BY EMMA FRANZ
As the “most wonderful time of the year” approaches, holiday festivities begin and homes are transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations. From beaming lights to Christmas trees decked in ornaments, each decoration is a holiday staple. While the decorations play a key role in the joy that comes with the holiday season, many of the products that are used can have a harsh impact on the environment.
It is important to limit the usage of regular holiday decorations as many of them are damaging the planet. For many people, covering their homes from top to bottom in holiday lights has become a tradition. While holiday lights are the most eye-catching of all the holiday decorations, they are also the most damaging.
The typical Christmas lights are very disruptive towards wildlife, causing disorganization in their cycle.
If enough people actually took the time to create these recycled ornaments instead of throwing away old Christmas cards, there would be less waste and the environment would be positively impacted.
According to the Globe at light, “LED lights are a better alternative than regular Christmas lights as they limit light pollution.”
Sometimes it is hard to cut back on what people love most, but preserving the environment doesn’t necessarily mean giving something up. While cutting down on holiday lights would have a larger impact, there are many other factors that play a key role in preserving the environment. It would be of great value if people took the time to reuse wrapping paper that remained in good condition or make ornaments out of old holiday cards.
According to Clean Air Partnership, Billions of holiday cards are sold each year that can be recycled and turned into Christmas ornaments.
If enough people actually took the time to create these recycled ornaments instead of throwing away old Christmas cards, there would be less waste and the environment would be positively impacted.
While some people believe that winter won’t be complete without the typical holiday decorations, eco-friendly decorations can actually enhance the holiday season. Most eco-friendly decorations are labeled as do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and can be made using recyclable supplies found within each household. Partaking in creating these holiday decorations just adds to the holiday cheer.
“During the holiday times we often find ourselves stressed out and rushing around, so it is nice to have something that can bring the family together for a common goal,” junior Cassidy Sutton said. “Conserving the environment is important.”
“So if this year’s craft means that I am conserving the environment, I am all for eco-friendly holiday decorations.”
Nature-friendly holiday decorations not only preserve the environment but contribute to the holiday fun. The process of creating these nature-friendly decorations allows for a new bonding experience for family and friends.
“On Christmas, in my family, we always participate in a family craft,” Sutton said. “So if this year’s craft means that I am conserving the environment, I am all for eco-friendly holiday decorations.”
Family and friends can gather together and participate in the decoration-making process. Instead of one’s typical holiday game, this holiday activity will ensure a close bond between loved ones all while keeping the holiday season green.
For most people, the environment doesn’t come as a thought or priority during the holiday season. People continuously use decorations that harmfully impact the environment, but is time for that to change. Environmentally-conscious holiday decorations are essential to have a fun-filled, productive and green holiday season. This specific decor enhances the holiday season with a splash of new festivities and eco-friendly cheer, creating a positive internal impact on those who participate in protecting the environment.
Photo by Cassie Hartmann
