Choosing More Sustainable Christmas Trees
The way we celebrate Christmas shapes our homes, daily life, and the planet. Traditional Christmas trees often leave a hefty carbon footprint, from harvesting real pines to disposing of plastic trees that won’t break down for centuries. Also read about zero waste Christmas decorations.
Keep pets away from Christmas trees due to pine needles, tinsel & decorations. Secure the tree well to stop it tipping over. Use non-toxic ornaments and don’t leave food-based decorations within reach.
Holly and mistletoe are also unsafe near animal friends. Read more on keeping pets safe at Christmas.
Real Christmas Trees from Local Farms
Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be composted if you plan ahead. Sourcing from a local tree farm cuts down transport emissions and supports nearby growers.
Many farms plant a new tree for each one cut. After the holidays, check if your council collects trees for chipping into mulch. Avoid trees sprayed with heavy chemicals, which can harm pets and soil.
Rent a Christmas Tree
Renting a Christmas tree allows you to enjoy the beauty and scent of a real tree without commitment. One manager of a Christmas tree rental company says that he has up to 300 families renting the same trees each year – one family has even named their tree Colin (?)
It’s important to water daily and use the right stand and keep it away from heat sources like fire, radiators and direct sunlight. Also keep an eye out for shedding needles, you may need to water more or change position.
Renting a live potted tree keeps roots intact, so the tree can go back to grow another year. Local businesses deliver and collect potted Christmas trees in December. You get a living, healthy tree, then return it to the nursery for replanting.
Eco-Friendly Artificial Christmas Trees
Most artificial trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and metals. The production process for these materials creates significant carbon emissions. Plus, once they’re past their prime, these trees often end up in landfills where they don’t biodegrade.
This raises questions about their long-term environmental impact, despite individual longevity. Oncor Christmas trees are made with recycled PVC. Designed to last 30 years, they include a metal stand, and are sent in recycled boxes.
Try Cardboard Christmas Trees
Cardboard Christmas is a delightful company that makes Christmas trees out of recycled cardboard. Forget the hassle of spruce needles, you now can enjoy biodegradable beauty year after year and reduced carbon footprint, with no plastic waste.
These are easy to assemble and dismantle, with minimal energy to make. Keep away from open flames, candles and tree lights.
The trees mostly contain just 6 pieces to slot together. On twelfth night, just disassemble and store flat under the bed. Some are Scandinavian-inspired (Estonia is next door to Sweden) and offered in dark green colours.
Christmas Trees (from reclaimed wood)
Welcome the Woodshop (US creates eco-friendly Christmas trees, a one-time purchase made from reclaimed chestnut wood, from dismantled barns.
Go Without a Christmas Tree
Sometimes, the greenest choice is none at all. This minimal approach fits smaller spaces, pet-friendly homes, and families looking to save money. You spend more time together and less on buying or discarding another tree.
