It’s time to get into the holiday spirit! Across the US, PT clinics are spreading some holiday cheer by decorating their physical therapy offices. When decorating your clinic, it’s easy to get mesmerized by the thought of beautiful, shiny and bright decorations. But don’t let the lights trap you. The holidays are one of the most wasteful times of the year. This year, it’s all about keeping the holiday cheer GREEN.
To help in your eco-friendly Holiday quest, we’ve put together this quick list of some of our favorite GREEN PT Clinic decorating tips!
Reuse Your Previous Year’s Decorations
There’s no reason why you need to buy new decorations every year. It’s okay to add 1 or 2 new pieces to replace broken or lost decorations, of course, but you don’t need to buy a new set of decorations every time the holiday season comes around.
To aid in this effort, be sure that when you purchase decorations you do so with the intent to reuse those decorations for years to come. Opt for timeless style and quality materials in order to ensure your decorations last.
Use a Living Plant
Forget artificial trees that are made with harsh chemicals and are near-impossible to recycle. Living plants that are in-season offer a healthier and GREEN(er) alternative to fake trees. Amaryllis, Poinsettia, Mistletoe, and even small outdoor Christmas trees are a fantastic alternative to the more traditionally wasteful route.
You can find these seasonal plants at stores like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and even your local grocery store or nursery. Keep in mind that festive foliage doesn’t have to be regulated to your clinic reception area. Some of these plant options, like the living Christmas tree, can be planted outside your clinic.
Throwing a Clinic Party? Make a List, Check it Twice
Party supplies like cups, plates, napkins, and utensils are all likely to end up in the trash after a holiday party — used or not. When you’re purchasing your party supplies, make sure to double-check your expected attendance numbers to help ensure you buy the “right” number. Be sure to opt for recyclable supplies over non-recyclable plastic versions.
Or, you can take an even more eco-friendly approach and opt to use reusable plates and saucers. A more expensive option, but once purchased your clinic can reuse the dishware for years to come.
Keep it Local
Choosing to go GREEN this holiday season isn’t just about buying eco-friendly office decorations. It’s about making eco-friendly choices for all aspects of your holiday celebrations. Utilize local caterers and shops to purchase your food, beverages, and employee gifts. Shopping local reduces travel and shipping pollution and has the added bonus of bolstering your local economy.
A Gift from Us to You
Going green isn’t a seasonal thing, it’s a lifestyle. Every year, our reusable EcoPro Pillow Covers help clinicians save thousands of gallons of water and reduce their carbon footstep in the process. Learn more about our PVC free, antimicrobial vinyl pillow covers here.
Want even more great eco-friendly holiday tips? Check out our blog post here.