Here's Your Guide To Ethical Holiday Décor

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Americans love to get in the holiday spirit. It’s clear through their spending habits around this time of year. Statista reports that holiday décor spending has nearly doubled over the past two decades. As for holiday décor habits, a survey reported on SWNS Digital found that around 70 percent of Americans decorate their doors and windows during the holidays, yet most of the decorating budget goes to the tree. Seeing all of those lights, ornaments and bright colors around the holidays can bring a lot of cheer. But the materials and processing behind holiday décor isn’t always ethical or sustainable.

As MADAMENOIRE continues our weekly Put Your Money Where Your Values Are series, this week we focus on holiday décor. Holiday decorations already serve as a sign of our values – values of family, togetherness, gratitude and, for some, a belief in a certain religious figure or story. Why not let your values shine through your holiday decorations even more by sourcing them ethically? Here are simple ways to get started with ethical holiday décor.

Thrift Your Décor

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One of the most ethical places to pick up holiday décor is a thrift store. Often made with plastic and non-biodegradable materials, many traditional holiday decorations wind up in landfills. In fact, Build with Rise reports that Americans create 25 percent more trash during the holidays.

You can do your part to reduce waste and not support mass production of decorations made from unsustainable practices by buying yours at a thrift store. Give that plastic tree or those inflatable reindeer a second life. Thrifted décor counts as ethical holiday décor.

Use Energy Efficient Lights

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One study reported on the Center for Global Development found that Americans use more electricity on lights during the holidays than El Salvador uses all year. You can reduce your energy use by buying energy-efficient LED string lights. You can also get smart lights and schedule them to go on and off at your preferred times, so they aren’t left on 24/7.

Alternatively, if you’d like to use no energy, you can purchase solar-powered holiday lights. They’ll source energy from the sun during the day and be ready to light up at night.

Re-Plant Your Holiday Tree

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The tree is the center of holiday décor. However, according to 8BillionTrees.com, between 33 and 36 million Christmas trees are cut down annually. And most wind up in the trash. This year, while you’re buying your tree, buy a nice pot and some soil, too. Plant your tree in a pot of soil to keep it alive. When you’re done with it, re-plant it so that it goes back to nature.

Or Get A High-Quality Fake Tree

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If you can give up the idea of a real tree, a quality fake tree can last you for years and years to come, and prevent you from tossing out real trees every year. Look for a fake tree made from polyethylene (PE) instead of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PE is what is used in newer fake trees, as it lasts longer, and doesn’t leave you with dozens of fake needles on the floor.

Always read the reviews. If a tree falls apart fast, buyers will talk about it. It’s better to invest a little more money into a long-lasting fake tree than opt for a less expensive one that you’ll have to throw away in a year or two.

Pick Up Décor At A Local Farmer’s Market

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Don’t forget that your local markets often have vendors selling décor this time of year, from wreaths to centerpieces to ornaments. Farmer’s markets traditionally feature vendors who use locally sourced materials, so you can do something kind for the planet while supporting a local artisan.

Purchase Black-Owned Décor

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Etsy has an entire section dedicated to ornaments from Black artists and creators.

You can also check out ItsABlackThang.com, a Black-owned online retailer specializing in African American related products. They sell several types of holiday décor from snow globes to ornaments to elf figurines and more.

African American Expressions is another great company to pick up small decorative items from like holiday calendars and décor. They have a long-standing fundraiser that gives funds to Black schools and Black churches.

Buy Décor That Gives Back

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There are many companies that make Christmas décor with a purpose. When you support these, you can support a good cause. Ornaments 4 Orphans is a fair trade company that sells handmade ornaments. They work with global artisans to create jobs and fight poverty, ultimately helping parents in Uganda, Kenya, Peru and Nepal afford to support their children, resulting in fewer orphans.

Thanda Zulu employs artisans to make their ornaments. They offer fair wages and give the proceeds to children’s educational projects in rural South Africa.

International Sanctuary provides jobs to survivors of human trafficking who are rebuilding their lives. They create all sorts of gifts and products, including holiday ornaments.