A cozy and charming home twinkling with sparkle, warmth and comfort is what we dream of for the holidays. It is wise to consider the items you bring into your home as holiday decorations. Some may contain chemicals that can end up in your indoor air, on your skin or in your food.
Being aware of what products are on the market is the first step to making good and informed choices. Here are six simple swaps to consider this holiday season:
1. Purchase real pumpkins from a local farm Real pumpkins benefit your home, your local community and the environment, and they can be composted when the season ends.
Avoid plastic decorative pumpkins Many are made of foams such as polystyrene foam (styrofoam) or polyurethane foam. They can release VOCs into your indoor air, especially when new.
2. Get glass ornaments They are more fragile, but the better choice for your home, since glass itself does not release VOCs into your indoor air.
Avoid plastic ornaments These are typically made of acrylic or polystyrene. Plastic decorations add to the synthetic materials in your indoor environment, and some can release VOCs into the air, particularly in warm rooms or close to lights.
3. Select throw pillows made of natural materials Organic cotton and feather down are good non-toxic options, soft and natural against the skin.
Avoid polyester throw pillows Polyester is a plastic-derived fiber, and it is often finished with chemical treatments such as stain-resistant coatings or flame retardants. It also sheds microfibers (microplastics) with everyday use and washing, which settle into household dust.
4. Buy beeswax unscented candles They give off a natural, warm light and burn for a long time. A cotton or wood wick completes the natural choice.
Avoid paraffin scented candles Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax, and synthetic fragrances can contain phthalates. When burned, these candles can release VOCs such as toluene and benzene into your indoor air.
5. Opt for ceramic dishes and reusable cloth napkins They bring a more luxurious touch to your holiday table. Lead-free glazed ceramic and cotton or linen napkins are natural choices that keep paper coatings and adhesives away from your food.
Avoid paper plates and napkins Many are bleached, some adhesives and wet-strength finishes may contain formaldehyde, and some grease-resistant coatings on paper plates have included PFAS. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. These materials come into direct contact with your food and should be avoided.
6. Favor real Christmas trees A real tree is a biophilic choice, bringing nature into your home. A potted living tree can be a good reusable choice, planted in your yard after the holidays.
Avoid artificial Christmas trees Most artificial Christmas trees are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which often contains phthalates as plasticizers, and lead has been used as a stabilizer in some PVC. New PVC trees can release VOCs into your indoor air.
The main takeaway is that the decorations you bring into your home matter. Thoughtful, natural choices improve your home health environment and contribute to a cheerful atmosphere for a joyous holiday season.
Have a happy and healthy Holiday Season and enjoy your Holistic Home!