We’re Christmas lovers here at Natural Collection, but there’s no denying its unfortunate reputation as the holiday of gaudy, disposable junk. Decorations are especially notorious for being thrown away as soon as January comes around. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let us guide you through the holiday season with some sustainable decorative suggestions.
Baubles
Nkuku’s gorgeous baubles are made from recycled waste glass – washed, crushed, melted down and blown to create amazing new forms. We particularly like the elegant shapes of the Manipur range, available in ruby, indigo and smoke. The Adisa bauble jar is a good option if you’re looking for a range of colours and shapes. (Don’t worry, the jar’s recycled glass too).
If there’s kids around you might prefer something a bit less breakable. Papier mâché is a lightweight, durable and eco-friendly option. We’ve got floral designs from Fair to Trade, Shared Earth and Dalit Goods – all handmade in India to high fair trade standards.
Tree decorations
Baubles a bit passé? There’s no limit to the sorts of things you can hang on your tree. We have handmade pewter decorations in various festive shapes, including robins and mistletoe. Or recycled aluminium silver snowflakes and gold stars.
If you’re going for a softer, more colourful vibe, why not check out these adorable handmade felt penguins and acorns? Or look to Ian Snow, whose embroidered decorations are eco-friendly and free from plastic (except for a bit of recycled plastic as filling). Their candy canes and gingerbread houses will give your tree a touch of colourful charm.
Garlands
Fans of the felt tree decorations can carry that aesthetic into the rest of the house too. These felt garlands, in gingerbread man and mistletoe varieties, have the same cuddly appeal and the same fair trade origins.
Ornaments
If the typical maximalist Christmas style doesn’t fit your décor, here’s something a little more stripped back. Ian Snow’s origami Christmas trees might not replace the real thing, but they’re available in a range of colours from yellow to lilac to slate grey – made from recycled paper and 100% plastic free.
