating the food chain.

The less plastic we buy and use, the better it is for the future of our planet and wildlife. When there’s a choice, choose decorations made from recyclable materials like wood or metal. Treat yourself to real plant garlands, poinsettias and Christmas trees. Sprigs of pine or fir last a long time in a vase of water and will make your home smell amazing. LED holiday lights will help you save on the power bill. You can also make your own decorations at home as a fun family project. 

When having big meals, replace plastic or Styrofoam tableware for plates and cups made from compostable materials. Utensils made from recycled materials or bamboo are also great alternatives to single-use plastic.

There are specific certifications that have been created to help you shop for more sustainably made clothing. Here are a few certifications to look for when shopping. 

Oeko-Tex Standard - Clothing with this certification has been tested to ensure no harmful substances or chemicals are used. From the thread to the buttons, you know that brands who have this certification have fully committed to making eco-friendly clothing. 

Fair Trade (Fair Trade Textiles and Fair Trade Cotton) - Clothing with a Fair Trade certification is free from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and toxic chemicals. They have one of the most user-friendly shopping guides, that’s easy to explore. 

USDA Organic - You may have seen this certification on labels in the grocery store or the farmers market. The US Department of Agriculture can also certify the ingredients used to create textiles. Clothing with a USDA Organic label has used certified organic cotton, wool or other source material.

To get your juices flowing, here are some ideas for stocking stuffers or little gifts that can help others live a little more eco-friendly.

You are now ready to shop and save the planet at the same time!  Even taking the smallest of steps toward reducing plastic waste by choosing brands with sustainably made products will make a big difference.  Invest in gifts for yourself and loved ones that make the home and environment healthier.