Christmas is over and you have a beautiful, real Christmas tree that still has something left to offer the world. I have a potential solution to repurpose your Christmas tree as an outdoor nature tree using Sustainable Ornaments.

 

Rather than tossing out your Christmas Tree, why not give it a second life outside for wildlife? You can set up your tree outside near a window and decorate the tree with edible ornaments. You have entertainment and the wildlife have a place to forage. This can also become another activity with friends and family making the ornaments and decorating the tree.

This post lists 6 sustainable ornaments to decorate your nature tree for the birds.

Sustainable Ornaments

1. Orange Slices

Orange slice ornaments can be bought or made. The ornaments that are bought are dehydrated and can be used inside, but for the outside nature tree, I recommend using fresh or lightly dried so the wildlife will want to eat them. To make the fresh sustainable ornaments, slice the oranges and the yarn needle, thread twine through the slices, and tie the loop. You can also make an orange slice garland by lacing the twine through the orange slices in a line.

2. Apple Slices

Similar to the orange slices, apple slice ornaments can be bought or made. If you buy the slices they are dehydrated and can be used for multiple years. If you are looking to attract wildlife to your tree fresh apple slices work better. Like the oranges, you can make individual ornaments or lace them together in a garland. For added flair, you can put peanut butter on the slices (fresh or dried) and press in some birdseed. The birds, squirrels, and deer will love your sustainable ornament.

3. Other Garlands

A cranberry and popcorn garland is so classic. Above you can buy a premade cranberry popcorn garland. To make this garland, I would recommend a fishing line and a regular sewing needle because the popcorn is delicate and needs a smaller diameter to go through the popcorn but the cranberries are hard to get through without a sharp point. You can make just a popcorn garland, just a cranberry garland, or some combination of the two.  You can make this using any fruit from blueberries to grapes. Just remember to get the fishing line before you dispose of the tree. Just think of all the fun you had creating a sustainable ornament.

4. Bird Seed Ornament

The ultimate sustainable ornament is the birdseed ornament. It is purposely designed for consumption by the birds. The ornaments are out there for sale, but they are a fun activity.

To make the ornament, you need boiling water, gelatin, bird seed, and molds. For a cup of birdseed, you need to mix a quarter cup of boiling water and a gelatin packet. Mix the water and gelatin until the gelatin is dissolved, then add in the birdseed and mix.

Place the mixture in the mold and make sure you leave a hole for the twine to go through. Let the ornaments dry in the molds overnight. Remove them from the molds and I personally let them continue to dry for another day before I hang them.

5. Birdseed Pinecone

 

My last suggestion for a sustainable ornament for your nature tree is a birdseed pinecone. If you do not want to get your hands dirty you can buy them. For the person who wants an activity, you put the ribbon on the pinecone first, then over the pinecone in peanut butter. Last you roll the peanutbutter pinecone in birdseed.

You can put the pinecone out right away or leave it to dry for a bit.

Now that you have your sustainable ornaments, it’s time to decorate your nature tree and watch as wildlife gets their presents.

I hope you are inspired to make and decorate a sustainable ornament nature tree.

Want some more sustainable holiday ideas? Look at 15 Sustainable Gifts for the Average Person