The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and celebration. For those who love America's National Parks and public lands, it's also an opportunity to embrace the beauty of nature while honoring its conservation. This year, why not make your holidays a little greener? With these eco-friendly tips, you can reduce waste, create meaningful decor, and celebrate sustainably—all while bringing the outdoors in.
1. Use Natural Materials for Decor
Skip the plastic decorations and head outdoors to gather natural materials for your holiday decor. Pinecones, evergreen branches, acorns, and driftwood can easily be transformed into wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces.
- Pinecones: Arrange pinecones in a bowl for a rustic table display or hang them with twine as ornaments.
- Evergreens: Use foraged branches to create a beautiful wreath or simple garland for your mantle.
- Driftwood: String pieces together for a natural garland or tabletop centerpiece.
Tip: Be sure to gather responsibly—leave plenty behind for wildlife and avoid damaging plants or ecosystems.
2. Create Compostable Garlands and Wreaths
Decorate your home with garlands and wreaths that can return to the earth after the holidays. Choose natural, compostable materials like dried oranges, cranberries, popcorn, and twine.
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Dried Orange Garland:
- 1. Slice oranges into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 2. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- 3. Place on a baking rack or parchment-lined baking sheet
- 4. Bake at 170°F (or lowest oven setting) for 4-6 hours, flipping occasionally
- 5. Let cool completely
- 6. Using a large needle, thread natural twine through the top of each orange slice
- 7. Space slices about 2-3 inches apart
- 8. Add cinnamon sticks or bay leaves between slices if desired
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Popcorn and Cranberries:
- 1. Pop plain popcorn (avoid butter or salt)
- 2. Let it sit out for a day to become slightly stale (this prevents breaking)
- 3. Thread a large needle with strong natural twine (about 6 feet long)
- 4. Tie a large knot at one end
- 5. Alternate stringing 3 pieces of popcorn with 1 cranberry
- 6. Leave a few inches of string at both ends for hanging
- 7. Gently handle the finished garland to prevent breaking
When the holidays are over, simply compost these items to minimize waste.
3. Make Biodegradable Ornaments
Crafting your own ornaments is a fun and sustainable way to decorate your tree. Biodegradable options like salt dough and pressed leaves are beautiful and easy to make.
Simple Salt Dough Recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup water
Mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Press in leaves, pine needles, or other natural textures. Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until dry, and decorate with natural paint or twine.
For a simpler option, glue pressed leaves or flowers onto cardboard ornaments for a nature-inspired look.
4. Wrap Gifts Sustainably
Gift wrapping doesn't have to mean piles of waste. Instead, repurpose materials or use natural, reusable options:
- Kraft Paper: Use plain kraft or recycled paper and decorate it with natural elements like twine, evergreen sprigs, or stamped designs.
- Fabric Wrap: Try the Japanese art of furoshiki—wrapping gifts in reusable fabric, such as scarves or cloth napkins.
- Handmade Tags: Use pressed leaves, pinecones, or recycled paper to make personalized gift tags.
5. Give Experiences Instead of Things
One of the best ways to celebrate sustainably is to give gifts that create memories rather than clutter. Experiences are meaningful, waste-free, and perfect for outdoor lovers.
- National Park Passes: Give the gift of adventure with an America the Beautiful Pass, granting access to National Parks and public lands for an entire year.
- Outdoor Workshops: Sign someone up for a class like nature photography, birdwatching, or wilderness survival skills.
- Plan a Trip Together: Organize a hiking, camping, or cabin getaway to your favorite public land.
Conclusion
This holiday season, take a step back from commercial excess and reconnect with nature. By using sustainable materials, crafting with care, and celebrating thoughtfully, you can honor the beauty of America's public lands while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Whether you're crafting decor from natural materials, giving the gift of experiences, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your favorite National Parks, these tips will help you celebrate the holidays in a way that's kind to the Earth. Happy holidays and happy exploring!