The holiday season is full of cheerful decorations , twinkling lights, wreaths, boughs of greenery. But what if you could celebrate with style and show some love for the planet (and your local ecosystem)? Here’s a fun, thoughtful guide to decorating for the holidays in a way that’s sustainable — and ensures you’re not accidentally helping invasive species spread.
Why it Matters: Invasive-Free = Earth-Friendly
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) reminds us that many traditional holiday greens like English ivy or English holly are invasive. Even if they look festive, when used in wreaths, garlands or centerpieces they can escape cultivation, take hold in natural areas and harm native ecosystems.
Beyond plants themselves, holiday wreaths and trees can hide invasive insects or egg masses. These hitchhikers including pests like Spongy moth or Spotted lanternfly pose risks when moved from place to place.
Choosing locally sourced, native, non-invasive plants helps protect biodiversity, supports native wildlife, and stops the silent spread of harmful species. That’s why CKISS encourages using native alternatives.
So decorating responsibly isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a small act of care for our forests, wildlife, and future holiday seasons.
Eco-Friendly & Invasive-Free Decorating Ideas
Here are some creative, festive — and ecologically sound — ways to deck your halls this season:
Use native greenery. Instead of holly or ivy, go for native plants like Oregon grape, Red elderberry or Kinnikinnick mixed with cedar boughs for wreaths, garlands or table centerpieces. CKISS highlights these as beautiful, natural alternatives that don’t harm local ecosystems.
- Remember to harvest responsibly by ensuring you’re not spreading invasive plants or disturbing native ecosystems. Always follow best practices for safe, ethical collection. To learn more, visit our responsible harvesting guide
Keep it local. Buy your tree or greens from nearby farms or nurseries rather than from distant retailers. The fewer miles your greenery travels, the lower the risk of transporting pests or invasive seeds.
Inspect carefully. Whether it’s a tree, wreath, or garland, check for egg masses, pests, unusual bumps or “fuzzy patches.” If you see any, dispose of carefully, not in compost or natural areas. Here is a link to how to dispose of invasive species responsibly.
DIY with care. Craft your own décor using natural items like pinecones, branches, berries (from native plants), dried seed heads, even birch bark or dried grasses. These give a rustic, cozy, natural vibe — and are seasonal, renewable, and usually safe for local ecosystems.
Recycle or repurpose when the holidays are over. Instead of tossing out your tree or wreaths, consider composting (if locally allowed), chipping them into mulch, or using branches as garden mulch or bird habitat. This extends their life and keeps them from becoming waste.
Sustainable Holiday Spirit — More Than Just Decorations
Decorating with care and thought makes the holidays more meaningful. Here are a few bonus ideas to keep the spirit going:
Prefer reusable decorations, cloth ribbons, fabric ornaments, or wooden ornaments over single-use plastic or tinsel that ends up in landfill.
Use natural scents and homey touches: dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, evergreen clippings, unscented beeswax candles. Natural scents bring holiday warmth without harmful chemicals or waste.
Encourage friends and family to join you: share holiday decor that’s native, local, and insect-free holiday traditions can also be acts of stewardship.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Beautifully and Responsibly
Holidays are about joy, warmth, and connection — and with a little thought, we can celebrate in a way that honours nature too. By choosing native plants, skipping the invasive ones, inspecting for pests, reusing and recycling, and putting a little creative love into your décor, you can build traditions that feel festive and responsible.
After all nothing says “holiday magic” like knowing your lights and wreaths helped protect forests, wildlife, and future seasons.
Happy decorating and happy holidays!