What You Can Do With Your Christmas Tree & And Christmas Leftovers to Help the Environment

March 5, 2024 May 31, 2024

As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our celebrations. One major contributor to holiday waste is the Christmas tree and all of the leftover decorations, gift wrap, and other materials we use during the holiday season.

Here are some ways you can make the most of your Christmas tree and leftover materials, and reduce your environmental footprint in the process:

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

When it’s time to take down your Christmas tree, consider recycling it instead of throwing it away. Many communities offer tree recycling programs, where trees are chipped into mulch or used for other purposes such as erosion control.

To find out if your community has a tree recycling program, check with your local government or waste management company. Some communities even offer pickup services for recycled trees, so you don’t have to worry about hauling it to a recycling center yourself.

Repurpose Your Christmas Tree

If you don’t have access to a tree recycling program, or if you’d prefer to find a new use for your tree, there are several options for repurposing it. Here are a few ideas:

Use the branches to create a natural barrier or privacy screen in your garden.
Chop up the tree and use it as firewood. Just be sure to remove any tinsel or decorations first.
Use the tree as a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Place it in a secluded area of your yard and decorate it with birdseed ornaments and other natural materials.

Reduce Your Wrapping Paper Waste

Gift wrap is one of the most common sources of holiday waste, but there are a few ways you can reduce your impact.

Opt for reusable gift bags or boxes instead of disposable wrapping paper. You can find a wide range of options, from fabric gift bags to decorative tins or boxes.
If you do use wrapping paper, try to find options that are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again after use. Avoid foil or glittery papers, as they are difficult to recycle.
Save and reuse gift wrap from year to year. If you have leftover wrapping paper, store it in a safe place where it won’t get damaged, and use it again the following year.

Make Your Own Wrapping Paper

If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own wrapping paper. All you need is some plain paper, such as brown craft paper or newspaper, and some decorative elements like stamps, markers, or washi tape.

To make your own wrapping paper, simply lay out a piece of plain paper and decorate it with your chosen elements. You can create patterns, write messages, or add other personal touches to make your wrapping paper unique.

Once you’re finished, simply wrap your gift as you would with any other wrapping paper. This is a great way to get creative and reduce waste at the same time.

Repurpose Your Leftover Decorations

If you have a collection of leftover decorations that you’re not sure what to do with, there are a few creative ways you can repurpose them:

Turn old ornaments into plant ornaments. Simply remove the hooks and add a small amount of soil and a plant seed to the ornament. Hang the ornament in a sunny window and water it regularly to watch your plant grow.
Use leftover ribbon and bows to create fun hair accessories or decorations for your home.
Upcycle old holiday cards into gift tags or thank you notes. Simply cut out the front of the card and write a message on the back.
Create a holiday-themed wreath using leftover decorations and a foam wreath form. Simply hot glue your decorations onto the wreath form and hang it on your door or wall for a festive touch.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact Next Holiday Season

As you can see, there are many ways you can reduce waste and make the most of your Christmas tree and leftover decorations. By being mindful of your environmental impact and finding creative ways to reuse and repurpose materials, you can celebrate the holiday season in a more sustainable way.

As you plan for next holiday season, consider incorporating some of these ideas into your celebration. You can also look for other ways to reduce your environmental impact, such as using LED lights on your tree, using eco-friendly holiday cards, and choosing locally grown and organic foods for your holiday meals.

By taking small steps to reduce your environmental impact, you can make a big difference in protecting the planet for future generations and start the New Year with the bang.