Top 5 Green Holiday Decorations

There are some studies that have shown that many holiday store-bought decorations contain at least one hazardous chemical at levels of concern. These include beaded garlands and string lights. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to ditch all of your holiday decorations, you may want to think about these 5 alternative green options:

1. Have a real holiday tree instead of an artificial tree
2. Make a popcorn garland instead of a beaded garland
3. Make (or purchase from a trusted source) a reusable dried wreath instead of an artificial wreath
4. Look for LED strands sold by IKEA or on EnvironmentalLights.com. IKEA’s light strings satisfy the stricter European Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) regulations, while some brands sold by Environmental Lights claim to be lead-free.
5. Choose candles made from soybean, palm, hemp, or beeswax, and scented with essential oils. Most of the commercially sold candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a petroleum product, and are scented products with artificial fragrances, which are also derived from petroleum. Research has shown that burning paraffin wax candles can release cancer-causing toluene and benzene into the air, as well as alkenes and alkanes which can cause respiratory illnesses.

You can also easily create an aromatic space just by diffusing essential oils. Plus, essential oils have therapeutic properties, and many are antibacterial and antiviral, so you can also help keep cold and flu viruses at bay at the same time! Our line of natural products use essential oils and are perfect way to freshen up your space. 

Check out the other posts in our Guide to A Green Winter Holiday in Metro Vancouver series:

1. Artificial vs. Real Christmas Tree
2. Healthy Holiday Meals
3. Not Your Typical Stuff for Kids – Kids Gifts 2020!
4. Green Gift Wrapping