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Dear Student or Graduate... 📣
Welcome back to our weekly Friday Founder Faves. 💚
The holidays are almost here, and we're all dreaming of that cozy, festive magic... without bringing extra chemicals or microplastics into our homes.
This week, we're sharing ways to celebrate holistically, from your Christmas tree to your decor, scents, and even treats! ✨
We have a lot more to say about the tradition of Christmas tree cutting and the sustainability considerations around it, and we plan to share a dedicated newsletter on this topic soon, so keep an eye out.
Did you know the average age of a cut Christmas tree is just 7–9 years? It’s heartbreaking to think about the loss of a young tree, along with the bird and insect habitat it supports, all for just a few weeks of decoration. This is why I always encourage purchasing a live tree when possible and replanting it after the season. |
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| 🎄 Choosing Your Tree
Whether you love a fresh-cut pine or the convenience of an artificial tree, here's the low-down:
Real Trees:
- Natural, beautiful, and biodegradable (compost heaven!)
- When possible, buy a living tree so that you can plant it — this can become a wonderful family tradition.
- Can carry pesticides, allergens, or mold — so choose no-spray farms or brave the wilderness for an extra fresh one. 🌲
- Rinse before bringing inside, let it air out, and use good ventilation. Yay for the AirDoctor!
Artificial Trees:
- Convenient, reusable, and tidy.
- Look for PE or PP, rather than PVC, to reduce chemical exposure.
- Top low-tox options = Quince, Balsam Hill, Ikea.
- Unbox early to let air out. 📦
- More alternatives = wooden, cardboard, & pallet trees.
✨ Don't forget the lights — lead safe! |
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| 🌿 Make Your Home Smell Festive
Forget the chemical-loaded candles and sprays — your home can smell even better with simple, natural swaps:
Simmer Pots:
Toss cinnamon sticks, orange peels, cranberries, star anise, and whole cloves into a pot of water and let it gently simmer. Add a sprig of rosemary or pine on Christmas morning! 🌱
Essential Oils:
Diffuse seasonal blends like fir needles, spruce, pine, cinnamon, clove, sweet orange, peppermint, vanilla, or gingerbread.
🍊 My fave blend = 3 drops fir needle + 2 drops orange + 1 drop cinnamon.
Beeswax Candles:
Clean burning, naturally sweet-smelling, and warm. They purify the air as they burn and give your home a pretty holiday glow. 🕯️
Arctic Wicks Beeswax Candles — the most delicious scents! |
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| ✂️ Decorations That Feel Good
Stockings:
- Wool, cotton, or linen blends. They're soft, breathable, and long lasting. No synthetics that trap dust and chemicals.
West Elm Stockings — the most stunning hand-felted wool. On sale!
Wreaths & Greenery:
- Fresh eucalyptus or pine wreaths are not only gorgeous but also release natural, calming aromas. Trader Joe's has a great wreath-making selection! 🍃
- Try simple arrangements with holly, pinecones, or dried orange slices to add texture and color, with a pretty linen ribbon 🎀
Sweet Touch:
- Swap brightly colored, chemically dyed candy canes for organic, dye-free options. Hang them on the tree for a festive touch the kids will love!
Candy Cane Teeccino — for the moms 😉 |
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| 🍵 Dessert Anyone?
Matcha Tiramisu — If coconut isn't your thing, try whipping some raw cream from your local farmstand (or any grass-fed, organic heavy cream will do). It's delightful!
That's the sweet finish!
✨ This week, focus on natural textures, seasonal scents, and edible decorations. By next week, you'll have a foundation ready for hands-on DIY ornament making and other fun DIY decor. So, get ready!
Your holidays can be magical, safe, and sustainable. Wishing you a warm, joyous, and healthy season!
...It's the most wonderful time of the year. 🎅 |
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| 🎧 Stay Tuned...
Next week, we’ll cover all natural, DIY decor!
💚 What did you think about this week's edition of Friday Founder Faves? Do let us know! We’d love to hear from you and feature your faves.
Just hit reply and let us know what they are and we might just share it with the community. See you next Friday...
Tap here to view our archives and read past issues of Friday Faves. |
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