Green and Bright: A Guide to Toxin-Free Holiday Decorations

Unveiling the hidden health risks in holiday decorations and how to choose safer alternatives for a joyful season.
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An overlooked health hazard often lurks amid our festively adorned living rooms: Our beloved holiday decorations.

Let’s unwrap the truth about these festive risks and explore how to celebrate the season safely with toxin-free holiday décor.

Christmas Trees

As the holiday season approaches, the Christmas tree becomes a central focus in many American homes. Nielsen Research notes a significant trend toward artificial trees. About 13 million of these trees, representing more than $1 billion in spending, will find their way into U.S. homes this season. However, this trend raises an important question: Are consumers aware of the risks associated with artificial trees?

A vast majority of these artificial trees are imported from China. Their primary components—metals and plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—conceal a less festive truth.

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The National Christmas Tree Association warns, “The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead.” This issue is of such significance that California’s Proposition 65 mandates warning labels on these imported trees, alerting consumers to the risk of lead poisoning.
Most artificial Christmas trees are also treated with flame retardants, and the National Institutes of Health has identified a concerning link between these chemicals and adverse health effects, particularly in children.

The production of artificial trees also poses environmental challenges. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, these petroleum-based products are frequently disposed of within nine years, contributing to long-term waste in landfills. “That’s a pretty hefty, long-term environmental burden,” the association states.

Real Christmas trees are a more environmentally friendly option. “While they’re growing, real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gasses and emit fresh oxygen,” the National Christmas Tree Association states. These trees are grown on farms like any crop, with about 350 million conifer trees currently growing on U.S. farms.

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“These trees would not exist if not planted by Christmas tree farmers,” the association states, emphasizing the positive environmental role of these farms. Additionally, real Christmas trees can be composted or recycled, unlike their artificial counterparts.

Although Christmas trees pose a low fire risk, with about 160 home fires in the United States starting from tree ignitions annually, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service recommends a homemade “fire-retardant” solution to keep natural trees hydrated and reduce the risk of fire:

Christmas Tree ‘Fire-Retardant’ Solution:

  • 2 gallons of hot water
  • 2 cups of Karo syrup
  • 2 ounces of liquid bleach
  • A couple of pinches of Epsom salts
  • 1/2 cup of borax
  • 1 teaspoon of chelated iron (can be found in garden shops)
Applying this solution to a freshly cut base of the tree and filling the stand’s reservoir with it helps maintain the tree’s freshness and reduces the risk of fire. It’s important to regularly check the water level in the stand, particularly in the initial days and near heat sources.
“A fresh tree will drink several GALLONS of water over the general 10-14 day period they are up in your home,” the agency states.

For those seeking creative alternatives, DIY (do-it-yourself) trees made from sustainable materials offer a unique and eco-friendly holiday centerpiece. These options not only reduce the environmental effects but also bring a personal and imaginative touch to holiday celebrations.

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One such idea is a sustainable stick Christmas tree. Using only foraged sticks or branches, twine, and decorations, you can create a safe and heartwarming alternative.

Building a DIY Twine and Stick Tree

(Tatyana Soares/Shutterstock)
  • Measure the twine to fit the desired tree size.
  • Arrange sticks on the twine to form a tree shape.
  • Start at the top: Wrap twine around the first stick twice and tie a knot. Repeat on the other side.
  • Progressively move down, repeating the wrapping and knotting process for each branch, ensuring they are straight.
  • At the bottom, secure with two tight knots to keep the base stable.
  • Trim off any excess twine.
  • Choose a location in your house to hang the tree.
  • Once hung, adjust the tree to ensure all branches are aligned.
  • Let your creativity lead the way in decorating the tree, using lights, flowers, branches, or any other holiday décor.

String Lights

Apart from Christmas trees, holiday lights, another décor staple, also pose hidden risks. Although they create a festive atmosphere, some of these lights come with warnings regarding health concerns, including risks of cancer and reproductive harm.
A 2008 study by Cornell University found that numerous holiday light sets contain lead levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety limits.
“Whether exposure to lead in Christmas lights affects blood lead levels in humans is unknown, though research increasingly shows that any exposure to lead, especially by children, is hazardous to health in that it is implicated in a wide range of health concerns,” Joseph Laquatra, study author and professor of design and environmental analysis at Cornell College, said in a press release.
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In 2021, New York enacted a law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, mandating warning labels on string lights and other holiday decorations with lead in their electrical cord casings.

