Creating a Toxin-Free Holiday: A Guide to Green and Bright 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 decora-tive 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 advo-cate 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.