Part 2 of December's Newsletter.
This year, I made a couple of changes to my holiday decor that turned out to be really cool. First off, I ditched the fake Christmas wreaths and garlands and went for the real ones. I used to think artificial ones were better because they're reusable and save money, but when I realized that live greenery isn't that expensive and brings a fresh vibe, I decided to go for it. And let me tell you, it was a great move! My husband and I felt a positive energy boost right away. It goes to show that even small changes can make a big difference.
I also picked up more Christmas ornaments and accents made from natural and earth-friendly materials. Things like natural pinecones, cotton Christmas stockings, metal lanterns, jingle bells, wooden beads, live pine plants, mini lavender trees, and wooden decorative accents with word art.
Two of my favorite finds were these lovely artificial flowers made from wood and paper, and some live eucalyptus leaves from Trader Joe's. Another cool buy this year was these adorable wooden Christmas ornaments from Dollar Tree. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with the store for offering more non-toxic options.
I share my story and motivation in the hope that it inspires you to embrace a green and holistic lifestyle. Creating a home filled with positive and healthy energy is so rewarding.
Keep scrolling to explore more informative winter treasures. With New Year's around the corner, it's a fantastic time to adorn your home with beautiful, healthy and positive vibes.
Sustainable Home Decor: Exploring Eco-Friendly Materials
Eco-friendly materials and chemicals are those that have a minimal impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle. Here are some examples:
Eco-friendly Materials: Green and Holistic Holiday Decorating
Recycled Glass: Can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality.
Recycled Plastic: Repurposing plastic waste into new products.
Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged from old structures, reducing the need for new logging.
Tencel/Lyocell: Made from sustainably harvested wood pulp.
Stainless Steel: Highly durable and recyclable.
Natural, and Organic Materials: Green and Holistic Holiday Decorating
Cotton: Especially organic cotton, free from synthetic pesticides.
Wool: Natural, biodegradable and renewable fiber.
Silk: Produced by silkworms, considered a natural and non-toxic material.
Hemp: Requires minimal pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Bamboo: A fast-growing, sustainable, and biodegradable material.
Wood: When sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Natural Rubber: Derived from the latex of rubber trees.
Jute: A plant-based fiber used for textiles and packaging.
Linoleum: Made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork.
Cork: Harvested from cork oak trees without harming them.
To break it down even more, I placed them in different categories...
Fabrics: Green and Holistic Holiday Decorating
Organic Cotton: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Hemp: Requires minimal water and no pesticides during cultivation.
Tencel/Lyocell: Made from sustainably harvested wood pulp.
Bamboo Fiber: Fast-growing and renewable resource.
Recycled Polyester: Repurposed from post-consumer plastic bottles.
Organic Linen: Made from flax plants without harmful chemicals.
Wool: Biodegradable and renewable if sourced responsibly.
Piñatex: Made from pineapple leaf fibers, a byproduct of agriculture.
Jute: is a natural fiber derived from the jute plant's stem, and it is biodegradable and renewable.
Woods: Green and Holistic Holiday Decorating
Bamboo: Fast-growing and renewable, with a wide range of uses.
Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged from old structures, reducing the need for new logging.
Cork: Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree.
FSC-Certified Wood: Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as sustainably sourced.
Mango Wood: From mature mango trees that no longer bear fruit.
Metals:
Recycled Aluminum: Repurposed from post-consumer scrap.
Stainless Steel: Highly durable and recyclable.
Copper: Fully recyclable, with a long lifespan.
Brass: A combination of copper and zinc, both of which are recyclable.
Recycled Metal Alloys: Sustainable alternative to traditional metals.
Other Materials:
Recycled Glass: Can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality.
Concrete: Eco-friendly when produced with sustainable practices.
Biodegradable Plastics: Break down naturally, reducing environmental impact.
Paperboard/Paper: Recyclable and often made from recycled materials.
Natural Stone: Like granite, slate, and ceramic sourced sustainably and responsibly.
Ceramic Candle Holder Set of 3- Matte Gray, Modern Decor, Porcelain Lanterns
These materials contribute to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact, promoting responsible resource use, and often being recyclable or biodegradable. When choosing eco-friendly materials, it's important to consider the entire lifecycle, including production, use, and disposal and toxicity.
Decoding Labels: Identifying Natural, Eco-Friendly, and Non-Toxic Products with Confidence
When looking at labels to determine if products are natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic, consider the following indicators and certifications:
Certifications:
USDA Organic: Indicates that the product meets the USDA's organic standards.
EcoCert: An international certification for organic and natural cosmetics.
Green Seal: Certifies products and services that meet environmental standards.
Cradle to Cradle: Focuses on sustainable product design and life cycle.
Ingredients List:
Look for familiar, natural ingredients. Avoid products with a long list of unrecognizable chemical names.
Check for specific terms like "organic," "natural," "plant-based," or "biodegradable" in the ingredient list.
Third-Party Endorsements:
Products endorsed by reputable environmental organizations or third-party certifications often meet specific eco-friendly criteria.
Absence of Harmful Chemicals:
Look for labels stating "non-toxic," "phthalate-free," "paraben-free," "SLS-free" (sodium lauryl sulfate), and "BPA-free" (for plastics).
Avoid products containing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and synthetic fragrances.
Recyclable or Biodegradable Packaging:
Check for labels indicating that the packaging is recyclable, made from recycled materials, or biodegradable.
Transparent Company Practices:
Brands committed to sustainability often share information about their production processes, sourcing, and environmental initiatives.
Carbon Footprint Information:
Some products provide information on their carbon footprint or environmental impact.
Local and Sustainable Sourcing:
Products made from locally sourced, sustainable materials often have a lower environmental impact.
Not Tested on Animals:
Look for labels like "Cruelty-Free" or "Leaping Bunny" to ensure the product was not tested on animals.
Energy-Efficient or Green Manufacturing:
Some labels may indicate that the product was manufactured using energy-efficient or environmentally friendly processes.
Remember to be cautious and critical, as marketing terms like "natural" are not regulated uniformly. Reading reviews, researching brands, and being informed about specific eco-friendly certifications can help you make more sustainable and non-toxic choices.
I hope the information above gives you the confidence to keep up with green and holistic practices for your home and family this holiday and winter season.
If you're getting ready to host a Christmas party or family dinner, it's a perfect time to add some green and holistic vibes to your gathering.
No need to stress about doing everything at once—remember, it's a lifestyle change, and it takes time. Even small changes matter. Keep it enjoyable and refreshing. Let your creativity and uniqueness shine through.
To kick things off, check out this quick guide to get your home green and holistically ready for your Christmas gathering.
Where to buy Eco-Friendly and Holistic Christmas Decor, Home Decor, and Household Products
You don't need to spend a fortune to make your space more sustainable and mindful. From cool decor to everyday essentials, these places offer great options that won't hurt your wallet.
Here is a curated list of 15 awesome places to find budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and holistic goodies for your home:
Amazon
Wal-mart
Etsy
Aldi
Target
Dollar Tree
Homegoods
Hobby Lobby
Kirklands
5 Below
Farmer's Market
Ebay
K-mart
Thrift and Antique Stores
Facebook Marketplace
I'm thrilled to be on this green and holistic journey with you! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts, questions, or any advice you have. Feel free to tell me about the eco-friendly and holistic touches you've added or plan to add to your home. I can't wait to hear from you!
Happy Holistic Holidays!
The Holistic Home Stylist at Pure Oasis Interiors
Hello! I'm Quandera, The Holistic Home Stylist!
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