UK Guide To Ethical Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations
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Are you looking for ethical and eco-friendly Christmas decorations in the UK? From plastic-free to zero-waste, and ethically made, I’ve got a host of festive ideas for you.
We all know that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. However, decorating your house surely comes a close second, am I right?
Whilst using the Christmas decorations we already own is the single most ethical and eco-friendly way of decorating our homes, sometimes we do want to replace decorations that have been broken. Accidents do happen, despite our best intentions. I have a set of lovely glass baubles, that, despite my best efforts, have experienced some casualties over the years.
And then sometimes you might just want to freshen up your existing decorations by adding some new ones into the mix.
The good news is that it is really easy to make zero-waste Christmas decorations. If crafting isn’t your thing, then you can buy Christmas decorations easily.
Not all Christmas decorations are equal though. With news that inmates in Chinese prisons are forced to make Christmas decorations, and regularly beaten up, it’s important to pick Christmas decorations that are both eco-friendly and ethical.
The good thing is they aren’t hard to find. Here is my pick of the top planet and people-friendly Christmas decorations available in the UK.
Guide To Ethical & Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations
From plastic-free to zero-waste, and ethically made, here are some ways you can ethically decorate your home this Christmas:
Nkuku
One of my favourite places to browse for ethical and eco-friendly Christmas decorations is Nkuku. From beautiful garlands to stylish wreaths, and to gorgeous recycled glass baubles and stunning tree toppers, Nkuku sells it all.
Prices are reasonable – a set of four baubles is around £22.50 (however do expect to pay more for the larger baubles). Tree toppers are under £35, and wreaths are around £35, making them incredibly reasonable for what you get.
In terms of ethics, Nkuku works solely with sustainable, natural, and recycled materials, and focuses on traditional methods of production. Nkuku also supports and works with skilled artisans throughout the world – from Devon to Dehli. Through rigorous management, it ensures these artisans are paid a fair wage and work in good conditions.
Products shown:
- Talini Wreath (£35.00)
- Bakara Tree Topper (£30.00)
- Oko Coloured Baubles (from £22.50 for four)
- Brass Bell Baubles (£22.50 for three)
Get 15% off your first order at Nkuku when you sign up for its mailing list.
Etsy
Etsy has always been another of my favourite places to browse for ethical and/or eco-friendly Christmas decorations.
If you’ve not used Etsy before, it’s a giant marketplace full to the brim of independent crafters and makers, all selling their mainly handmade wares. It also has a healthy vintage department if you’re looking to pick up Christmas decorations from yesteryear.
I’ve found a whole host of eco-friendly decorations for your perusal, all made from natural materials. These include handmade macrame candy cane decorations made from cotton, clay tree decorations and reusable hessian banners that can be reused year after year.
I’ve also found stockings made from natural linen. Basically, if you can think of it, I bet you someone clever and crafty person has made it on Etsy!
Products shown
- Hessian Merry Christmas Banner (£7.55)
- Linen Personalised Christmas Stocking (£35).
- Macrame Candy Canes (£4 each, or 5 for £16)
- Clay Christmas Pudding Decorations (from £5.50)
Not On The High Street
Not On The High Street is a great place to source reusable Christmas decorations. This includes reusable and refillable Christmas crackers, reusable banners made of natural materials, and other sustainable decorations made by made by independent makers. You’ll be sure to find something different that will last for years to come.
Not On The High Street, in particular, is a great place to go for personalised decorations. So if you are looking for an eco-friendly baby’s first Christmas tree decoration, for example, I’m sure you’ll be able to find one made from natural materials here.
The products shown above are:
- Fairtrade Felt Merry Christmas Banner (£36)
- Recycled Paper Honeycomb Baubles (£10 for 2)
- Personalised Wooden Garland (£22.00)
- Reusable Christmas Crackers (from £22 for a set of 6)
I’ve also got a full guide to reusable and eco-friendly Christmas crackers if you are looking for more inspiration.
Ethical Superstore
Ethical Superstore has a great range of Fairtrade and eco-friendly decorations this Christmas. From Fairtrade hanging star decorations to pretty Fairtrade baubles, they are all handmade from sustainable materials. It’s a great way to spruce up your Christmas tree ethically.
Also look out for felted wool decorations and gorgeous brass decorations from Amnesty International.
Products shown:
- Recycled Sari Baubles (£14.95 for 6)
- Recycled Sari Tinsel Garland (£12.95)
- Fairtrade Paper Star Decorations (£16.95 for 8)
- Fairtrade Felt Dove Hanging Decoration (£7.95)
Oxfam Online
Finally, Oxfam Online is another great place to shop for ethical Christmas decorations. All of Oxfam’s decorations are sourced from Fairtrade groups in Nepal. As well as helping to keep traditional Nepali craft industries alive, it also helps to improve the living standard of the producers/workers and their families from the rural areas of the country through Fair Trade practices.
What’s more, all profits from the sale of Oxfam’s Christmas decorations go towards supporting Oxfam’s vital work in alleviating global poverty.
Products featured:
- Christmas Treats Felt Garland (£14.99)
- Hand Beaded Christmas Decorations (£8.99 each)
- Recycled Sari Candy Cane Decoration (£3.99)
- Felt Mistletoe Decoration (£7.99)
Get 10% off your first order at Oxfam Online when you sign up for the Oxfam mailing list.
Any other eco-friendly or ethical Christmas decoration tips? I’m all ears! And while you are here, you may also be interested in my other sustainable Christmas guides. These include:
- A guide to the most sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas trees,
- Where to find sustainable tinsel
- And my ultimate guide to having an eco-friendly Christmas.
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We once made a wreath using strips cut from green and red plastic bags (you could use old fabric instead), tied onto an old wire coat hanger that had been made into a circle. The hook makes it easy to hang! It was very effective, fun and easy to do.
I absolutely love this idea Isobel! Thanks so much for sharing it!