How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree
While it may seem counter intuitive to describe the consumption of trees for celebratory purposes as sustainable, buying a real Christmas tree can be the most eco-friendly way to go. Approximately 85% of artificial Christmas trees are produced in China, where manufacturers face few environmental restrictions. These trees may also contain lead and PVC, ingredients that are harmful to the environment and to humans.
Living Christmas trees are a renewable resource typically produced on farms where growers replace what they harvest with new saplings. Tree farms act as carbon sinks, helping capture emissions that would otherwise contribute to global warming. Living Christmas trees are completely biodegradable and can be recycled into mulch for gardening and landscaping.
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Things You'll Need
- A list of local Christmas tree growers or retailers
- Money to pay for your tree
- A vehicle to pick up the tree
Instructions
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Make a list of all of Christmas tree growers and retailers in your area.
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Cutting your own tree from a local organic tree farm is usually the most eco-friendly choice. Call local growers to ask about their methods. If you can't find an organic farm, try to find one that uses Integrated Pest Management to minimize the use of harmful pesticides.
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If cutting a tree is not realistic or there are no tree farms near you, contact retailers near you and ask about the source of their trees. Often, trees are shipped from many miles, consuming fossil fuels. Buying a tree from a local source minimizes the environmental impact of your purchase.
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Consider buying a potted Christmas tree that can be replanted in your back yard after the season is over. Again, look for a local source.
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It takes time and patience, but you can also plant seedlings on your own property. The conservation group American Forests notes that it takes five to sixteen years for a Christmas tree to reach maturity, but if you plant trees over several years, you can supply Christmas for your family for years.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring a large old blank to wrap your Christmas tree to prevent it from scratching your car.
You may have to pay more for an eco-friendly Christmas tree.
Don't wait till the last minute to buy your tree if you want to get a good one.
Be careful not to by a tree that is not too big to fit in your house
