Sustainable Christmas tree decorations

You made every effort to choose the most sustainable Christmas tree you could find, but you don't have to stop there. There's still plenty you can do once you get your tree home.  

It's worth it to upgrade to LED holiday lights if you can. They're about 90 percent more efficient than classic lights so you'll save money on your electric bill. Plus, they're difficult to break, last a long time, and they're less likely to cause fires since they don't get as hot as conventional bulbs.  

When it comes to decorating, you can make environment-friendly choices without sacrificing style or fun. Just follow these simple tips.   

• Stay away from tinsel and disposable ornaments to cut down on waste.
• Make your own decorations (think popcorn garlands and gingerbread cookie ornaments). Plenty Magazine and Martha Stewart have many creative ideas. Your best bet is to choose projects that allow you to use items you already own so you don't have to buy anything.
• When shopping for ornaments, buy the best quality that you afford, take good care of them, and pass them down to your kids.
• There are also several ornaments that make sustainability claims. Look for those that are made from reused, recycled, or reclaimed materials, or are Fair Trade Certified. Some more options worth checking out: Tin Can Angels, Everest Ornament, and Circuitboard Tree Ornament. WorldofGoods.com by eBay has hundreds to choose from.  
• Buy vintage or, better yet, ask your grandmother to pass along ornaments she's no longer using.

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping.