It turns out Christmas trees are awful for the environment (and artificial ones aren't any better)
In my family, decorating the tree is always an important ritual in the run up to Christmas. We drink mulled wine and play carols in the background while we carefully unpack our collection of ornaments, some of which have been passed down for generations. For me, it marks the first point in the holiday that we all come together and for many it is undoubtedly a special moment. However, while a tree creates that warming Christmas feeling, it’s about time we considered the damaging cost the tradition has on the environment.
Did you know that one real tree that ends up as landfill produces 16kg of Co2? A huge carbon footprint for a decorative tree that we only appreciate for an average of ten days. But don’t panic - we’ve found a number of alternatives that allow you to carry on your Christmas tree traditions and do your bit for the planet.
It might be easy to think that artificial trees are the way forward, but according to experts, the classic artificial trees might in fact be worse for the environment than real trees. The carbon trust estimate that a typical two metre artificial tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg of CO2 - nearly double of what is produced by using a real tree. Most classic artificial trees are made from PVC film, a plastic that is produced using fossil fuels and involves a process that emits very high levels of greenhouse gases. Seemingly then, the typical artificial trees you might find around this time of year don’t provide the perfect green alternative after all.
So what now? If you still desperately want a tree but don't want to kill the planet, the key is to reconsider where you source your tree from and how you dispose of it. Most artificial trees are made in China which creates huge transportation and importation emissions.
If you decide a real tree is right for you, there are certain things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. First, make sure it’s locally cut - the nearer the better as it will mean fewer miles in transit. Then there’s disposing of your tree, which can be done in a more sustainable way.
You could also consider the fairly new concept of “potted” trees. These slightly smaller Christmas trees come in pots that can be re-planted, nurtured throughout the year and then bought inside again for next Christmas. The UK’s largest garden retailer, Wyevale Garden Centres, is reportedly expected to sell a record 20,000 pot-grown Nordmann fir trees this year. Alternatively, if the idea of looking after a tree all year round doesn’t appeal, or if you don't have a garden space, there are plenty of local “growing areas” in most communities that would happily take the tree off your hands.
It goes without saying, neither artificial or real cut trees offer the most sustainable route, both having some negative impact on the environment. If you really want to feel guilt free this Christmas there are so many amazing and cost effective decorative trees that might just persuade you to opt for something a little bit different. We've compiled a full collection of our favourites; all available to buy now.
