How to Celebrate Sustainably This Christmas
Christmas decorations bring warmth and sparkle to the holiday season, but many of our festive favorites – especially those drenched in glitter – pose a surpising challenge when it comes to the environment. This year, as we deck the halls, lets take a moment to understand the impact of our decorations and learn how to make greener choices.
The Environmental Cost of Glitter and Plastics
Many traditional Christmas decorations, from plastic baubles to tinsel, are made from non-recyclable plastics (like PVC). but the real environmental troublemaker is often the sparkle itself: glitter.
- Glitter is a Micropastic: Most conventional glitter is made from a thin sheet of plastic (usually PET or PVC) bonded with aluminum and cut into tiny pieces. These pieces are classified as microplastics (definded as plastic pieces less than 5mm in size).
- Polluting Wasterways: Once decorations shed glitter or are thrown way, the glitter often makes its makes its way into our drains, rivers and eventually the ocean. Because its too small to be filtered out by most wastewater treamtent plans, it contributes to the massive microplasics pollution problem, harming marine life that mistaes it for food.
- Non-Recyclable: Due to their composite nature (plastic, metal and often glue/paint), and their tiny size, items covered in glitter – and often the decorations themselves – cannot be recycled in standard household bins.
♻️ How to Dispose of & Recycle Common Decorations
When it comes time to pack up or purge your collection, proper disposal is key. Never put glitter-covered itesm or non-numbered plastics in your standard recycling bin!
| Decoration Type | Recommended Action | Environmental Notes |
| Glitter/Glitter-Covered Item | Throw in general waste. Before tossing, try to contain loose glitter ina jar or bag to prevent it from immediately entering the environment | Must be landfilled. Their microplastic content makes recycling impossible. |
| Plastic Baubles & Tinsel | Throw in general waste or dontate/repurpose them | Most are made of non-recyclable plastics and can contaminate a recycling batch. |
| Broken/Old Fairy Lights | Take to an e-waste recycling point. Many local councils or electronics stores offer free e-waste drop-offs. | Lights contain valuable metals and wires that should be recycled, not landfilled. |
| Wrapping Paper | Check the “scrunch test” If it stays scrunched, it’s usually recyclable (plain paper). if it springs back (due to plastic coating or foil), it goes in general waste. Avoid metallic or Glitter paper. | Ribbons and bows must be removed and go in the bin. |
| Natural Items (Wreaths/Trees) | Compost or use local green waste services. Remove all non-compostable elements (wires, plastic bows, glitter). | This is the best option! Returns nutrients to the earth. |
💚 Sustainable Swaps for a Greener Christmas
You don’t have to sacrifice sparkle to be green! Here are some eco-friendly alternatives:
- Choose Natural Decorations: Opt for items like pinecones, dreied citrus slices (oranges, lemons), cinnamon sticks, popcorn garlands and fresh greenery (like holly or ivy) These are beautiful and naturally compostable.
- Use Eco-Glitter: Look for biodegradable glitter. These are typically plant-based (like cellulose) and are designed to break down safely in the environment. Just be sure to check the certification, as some “biodegradable” labels are misleading.
- Invest in Quality: Buy decoatons made from durable, natural materials like wood, glass or metal. These items are built to last for decades, reducing the need for yearly replacements.
- DIY and Repurpose: Create your own ornaments from upcycled materials like old fabric, buttons or broken jewelry. This gives them a unique, quirky character and keeps them items out of landfill.
- Store Thoughtfully: INvest in good storage solutions (clean bins, divided boxes) to protect your decorations from year to year. The longer they last, the lower their environmental footprint.
By making a few small changes in what we buy and how we dispose of our decoratuons, we can ensure our holiday sparkle doesnt come at the cost of the planet.