If you are looking for some eco-friendly decorations, specifically in the tree ornament department, we got you! These Christmas ornaments are sustainable and will be fun to create with your friends or ohana.
Dried Orange Slices
Dehydrated cut oranges can make for a simple, cute, and aromatic ornament. Place thin orange slices in the oven at 200 degrees for 3-4 hours (flipping until dry). When done and cool, punch a hole and place a ribbon or any string at the top. They could also be placed on the table as décor along with items such as pinecones and a festive holiday garland for a nice centerpiece at the dinner table.
Pine ornaments
If you have pinecones laying around, grab some string, and tie it to the top of the pinecone to hang it on the Christmas tree. Add some eco-friendly sparkle to give them a little extra holiday cheer!
Cardboard tree ornaments
Draw or print out a Christmas tree and trace it onto recycled carboard. If you want to cover the rough edges, add a cotton cord to the edges, then using a hole punch, create an opening for the cord to hang the ornament on the tree. Add a personal touch by using eco-friendly paints for the kids and ohana to paint them or add a personal message.
Dough ornaments
Let's get our hands a bit messy and have fun with natural dough with yummy smelling scents! Use this simple recipe to create dough ornaments and use your creativity to make your own shapes and designs. Feel free to add holidays scents such as cinnamon, ginger, or pine for an extra special fragrant touch.
Materials:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Cotton cord
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon natural fragrance
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Use flour to avoid the dough sticking to the table.
- Use your favorite cookie cutter to create the design you are looking for. Remember to create a small hole before baking if you want to hang them on the tree. Bake for 1-2 hours at 250°F or until hard. Let it cool completely before decorating.
Here are some of the reasons to make do-it-yourself eco-friendly ornaments:
- Save time and money and reuse a variety of materials that are found around the house.
- Avoid buying plastic ornaments and use earth-friendly materials.
- Fill your house with delectable natural aromas.
- Do something natural, eco-friendly, and crafty with ohana and friends!
- Appreciate the extra specialness of handmade eco-decorations and create special memories.
Christmas is near. We wish you and your ohana a Mele Kalikimaka!