Many Christmas lights have lead in their PVC coatings, used to prevent deterioration. Lead is a known toxin with serious health implications, particularly for children and pregnant women. Even minimal exposure can cause neurological impairments and developmental delays.

A Proposition 65 fact sheet also highlights concerns about phthalates in holiday lights. These chemicals, added to PVC coatings to enhance flexibility and durability, add another layer of health risk.

Considering these risks, one might want to find safer alternatives. However, completely nontoxic Christmas lights are currently unavailable. All holiday string lights, including LEDs, contain at least trace amounts of harmful chemicals such as lead, other heavy metals, and phthalates.

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For safer Christmas lights, it’s best to select those certified by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This EU-based organization enforces stricter chemical standards, limiting lead in products. RoHS compliance means lower levels of heavy metals and toxins, making these lights a comparatively safer choice.
“I would recommend that people wear disposable latex gloves when working with the lights or carefully wash their hands afterward,” Mr. Laquatra told The Epoch Times. Opting for “lead-free” labeled lights and ensuring that young children don’t play with or put the lights in their mouths are additional recommended precautions.

Ornaments

With the tree set and lights aglow, attention turns to garlands and ornaments. A 2013 Healthy Stuff Lab study of more than 100 consumer products from nine national retailers found that nearly a quarter, including holiday garlands and ornaments, had lead levels surpassing the 100 ppm safety limit set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for children’s items.

The study also found high concentrations of arsenic in these products. Furthermore, nearly a third exhibited elevated bromine levels, suggesting the use of brominated flame retardants.

The National Capital Poison Center warns of the risks associated with lead paint on imported and very old ornaments. There is a concern that children could ingest paint chips. “Ornaments are not held to the same standards as children’s toys to be free of toxins like lead,” the center’s website reads.
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Given these findings, opting for ornaments and decorations labeled as made from nontoxic materials, or those certified by recognized health and safety organizations, can help reduce the risk of introducing harmful chemicals into homes.

To enhance holiday décor safely, consider using ornaments made from natural materials such as wood, fabric, and clay. DIY decorations with safe, nontoxic materials and paints not only foster a healthier environment but also add a unique, creative touch to the festivities.

Wrapping Paper

The tradition of gift-giving, often involving the wrapping of presents, is a highlight of the holiday season. Yet the vibrant exteriors of many wrapping papers may conceal health and environmental hazards.

Numerous wrapping papers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Released into the air during unwrapping, these VOCs, including formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, can pose health risks. They may lead to immediate symptoms such as headaches and skin irritation, and with prolonged exposure, they might be linked to chronic conditions such as eczema, asthma, and even cancer.

Additionally, most wrapping papers often include lamination, dye, and plastics, making them nonrecyclable. Elements such as glitter contribute to microplastic pollution, endangering marine life and ecosystems. With Americans spending about $6 billion annually on gift wrap, this represents a significant investment in a product meant for short-term use and immediate disposal.
In response to these issues, there’s a growing trend toward more sustainable and health-conscious wrapping options. Alternatives include recycled paper free of harmful dyes and laminations, reusable cloth wraps such as dishcloths or pillowcases, craft paper or old newspapers for a vintage look, and natural decorative materials such as leaves and pinecones for a unique, personal touch. Some families wrap their presents in brightly colored newspaper flyers.

Prioritizing Health in Holiday Traditions

In the context of holiday celebrations, it’s worth considering the balance between commercial interests and health-conscious decisions. Choosing healthier alternatives in holiday décor aligns with growing consumer awareness about the potential health risks associated with certain traditional products—and may compel companies to create safer products.

With increasing awareness about the health effects of certain holiday products, consumers might advocate safer options. This awareness may also inspire a return to more traditional and basic forms of celebration. Such a change would reflect a growing preference for health and safety during the holiday season, potentially leading to a more balanced and health-conscious approach to festivities.

Sheramy Tsai
Sheramy Tsai
Author
Sheramy Tsai, BSN, RN, is a seasoned nurse with a decade-long writing career. An alum of Middlebury College and Johns Hopkins, Tsai combines her writing and nursing expertise to deliver impactful content. Living in Vermont, she balances her professional life with sustainable living and raising three children.
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