With Autumn upon us, social media has been overflowing with leaves, scarecrows, you name it. No matter what app you use, what your feed looks like, it’s inevitable that you stumble across a picture perfect fall post.This phenomenon has created a completely unrealistic standard for seasonal decor, normalizing putting up the latest expensive extravagant decorations year after year.

All of these aesthetically pleasing posts entice us to buy new decorations that may look nice for the time being, but will inevitably be forgotten about and discarded as junk just to be replaced the following year.

According to Seaside Sustainability (2023), “Costumes and festive decor contribute huge amounts of plastic pollution to our oceans […] Many of the decorations people purchase are also made from plastic including fake spiders and jack-o-lanterns among a long list of other items. A study last year predicted that costumes alone would constitute as much as 2000 tons of plastic waste.”

Social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok have provided the most ideal marketing for specific products by linking the item within the post itself. Seeing the most appealing version of the product presented to you on your screen is undeniably alluring. However, with the amount of waste piling up, begs the question of whether having a decorative holiday is worth the pollution.

Moreover, straying away from buying decor doesn’t mean you have to discourage the spirit of fall. To minimize seasonal waste, here’s an example of fall themed decor you can make yourself!

Spooky Paper Garlands

Tools
-Any paper
-stencil
-Something to color it with (optional)
-Modpodge (optional)
-Scissors
-Hole puncher
-String

Step 1. Cut out desired shape (recommend at least 6)
Step 2. Decorate cut out
Step 3. Hole punt the top
Step 4. Use string to connect all cut outs
Step 5. Hang on a wall using tape
→ not only is the paper environmentally friendly and biodegradable, but it’s an affordable activity you can do with your friends!