5 OF THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS TREE IDEAS
Last Updated on 23rd November 2022 by Bejal
We are fast approaching the festive season and the important decision of Christmas Tree selection is always a prime agenda item! Most of us love the idea of a big fluffy tree co-ordinating our interiors adorned with curios that bring back childhood nostalgia, however have you considered the sustainability aspect of trees and how you can take a eco-friendlier approach this year? How about opting for an eco-friendly Christmas tree?
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Although I’m not surprised, when seeing the hard facts below, it really is the factual evidence we need to try and at least change our practice or observe more responsibility during the season of good will.
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Christmas Tree Facts
Source: The Carbon Trust.
- 8 million Christmas trees enter landfill each. new year
- Traditional Christmas trees are made from a combination of plastic-based materials and therefore cannot be recycled
- According to the carbon Trust, an artifical Christmas tree needs to be used for at ;east 10 Christmases to reduce it’s environmental impact and keep it in line with a real tree.
- two thirds of a typical artificial Christmas tree’s carbon footprint is from plastic (mostly PVC film) that it is made from, which is produced from carbon intensive oil.
- A quarter of a typical artifical Christmas tree’s carbon footprint is from emisssions produced when the tree is manufactured.
I’ve lined up a few environmentally friendly options for you below to consider as after all, you can buy real tress, artificial trees, rent trees and even have alternative trees to be the envy of your neighbours!
5 Of The Best Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree Ideas
#No.1. Buy A Real Christmas Tree
A real Christmas tree is totally recyclable, 100% in fact and following the festivities can be mulched and the products used for gardening or woodchips. Christmas trees are normally grown as crops and not in wild forests so wildlife will not be displaced. Therefore, they are harvested, and more can be planted. If you do wish to buy a tree ensure you source one locally and support small farmers and communities where you live.
Be-lavie Tip: When buying a real tree, look out for a locally sourced and sustainably grown option, for example from a local farmer.
#No.2. Rent A Christmas Tree
Did you know, you can rent a Christmas Tree just for the season of good will? A rented Christmas Tree is of course living and absorbs carbon dioxide and emits oxygen (opposite to what we do) and therefore perfect for the surrounding air.
These trees are generally grown through the year and are potted. This enables them to have a root-ball so that they can be replanted again for the following year. You can decorate the tree as normal and then remove the decorations and have the tree collected.
Be-lavie Tip: Online Christmas Tree Rentals Love A Christmas Tree London Christmas Tree Rental
#No.3 A Sustainable Grown & Cut Christmas Tree
No not my personal choice but should you wish to buy a real Christmas tree that has been grown and then cut at the trunk then go as local as possible. For example, at least get one in the country you’re based (home grown). The suggestions below refer to UK based companies. For example, if you get a cut tree from the UK, then you’re not adding on the air miles that a tree would incur to arrive here thus helping to reduce the carbon footprint in travel and packaging a little.
Look for a farm where you can cut your own and cut on demand to reduce wastage. A cut tree will last approximately four weeks and you can keep it in water outside for as long as possible.
Be-lavie Tip: Source A Cut Tree Ethically Glasfryn Fencing Windsor Great Park
These are two FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests, which are managed responsibly.
Be-lavie Tip: Search for Christmas trees for sustainably grown Christmas Trees in your area Forestry England.
No.4. Pot Grown Living Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees
A pot grown Christmas tree is an option that I personally love as it has all of its roots intact and following the Christmas period, you can replant it in the garden or even re-pot it. These trees can last indoors for around two weeks.
Be-lavie Tip: Pot Grown Christmas Trees Pines and Needles Blooming Direct
Additionally, if you fancy buying a gift of a Christmas Tree, look no further than the Letterbox/Twinkle Christmas Tree by. Bloom & Wild
One that I personally adore and have received as a gift myself. These mini trees have a 12cm pop up pot, with soil and come packed in recyclable and compostable packaging. The glass baubles can be reused and the tree planted outside for use year after year. Oh and it all fits into your letterbox!
