Why? Because a smart swap can be a big win
YULE FACT
8 million Christmas trees are bought in the UK every year.
Cutting straight to the chase, artificial Christmas trees are worse for the planet, full stop. There’s a common misconception that if we use them year after year, they’re the more eco-friendly option, but no. That’s because they’re made of plastic/PVC, are non-recylable, don’t biodegrade and contaminate the environment. They have a carbon footprint more than twice of a real tree going to landfill and more than ten times that of real trees that are burnt or mulched. Besides, most are made in China, so we’ve got transportation on top!
So real trees are the way to go, then? Yes. And they have the double advantage of sequestering carbon. But…many Christmas tree plantations are the equivalent of tree factory farms. Being a mono-crop they don’t nurture wildlife and ecosystems the way woodlands and forests do and often use pesticides. From an ecological standpoint they just aren’t a sensitive use of land. So we need to know what we’re doing!
Ok, so what’s the scoop?
Rule of thumb Look for FSC or BCTGA certified, both of which will have higher sustainability standards. If you can, buy organic and as local as possible. You can find BCTGA suppliers here. Or visit a forest of sustainable trees and make a day of it here.
The pecking order:
First up: Buy or rent one in a pot. More and more places, like garden centres offer ‘hires’ and will often even deliver and collect the tree to save you the hassle. Rentals have taken off this year though so most have sold out! We’ve spotted potted ones in Waitrose, so this is a trend going mainstream, hurrah. If you’ve bought yours to keep, re-pot it in fresh soil after Christmas, look after it and repeat for the next few years.
Equal (or better): Consider other indoor trees in pots - orange, fig, etc. look great decorated. Or go Nordic cool, with branches in large vases decorated with lights.
Next: Buy a cut real Christmas tree.
If you have a fake tree already, make it last 10 years or more.
Dressings: Tinsel and fake snow are terrible for the planet. They’ve got to go. We love this gorgeous eco-friendly tinsel (handmade to order, so get in quick).
Disposal: Millions of real Christmas trees end up in landfill each year, don’t let that happen. Most councils will collect. Otherwise take it down to your local recycling tip.
And now we’re all ready for Santa.
Have something to ask or share with everyone? Please post it in the box below. And…is there something you’re proud of, big or small (shampoo bar bought, left-overs soup homemade)? Email us, so we can feature you on our Weekly Shout Out. It’s a real boost for everyone!
Will it cost me more money?
Prices (for real and fake trees) vary a lot, it depends on what you normally do (size, variety, etc). Technically a fake tree would be more economical if you make it last for years, but…
We…
Aimee: I much prefer the scent of a real Christmas tree and bought one far too early the other year, to bring some excitement into November, and of course it looked harrowed by Christmas Day - if there was a social services for Christmas trees, it would have been called. So I decided to buy an artificial tree (pre-my climate crisis awakening) and now I feel really sad - it’s not as nice and it’s not good for the planet! I need to make sure it lasts at least another 8 years, if not more. This tree from 1937 is my inspiration.
Sonia: My family are spread over 4 continents (!) and I’ve only ever spent one Christmas in England. So this is new territory for me. I don’t really like Christmas trees though, all those poky, messy pine needles, and ever since reading The Hidden Lives of Trees feel funny about the whole thing. So I’m going to get a holly wreath for the front door, some mistletoe (in case Idris Elba happens to be passing), and I have some lovely copper LED lights that I’ll string around. There’s a couple of territorial robins in the garden, so all in all I think that’s a pretty good bunch of Christmas accessories, don’t you?
“Rockin’ around the potted Christmas tree...”
Photo: Alex