Ecofriendly Holiday Tips

EcoDecorating owner and senior designer, Roland Powell, was asked to participate in an article for ecofriendly holiday decorating in the December 2007 issue of Publix GreenWise Market Magazine. Read the entire interview below.

(GWM) [This] article is on suggestions for eco-friendly holiday decorating. To that end, let's start with the biggie: What about the tree? Most people want a tree, but what are the arguments behind live versus fake? What are other options that people might have for a tree that are environmentally sensitive?

(RP) When I decorate with a tree in the house, I use an artificial, but this is primarily for safety concerns, ease and cost (a good artificial tree can get pricey, but, because they are reusable, they will pay for themselves after a few uses). But those who view fake trees as heresy should not, in my opinion, feel guilty for using a live tree.

President Theodore Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House to demonstrate his support of forest conservation. So when he caught his children with a tree in their room, he asked the head of the Forestry Service to explain to them how this threatened the environment. But he was surprised to be informed that, when properly done, thinning a forest can be beneficial to it.

Today, I certainly do not recommend taking a random tree from the woods. Almost all live trees now come from tree farms, which are sustainably managed to provide a constant supply of trees, which can take 10 years to reach the proper size. Tens of millions of trees are planted every year to replace those cut for the holidays. These farms provide a haven for birds and small animals, exchange oxygen for CO2, and utilize land that might otherwise be developed.

But I think an even better option may be to try something I have done and plant a permanent tree in yard which can be decorated during the holidays, or, if you still want a tree in the house, buy one which has its roots balled in burlap. After the holidays you can plant it on your own property or donate it to an individual or group who will replant it. Several types of spruce, fir and pine make excellent privacy and wind screens.

If you do choose a cut tree, take the time to remove the ornamentation and either mulch or compost it on your own property or find a program in your area which does this.

What are natural ways that readers could decorate their homes - meaning, what are suggestions for taking a walk through their back yards, or the woods, in order to make beautiful ornaments and other decor items?

I will delay pruning all of the holly and magnolia until just before the holidays so I can use the trimmings for garlands, across mantles, and sometimes as table decorations. Sprigs of holly greenery and berries can be tied with a ribbon bow and hung on a tree as well, but you will probably need to swap them out with fresh over the days, so leave some available on the plant.

I have also collected well-formed pinecones for ornaments. I think they add a touch of realism to an artificial tree. If you want to give them a little sparkle, you can rub the tips with a drop of glue and sprinkle then with glitter, or lightly brush them with a dab of water-based gold or silver paint.

I once suggested to someone who live near the beach that they use the shells, sand dollars and starfish left after high tide as ornaments.

What would be things to avoid in holiday decorating that are not environmentally friendly?

Well, we've all seen the houses lit up like Vegas--lights hanging from the eaves, wrapping every post and railing, and covering every shrub. Each of those little bulbs adds up to a lot of wasted electricity. I prefer a more understated use of lighting. I think a single candle per window is an elegant look. But if you need all of the lights to get in the spirit, buy energy saving versions, which can use almost half the electricity, or, even better, use LED lighting, which is now widely available. LED light strings, which are available in clear, multi and solid colors, use 80% to over 90% less electricity. You will pay a premium for these at this time, but you don't have to worry about burned out bulbs and they can last for many, many years of normal use.

What about wrapping presents? Any suggestions for going green?

I like to use gift bags. They're reusable, they don't take up a lot of space when put away for the year, and save time (plus, if your gift-wrapping skills are like mine, the finished product looks neater). If you need to wrap a box, particularly a child's gift, an old trick is to use the comics from your Sunday paper. If you want to use a more traditional looking wrapping paper, look for something made from recycled or "tree-free" sources, such as banana fiber, mulberry or lotka bark. You might need to search the internet to track these down if you can't find them at your local card and stationery store.

What tips might you have for incorporating edibles into holiday decorating?

I'll have to admit I haven't really done much of this, but using popcorn or dried cranberries as garland is an old tradition. In my family, alot of the time together at the holidays is around the dinner table, so arranging the food, especially hors' deurves and dessert trays. A focal point on your table can be a centerpiece, perhaps a cornucopia, of fresh fruits and vegetables which can be eaten raw by your guests. You might want to use seasonal color combinations, like red and green peppers, apples and grapes and kiwis and strawberries.

It seems that everyone always throws a party around the holidays, too. How can people do a nice get-together while being mindful of ecological issues?

Whether or not your party is specifically "eco-friendly", you can be sensitive to the environment by doing things like avoiding disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Having to run a couple loads in the dishwasher has less impact than dumping a couple bags of plastic and styrofoam in a landfill. You want your guests to be comfortable, but try to keep them in limited areas, perhaps around a fireplace, where body and radiant heat will be more effective. If you do want to have an eco-friendly theme--which you could probably get away with because of all of the attention this subject is currently getting--you could advise your guests to dress warmly. Try to limit the food to vegetarian and organic choices, if possible. Suggest carpooling. If gifts will be exchanged, you can also let them know that "re-gifting" is acceptable--after all, how many more toasters does the world need?