Crap-free Christmas – Christmas trees
"Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, what is the greenest ver-er-sion"** Sing to the tune of "Oh Christmas tree...!
There's way bigger things in life (and at Christmas) to stress over, but if you've found yourself wondering what the 'greenest' version of a Christmas tree is, here's some info!
Artificial Trees
The biggest impact from artificial trees comes from their production - they're made from metal and plastic, usually in a factory far away, so have significantly more 'embedded carbon' than a real tree.At the end of their life, they will simply sit in landfill for decades to come.
HOWEVER they can be used for decades!
**It's estimated that you need to use an artificial tree for at least 10 years before it has a lower environmental impact than a natural tree.**
Real trees
Real trees obviously absorb CO2 as they're growing, so their 'embedded carbon' footprint is much lower than an artificial tree. However there can be emissions associated with transporting it, so finding a local grower is a good idea.
The biggest impact from real trees, comes from their disposal - the worst case scenario being landfill where they will rot and release methane (a potent greenhouse gas).
The 'gold standard' is to get a tree with a root ball that you can plant out and then re-use each year, however not everyone has the space (or the green fingers!) for this.
RENTAL TREES
Depending on where you live, you might be able to rent a real Christmas tree!
You can go and pick your tree, it arrives, in a pot with it's root intact. You decorate it and look after it over Christmas. Then the company come and collect it, plant it out again, ready to do the whole thing again next year!
Upcycled trees
Something as simple as a ‘festive branch’ can work really well and look amazing. For less traditional ideas, Pinterest is your friend, and you will find all kinds of creative ideas.
The 'pros' for upcycled trees are:
- Re-using something that might otherwise end up as waste
- Unleashes' your creativity!
- Can be used again and again
But there is a major caveat in that they may cause tears if Pinterest aspirations not met...!
Here are some that we’ve tried over the years...
What are you doing for your Christmas tree?
And which is your favourite of our upcycled trees?!
Do let me know!
INTRODUCING THE CRAP-FREE CHRISTMAS COURSE!
Join me and a merry band of similarly challenged Crap-free Christmas wannabees as we dive into into the nitty gritty, the practicalities and the emotional minefields of a festive season with less crap and more joy!
