Dreaming of an Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree?

It’s here. 🎄🎄 Christmas Season, otherwise known as November 1st through like sometime in May every year in our house. When it comes to the winter holidays, one of the most beloved traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. But is cutting down a healthy tree really the best thing we can do for our beautiful planet? I mean, trees help the environment by providing home and shelter for native animals, as well as cleaning the air we breathe.  I wanted to celebrate the holidays with a more sustainable evergreen. One way to do this is by choosing an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

There are several routes you can take to create a sustainable holiday, starting with your tree choice. One popular choice is a Christmas tree that’s alive and can be replanted after the holidays. These trees are grown in pots and can be reused every year, reducing the need for new trees to be cut down. Another option is a rented Christmas tree. Rented trees can be delivered to your home and then collected and replanted after the holidays.

For those who prefer artificial trees, there are now eco-friendly options available made from recycled and non-toxic materials. These trees can be used for many years, reducing the need to purchase a new tree each year. Overall, choosing a sustainable option for your tree is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while being mindful of your impact on the environment and making it feel like Christmas (as early as you want!).

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

I went on the hunt for the most perfect Christmas tree three years ago, probably sometime in May-2020. Our 2019 Christmas tree was being slowly robbed of it ornaments and stored away. My little baby artificial tree was about 5 feet tall, had cost 18 year old me about $40 USD, and was looking rough for an eleven year old tree. Of course, we hid the missing “needles” and broken branches with more garland and decorations, but it was time to start looking for our Forever Tree.

Environmental Impact

Considering the environmental impact of your Christmas trees this year can boost your holiday spirit, benefit the environment, and help support local tree farms across the U.S. while promoting healthy forests. 

On the other hand, fake Christmas trees are often made from non-biodegradable materials like PVC plastic, which can be harmful to the environment. If you’re already using an artificial tree, it’s better to reuse it for as many years as possible rather than throwing it away and buying a new one each year.

Christmas Trees that are Better for the Environment

When it comes to choosing a Christmas tree that’s eco-friendly, there are a few really good options to choose from. If you’re like me and don’t want to kill a whole spruce tree to fill your home with the holiday spirit, these ideas are for you:

Plant your Christmas Tree

Living Christmas trees are a great eco-friendly option because they can be replanted after the holiday season. These trees are typically potted and can be used year after year. They are also a great way to bring some greenery into your home during the winter months. When choosing a living Christmas tree, make sure to choose a species that is native to your area, can survive in your climate, and you have the time to care for it as a living plant in your home. 

We did try this a couple years ago with a baby Rosemary Christmas tree. We were wanting to plant the herb after Christmas and use it in all of our cooking for the rest of the year. For the life of the rosemary tree, we couldn’t keep it alive–and we tried so freaking hard. One of these years, we are hoping to add a native living outdoor Christmas tree to our property. If you drive by our home in a couple years and see the cutest naturally decorated tree, it’s probably us. 

Rent a Tree this Christmas

Renting a Christmas tree is an option that my area does not have, but is a great way to reduce waste and support local businesses. Many companies offer rental Christmas trees that are potted and can be returned after the holiday season. These trees are typically delivered to your home and picked up after the holidays. Rental Christmas trees are perfect for those who want a real tree, but don’t have the ability or yard space to plant their tree after the holidays. Plus, it’s good for the environment because the rented tree doesn’t contribute to deforestation.

Artificial Christmas Trees made with Recycled Material

Recycled material trees are a great option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. These trees are made from materials such as cardboard, paper, and plastic. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be decorated just like a traditional tree. A recycled Christmas tree is also lightweight and easy to store.

We bought an absolutely gorgeous 7 foot tall artificial Christmas tree several years ago from OncorTrees. Our tree is made from 100% recycled PVC plastic. By using this plastic, Oncor reduces the environmental impact of their Christmas trees and at the same time continues the upcycle process of a commonly-disposed of material that normally ends up in landfills. Recycled PVC plastic not only requires the least of amount of energy to produce among the most common plastics, but it also requires only approximately half of the energy needed to produce virgin PVC.

“I really love your tree! Are you sure it’s recycled?”

Grandma

How to Choose a Sustainable Christmas Tree

When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly Christmas tree, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Consider a Real Tree

While artificial trees may seem like a more eco-friendly option, the ones available locally to you will often be made from non-biodegradable materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Real trees, on the other hand, are renewable and biodegradable. Look for trees that are sustainably grown and harvested, without pesticides, and try to buy from local farms to reduce transportation emissions.

