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Can it be Christmas without a Christmas Tree?
Can it be Christmas without a Christmas Tree?
Particularly this year we all feel the need for every bit of seasonal good cheer that we can get and decorating the tree is a tradition it is lovely to share in. But how do we do this while caring for the planet?
Particularly this year we all feel the need for every bit of seasonal good cheer that we can get and decorating the tree is a tradition it is lovely to share in. But how do we do this while caring for the planet?
Although the carbon footprint of a real tree depends on the method of its disposal, it is invariably lower than that of an artificial tree. According to the Carbon Trust, a 2m tall real tree that ends up in a wood chipper or bonfire has a carbon footprint of 3.5kg of carbon dioxide (CO2). If the tree ends up as landfill, the footprint increases significantly to 16kg CO2.
Although the carbon footprint of a real tree depends on the method of its disposal, it is invariably lower than that of an artificial tree. According to the Carbon Trust, a 2m tall real tree that ends up in a wood chipper or bonfire has a carbon footprint of 3.5kg of carbon dioxide (CO2). If the tree ends up as landfill, the footprint increases significantly to 16kg CO2.
Both of these figures pale in comparison to the carbon footprint of a 2m-tall artificial tree, which is estimated to be 40kg of CO2. This means you would have to reuse your artificial tree for 12 years to make it greener than a real tree that was burned. If you want to be environmentally friendly this Christmas, your best option would be to buy a potted tree which can be replanted and re-used year after year.
Both of these figures pale in comparison to the carbon footprint of a 2m-tall artificial tree, which is estimated to be 40kg of CO2. This means you would have to reuse your artificial tree for 12 years to make it greener than a real tree that was burned. If you want to be environmentally friendly this Christmas, your best option would be to buy a potted tree which can be replanted and re-used year after year.
Amy has done just that:
Amy has done just that:
I bought my little cypress family tree about 4-5 years ago, before that I had another really cute one, even smaller, but I tried putting that one in the garden and it didn’t favour the change of residence. This one I keep in its pot, though I have upsized its pot 2 years ago and it seems very happy.
I bought my little cypress family tree about 4-5 years ago, before that I had another really cute one, even smaller, but I tried putting that one in the garden and it didn’t favour the change of residence. This one I keep in its pot, though I have upsized its pot 2 years ago and it seems very happy.
This year I've popped on some nature treasures decorations, chinese lantern flowers, alder seed cones, beech nut cases, copper carved leaves from upcycled copper sheeting, an origami star made by my daughter, a natural grass star bought from Aldi and a homemade felted fairy. I'm going to get my small set of lights out soon too.
This year I've popped on some nature treasures decorations, chinese lantern flowers, alder seed cones, beech nut cases, copper carved leaves from upcycled copper sheeting, an origami star made by my daughter, a natural grass star bought from Aldi and a homemade felted fairy. I'm going to get my small set of lights out soon too.
Having the same Christmas tree each year allows you to build up a relationship with it, get to know it. Each year when I bring it in I have to rehome some wildlife on it, this year there were 4 tiny snails that needed relocating on an outdoor conifer, but there is still a spider living in there somewhere! I water it regularly of course especially when it first moves in and place a tray underneath it to protect surfaces.
Having the same Christmas tree each year allows you to build up a relationship with it, get to know it. Each year when I bring it in I have to rehome some wildlife on it, this year there were 4 tiny snails that needed relocating on an outdoor conifer, but there is still a spider living in there somewhere! I water it regularly of course especially when it first moves in and place a tray underneath it to protect surfaces.
If you haven't got space to keep a tree outside from year to year and you can't resist having a tree its still not worth being tempted by an artificial one.
If you haven't got space to keep a tree outside from year to year and you can't resist having a tree its still not worth being tempted by an artificial one.
Natural Christmas trees are a sustainable resource. They’re a slow to grow crop often cultivated on land that isn’t good enough for anything else.
Natural Christmas trees are a sustainable resource. They’re a slow to grow crop often cultivated on land that isn’t good enough for anything else.
It takes seven years to grow a two metre Christmas tree during that time it’s acting as a carbon sink, trapping CO2 and using ten times less resources than artificial tree factories.
It takes seven years to grow a two metre Christmas tree during that time it’s acting as a carbon sink, trapping CO2 and using ten times less resources than artificial tree factories.
Usually more seedlings are planted than trees cut down each year. You’re also supporting local businesses if you buy local, and then the transport mileage is much less.
Usually more seedlings are planted than trees cut down each year. You’re also supporting local businesses if you buy local, and then the transport mileage is much less.
Alternatively you might chose some thing else that you can make and decorate and keep from year to year.
Alternatively you might chose some thing else that you can make and decorate and keep from year to year.
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