Christmas is such a fun and festive time of the year that it is easy to forget the environmental impact it can have on the planet. Every year tons of holiday decorations, Christmas wrapping, ribbons, and decs are produced, most of which are made from plastic or non-recyclable materials, and eventually end up in landfills.

This year, why not consider a more eco approach to your holiday décor with natural items you can make for a much greener holiday season? Here are some eco-friendly, sustainable Christmas ornament and Christmas tree decoration ideas from the amazing team at Bawah Reserve, plus some equally fantastic ideas we came across that we can’t wait to recreate.

Some ideas from the Bawah team:

1) Upcycled Glass Bottle Christmas Tree

upcycled glass bottle christmas tree decoration
At Bawah we have created our very own glass bottle Christmas tree – completely made from recycled glass bottles collected throughout the year, a mixture of green, brown and clear glass. Fixed into a very simple metal frame and up lit with solar powered lighting this is stunning sustainable simplicity.

2) Twigs and branches Christmas Tree

twigs and branches upcycled christmas tree
Combine décor ideas with a stroll to your local park. As you walk or hike collect broken branches or twigs from the ground. This family activity is free, easy and most importantly will not damage the tree. Simply spray the branches and twigs with eco-friendly, white spray paint and fix them to a larger wooden pole in a triangular shape. A very simple, yet beautiful result perfect for décor outside or inside. Get creative and hang pine cones or dried leaves it for an authentic feel.

3) Coconut Snowman

coconut and driftwood snowman upcycled decoration
This little cute snowman is made from two coconut husks and a couple of branches. We painted the coconuts white, then added an orange nose and eyes created from a used wine cork. The scarf is from a recycled fabric off cut and arms are two sticks and, voila, Coco the tropical snowman!

4) Log reindeer

the log and driftwood reindeer christmas decoration
We used driftwood to create this little island Rudolph. A larger, chunkier log for the body, with thinner pieces for the legs and twigs for the antlers. Just 11 small flotsam wood pieces were needed to create this. Create your own Rudolph for the front yard or garden - would look awesome on a porch or verandah.

5) Bamboo wishes

bamboo wishes hanging on the jetty decorations
Bamboo is the most sustainable wood in the world and is readily available either in nature or at your local nursery. Cut a small stalk down and then cut into smaller pieces to create festive wish ornaments. Encourage your family to write out their hopes and dreams for the new year. Add some ribbon or wire to hang on your tree sending your festive wishes out into the world.

6) Leaf Place Cards

leaf table place cards homemade decoration ideas
Decorate the dining table using leaves as place cards. Simply collect some good size leaves and use a paint pen in white, silver, or gold to write the names of your guests. Naturally beautiful.

7) Fruit Displays

fruit display tablescape

Using fresh fruit and nuts can be the easiest way to add colour to your home. We often use whatever we have growing in our gardens to add depth and texture to the tables at our resort. Pineapples, bananas, and papayas all work well. But really whatever you have available in season will be perfect.

8) Up-cycled glass bottle candle

Wine Glass Candle crafts

See our recent blog on Creative Ideas for Upcycling Ocean Waste to learn how to make this beautiful candle from an old wine bottle!

Here are some other ideas we came across and would love to recreate:

9) Cone wreath from Natural Living Ideas

cone wreath and ribbon, upcycled christmas decoration
“This pretty pine-cone wreath is another foraged option without the greenery. Adding a big
satin bow to the circle of cones gives it a high-quality, store-bought finish without the hefty
price tag.” Watch the tutorial here.

10) Rustic twig candle holders from Giant Sg

rustic twig candle holder homemade christmas decoration ideas

Photo and DIY idea by: www.foxhollowcottage.com

“Lighting is everything when it comes to setting the mood, and twinkling candlelights offer a magical touch. If a Christmas pine tree is out of the question, you can still bring nature into your house with this twig candle holder alternative. Try dressing it up a little with ribbons.”
See how to make here.

11) Scrap fabric tree ornaments from Fireflies and Mudpies

Scrap Fabric Tree Ornaments
For additional savings, consider scouring thrift shops and remnant bins for festive fabrics. You could even up-cycle old plaid flannel shirts, cloth napkins, and tablecloths for this craft. Learn how to make here.

12) Sustainable Christmas Garland

Citrus-garland_7517f23d-60fa-46d8-8fab-534aba98715f_1728x

This citrus garland is made from slices of oranges or lemons dried and dehydrated in an oven...

Make your own festive dried citrus garland.

Have fun being inventive and make sure you share any other eco-friendly tips for Christmas that you come across. We also love some of these easy eco-friendly Christmas decoration ideas.

and these homemade eco-friendly Xmas decorations.

Share your own creations!