2. Look for FSC Certification

If you do choose a real tree, look for ones that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification ensures that the tree was grown and harvested in an environmentally responsible way, with consideration for the local ecosystem and the rights of workers.

I might live in a really small town, but this isn’t something that I’ve ever seen from my local tree sellers. It never hurts to ask though; let me know in the comments if your local Christmas tree farms offer this information. I’m really curious to know. 

3. Opt for a Living Tree

Another eco-friendly option is to rent a living tree. These trees are potted and can be used for the holiday season before being returned to the nursery to be replanted. Or you can get an evergreen native to your area and plant in your yard after the holidays (year-round Christmas tree!!). This reduces waste and ensures that the tree continues to grow and provide it’s amazing benefits to the environment.

4. Avoid Tinsel and Glitter

Tinsel and glitter may look pretty, but they are often made from non-recyclable materials that can harm the environment and end up in the landfill at the end of the holidays. Instead, opt for natural decorations like pine cones, dried fruit, and popcorn garlands.

5. Recycle Your Tree

After the holiday season is over, be sure to dispose of your real tree properly. Many cities offer treecycling programs, where the trees are chipped into mulch or used for other environmentally friendly purposes.

Traditional fake trees are really hard to recycle. The general recommendations are to donate or sell your tree if it’s still in good condition.

And if it’s at end-of-life, the New York Department of Sanitation indicates that the best way to deal with your artificial tree is to take it apart to recycle the base and trunk (pole) with your curbside metal, glass, plastic and carton containers. Remove all lights, ornaments and tinsel before placing at the curb. Otherwise, set it out as garbage on a regular collection day.

Caring for Your Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree

Okay, so now we’ve learned about all of our eco-friendly tree options, it’s important that we understand how to make them last as long as possible, whether that keeping it alive so it can be replanted or making sure your artificial tree becomes your forever tree. 

Water Your Tree Regularly

If you have a cut Christmas tree, you’ll needs to make sure you water it appropriately to stay hydrated and fresh. Make sure to water your tree regularly, especially during the first few days after you bring it home. A good rule of thumb is to add one quart of water for every inch of the tree’s diameter. Check the water level daily and refill as needed.

If you have a potted tree and want to plant your Christmas tree after the holidays (or return it to the nursery so they can replant it), then you’ll want to make sure you provide the correct amount of light and water. Follow your nursery directions to keep the tree healthy. 

Keep Your Tree Away from Heat Sources

Whether you go real tree or opt for an eco-friendly artificial one, it’s important to keep all types of Christmas trees away from heat sources. Real Christmas trees are three times more likely to be involved in a Christmas tree fire, compared to artificial plastic trees, but that doesn’t mean artificial trees can’t catch fire. If you get a real tree, keeping it regularly watered will keep  it from becoming a much more dangerous fire-hazard.

Your Christmas lights are an important factor. Always check for any cuts or fraying in the wires, keep an out out for lights that flicker or have gone out, and never plug extension cords into extension cords. 

Regardless of type, every tree should be kept away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents. Also, avoid placing your tree in direct sunlight or near a window that receives a lot of sunlight.

Disposal of Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

When it comes to having an eco Christmas, the disposal and recycling process of your tree is just as important as selecting your tree (and type of tree) itself. Here are some options for the proper disposal of your Christmas tree:

• Curbside pick-up: Many waste management companies offer curbside pick-up for Christmas trees during the two weeks following Christmas. Check with your local waste management company for specific guidelines and requirements, such as tree size, removing decorations, and flocking.
• Drop-off recycling center: Most counties have free drop-off locations for Christmas trees. Check with your local government or waste management company for the nearest location. Usually, you can bring up to two trees to a drop-off center.
• Mulching: Once mulched, Christmas trees can be turned into compost, which can be used in gardens and landscaping. Check with your local waste management company or city government for mulching programs in your area.
• Donation: Some organizations accept donated Christmas trees for use in parks and other public spaces. Check with your local parks department or environmental organizations for donation opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Environmentally Friendly Christmas Trees

Choosing an eco-friendly Christmas tree is a simple way to reduce your environmental impact during the holiday season. Whether you opt for a real tree or an artificial one as part of your Christmas decor, there are sustainable products and options available that can help you make a positive impact on the environment.

Overall, making small changes to your holiday traditions can have a big impact on the environment. By choosing an eco-friendly Christmas tree and making other sustainable choices, you can enjoy a festive and environmentally friendly holiday season.