Pumpkins, Leaves and Eco-Friendly Choices: A Quick Guide for Sustainable Fall Decor
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! I love Fall, and for me it starts on September 1st. I start buying everything pumpkin, enjoy pumpkin spice, and throw on a cozy sweater whenever I can!
Stores have had their fall decor out for at least a month now. In fact, I am now already seeing Christmas decor hitting the shelves, but we are just going to ignore that for now!
Going through the stores, I have seen many different kinds of decor. Various materials, styles, and it all looks amazing! But, it is time for us to be more careful about what we are putting into our homes and to be more concious about the environment. So I am going to give you some quick tips about how to decorate sustainably for the Fall season!
Cover Photo by Svitlana on Unsplash
Bring Nature Inside
There are so many things that can be gathered outside and used in your fall decor. It doesn’t get more sustainable than that! On your next adventure outside, pick up some acorns. chestnuts, fallen leaves, small twigs and pinecones. Here are some examples for how you can use them:
Acorns & Chestnuts
These make great vase and tray fillers. You could fill a clear vase with them, or scatter them on a table runner. They can also be strung together to make a simple, rustic garland, or you can add them to wreaths.
Photo: @jesscomfycozy
Fallen Leaves
In the Fall, the leaves turn to such beautiful colours, and they would look great in your home! Go on a nature walk and collect leaves of different shapes and colours that have already fallen. You can use them to make wreaths, garland and table centerpieces.
Photo by Courtney Smith on Unsplash
Pinecones
There are an abundant amount of pinecones already on the ground, and they are one of the most versatile decor pieces that nature has to offer. You can use them to make garlands and wreaths or display them in a vase or candle holder. They would also look great on their own scattered on a tray or table top.
The best part about pinecones is that you can transition them into your Christmas decor, but we can talk about that more in a couple of months!
Photo: @jesscomfycozy
Twigs & Branches
Twigs and branches can be used to make wreaths and centerpieces. You can wrap them in ribbon to make small decorations, or use eco-friendly paint to make them more colourful.
Pumpkins & Gourds
These are the obvious choice, and can be used indoors and outdoors. Line them up on a mantel or table, or use them to fill a bowl. You can stack them on your porch without carving them.
Photo by Helena Yankovska on Unsplash
You can mix and match these elements to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the season while minimizing your environmental footprint. Just be aware of how you alter them if you do, because at the end of the season you can throw them in your compost bin in their natural form.
Reusable Decorations
Investing in reusable fall decorations is not only sustainable but also cost-effective in the long run. Look for items that can be used year after year and are made from eco-friendly materials.
- Decorations made from wood are both durable and easy to store for the following year. They can also add a bit of a rustic charm and look. Adding wood to your decor also helps to create a more cozy feel.
- Fabric decor made with natural or sustainablely sourced material are another great options. Table cloths, runners, and throw pillows made with higher quality fabric are more likely to last for years to come. Bonus tip, if you buy just the cushionc cover it will be easier to store and you can reuse the same insert from season to season!
- Try to refrain from buying too many plastic decorations. They are less likely to last you a long time, will have a negative impact to the environment when disposed of, and there are so many other great options. Opt for terracotta or ceramic. They will be more durable and will look more aesthetically pleasing!
- Clear vases and canisters are another great option to help store and display some smaller Fall decor pieces. Fill one with cinnamon sticks, or with pinecones and a battery operated candle. Not only are these reusable for years to come, but you can also transition them between seasons and just change out the fillers.
Shop Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is not only budget friendly, but it can also help the enviornment, Choosing vintage or thrifted items for your Fall decorations reduces the demand for new products, therefore lessening the environmental impact. You can find so many unique treasures like cozy throw blankets, rustic candleholders, pumpkins made from all different kinds of masterials. Choosing to thrift items helps to keep them out of the landfill. You can check out local antique and thrift stores, or go online to Marketplace or Poshmark. Shopping secondhand for fall decor not only reduces waste but also adds a touch of nostalgia and character to your home, making your space feel warm, inviting, and sustainable all at once.
Make Your Own
There are so many ideas out there for DIY fall decor using what you already have at home. Choosing to make your own decor allows you to be aware of what kinds of materials you are putting in your home, plus you end up with some one of a kind pieces! Tthese pieces tend to last a long time as long as you are careful with them, making them a much more sustainable option then storebought. You can also upcycle items you find to make them fit your aesthetic you want in your home.
Here are five Fall decor DIYs that will be simple and make it easy to use up materials around your home that could otherwise end up in the landfill:
- Mason Jar Lid Pumpkins
- DIY Twine Pumpkins- The Navage Patch
- Pressed Leaves Fall Wreath- Brendid
- DIY Potpourri- Little Yellow Wheelbarrow
- Sock pumpkins- Bellewood Cottage
In case you didn’t know by now, I am all about creating cozy and sustainable spaces. So I hope you’re as excited as I am to embrace the changing seasons with eco-friendly fall decor. Remember, it’s all about celebrating nature’s beauty and making your home feel warm and inviting while also trying to lessen our negative impact on the environment. From upcycled finds at thrift stores to DIY projects using natural materials, there are endless ways to decorate for Fall sustainably. So, go ahead, sip on that pumpkin spice latte, light some eco-friendly candles, and let’s make this fall cozy, stylish, and environmentally conscious. Happy decorating!
Much love,
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