#No.5 Alternative Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees
Did you know you can search for artificial trees on second-hand sites such as Freecycle and even charity shops so you can give a new lease of life to a pre-used tree?
Be-lavie Tip: For more of a modern eco-friendly Christmas tree twist, you could consider a tree made out of recyclable or degradable materials such as wood but ensure you check the FSC label to ensure you’re purchasing from a responsible source.
Eco-Friendly Christmas Decoration Ideas
If you’re looking for Eco-friendly Christmas tree and general Christmas gift ideas head to &keep for everything from crackers, to tree decorations, cards, wrapping paper and lots more.
A real pine of fir tree naturally absorbs C)2 and releases oxygen. The best thing you can do at Christmas is keep a tree alive and breathing. Disposing of a tree by composting produces C02 and methane. An artificial tree has a higher carbon footprint that a natural one because of the energy-intensive processes involved in its production.By far the best option is a potted tree which, with care can be replanted after teh festive season and re-sed year after year.
Darren Messem, Managing director of certification at the carbon trust
Related Posts
- Christmas Traditions we follow but don’t know why
- The best eco-friendly gifts to give this Christmas
À bientôt
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Scarlett Roitman
I got my tree from Bloom and Wild this year, grown in the UK but shame on me, it’s a cut one. As I don’t have a garden, I can’t re-plant a potted one. I will like the idea of renting a tree and had no idea that was a possibility. A great round-up for an eco Christmas, thanks Bejal!
Bejal
Scarlett RoitmanAt least it was one from the UK though, step in the right direction. I don’t have a garden either wise I’d do the same as you.I am with you on the idea of renting one and I’m going to look into that option in my area. You are very welcome Scarlett, glad you enjoyed it. B x
Neha
Great eco tips here and who would have known the shocking facts! I love the cork baubles. We got some from the Etsy show a while back. Lovely ideas and I have seen some creative ones for sure this year
Bejal
NehaThanks Neha! I agree, I do love the alternative Christmas tree ideas as they’re so thoughtful in so many ways and also quite unique.
Louise
These are really great ideas and super important!
This year I bought an artificial one (really good quality though) and I intend to use it for many many years ❤️
Bejal
LouiseThankyou Louise. Oh that’s fantastic to hear and you’ll have a tree which captures many memories over the years for your family too.
Scott McGlashan
Oooo I love the alternative Xmas tree idea that’s very good. Such an informative post as it’s so important to be eco friendly.
Bejal
Scott McGlashanMe too Scott! I love the driftwood idea a lot. Thanks for dropping by and definitely, after this year everyone should be doing their little bit for the planet.
Rubina
Thanks so much for sharing this, it will make me rethink when it comes to Christmas trees and gift options, love the eco friendly ideas ????I have an artificial tree but on the plus size I’ve had it for 3 years as we love it and have managed to keep in good shape xx
Bejal
RubinaYou’re welcome Rubina! I’m so glad you found it useful and that is a brilliant idea. I agree they do last a while if you look after them and put them away. If it can last for 10 years or more thats excellent
Camilla
What a great post so important! I can’t buy a real tree and I left our Christmas tree in London by mistake and was so annoyed I had to purchase a new one. But I will not buy a new one again next year. I keep them for many years. I never disposed of one yet the oldest I think is about 13 years. The best real ones here are KRAV labelled grown for a min 7 years and no pesticides.
Bejal
CamillaThankyou Camilla and I’m glad you found it useful.Oh no thats a real shame but at least you can use it year after year now you do have a couple. OH I have never heard of the KRAV trees but I’ll check them out as I like the ethics. Thanks for the tip.
Annmarie
You are my Christmas queen!! ❤️❤️❤️
Bejal
AnnmarieAww thankyou Annmarie! You’re too kind and hope you enjoyed the post! B xx
Krupali
Such fantastic ideas, you’re so creative Bejal! I love how good the cork decor looks, and it’s amazing how stylish all of the eco friendly options actually look!
Bejal
KrupaliThanks Krupali and yes I do too, I may have to buy some of those this year.I agree I love that eco-friendly things are also incorporating great aesthetics into products!