The way we celebrate Christmas shapes our homes, daily life, and the planet. Traditional Christmas trees often leave a hefty carbon footprint, from harvesting real pines to disposing of plastic trees that won’t break down for centuries.
Looking for a more sustainable way to deck your halls makes sense, and it starts with your tree. Here’s a complete guide to choosing a greener Christmas tree this year, with practical tips for pet safety and eco-friendly décor that protects wildlife.
Keep pets away from Christmas trees due to pine needles, tinsel & decorations (very tempting to cats). Secure the tree well to stop it tipping over, especially if pets like to paw at the branches. Stick to non-toxic ornament materials, and don’t leave food-based decorations within reach of pets or small children.
Holly and mistletoe are also unsafe near animal friends. Read more on keeping pets safe at Christmas.
Real Christmas Trees from Local Farms
Real Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be composted if you plan ahead. Sourcing from a local tree farm cuts down transport emissions and supports nearby growers.
Many farms plant a new tree for each one cut. After the holidays, check if your council collects trees for chipping into mulch. Avoid trees sprayed with heavy chemicals, which can harm pets and soil.
Rent a Christmas Tree
Renting a Christmas tree allows you to enjoy the beauty and scent of a real tree without the long-term commitment. One manager of a Christmas tree rental company says that he has up to 300 families renting the same trees each year – one family has even named their tree Colin (?)
It’s important to water daily and use the right stand and keep it away from heat sources like fire, radiators and direct sunlight. Also keep an eye out for shedding needles, you may need to water more or change position.
Renting a live potted tree keeps roots intact, so the tree can go back to grow another year. Local businesses deliver and collect potted Christmas trees in December. You get a living, healthy tree, then return it to the nursery for replanting.
This avoids waste and gives the tree a longer life. Rental schemes often use minimal packaging too, making them a clear choice for cutting down on plastic waste.
Eco-Friendly Artificial Christmas Trees
Most artificial trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and metals. The production process for these materials creates significant carbon emissions. Plus, once they’re past their prime, these trees often end up in landfills where they don’t biodegrade.
This raises questions about their long-term environmental impact, despite individual longevity. Oncor Christmas trees are made with recycled PVC. Designed to last 30 years, they include a metal stand, and are sent in recycled boxes.
Try Cardboard Christmas Trees
Cardboard Christmas is a delightful company that makes Christmas trees out of recycled cardboard. Forget the hassle of spruce needles, you now can enjoy biodegradable beauty year after year and reduced carbon footprint, with no plastic waste.
These are easy to assemble and dismantle, with minimal energy to make. Keep away from open flames, candles and tree lights.
The trees mostly contain just 6 pieces to slot together. On twelfth night, just disassemble and store flat under the bed. Some are Scandinavian-inspired (Estonia is next door to Sweden) and offered in dark green colours.
Christmas Trees (from reclaimed wood)
Welcome the Woodshop (US creates eco-friendly Christmas trees, a one-time purchase made from reclaimed chestnut wood, from dismantled barns.
Go Without a Christmas Tree
Sometimes, the greenest choice is none at all. This minimal approach fits smaller spaces, pet-friendly homes, and families looking to save money. You spend more time together and less on buying or discarding another tree.
Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations
East End Press is a one-woman empire in Glasgow, which makes lovely creative garlands and decorations made from paper and upcycled cotton waste. Keep away from flammables (don’t use fairy lights with paper or cotton decorations).
Eco Tinsel offers garlands made from 100% recycled paper over PVC tinsel that never breaks down. Handcrafted to high standards with 1000 precision handmade cuts, each garland is 180cm in length in wide strips to create super-bushy decorations in various colours that have rings to make them easy to hang.
Not to use near Christmas lights, keep away from fire and flames.
Recycled Paper Christmas Baubles
These recycled paper Christmas baubles are ideal alternatives to disposable plastic versions. Handmade in India (providing secure employment), it makes a classic decoration that is lightweight and easy to hang.
Made from recycled brown Kraft paper and paper pulp, it’s hand-painted with a stylish snowflake design, for those who prefer a more natural look. Choose from gold, silver and white.
Most Christmas decorations are made from plastic and glitter, which end up in landfills nationwide on Boxing Day. Also never use snow globes near pets or young children, as they contain antifreeze, which can be lethal if they smash.
Safe Christmas Lights
Throw away dodgy Christmas fairy lights. Check smoke alarms before use (have a fire blanket and extinguisher nearby).
Choose low-voltage LED lights that are cool to touch, last longer and save up to 90% on energy use. Ensure air circulates around the transformer, and keep away from carpets and furnishings. Never overload sockets, and turn lights off when you leave the house or go to sleep.
If using outside Christmas lights, use an RCD (residual current deice) to switch lights off, in case of a fault. Outdoor Christmas lights cause light pollution to birds and wildlife, and can also cause circuit cut-offs to neighbouring houses.
Avoid Outdoor Light Pollution
Outdoor holiday lighting can unsettle birds and other wildlife, especially if strung through trees or kept on all night. If you decorate outside, use warm white bulbs and keep lights low to the ground.
Turn off outdoor displays by bedtime to give birds and bats a break from the glow. Balanced lighting helps wild creatures navigate, keeps your electricity bill low, and still brings joy to your home.
