Sustainable Christmas Trees (real or artificial?)
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.
Read tips on how to keep pets safe at Christmas.
Rent a Christmas tree
Renting a Christmas tree allows you to enjoy the beauty and scent of a real tree without 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.
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.
Oncor Christmas trees are made with recycled PVC. Designed to last 30 years, they include a metal stand, sent in recycled boxes.
Find Zero Waste Christmas Decorations
These recycled paper Christmas baubles are handmade in India (providing secure employment), are lightweight and easy to hang.
Keep paper decorations away from flammables.
Never use snow globes near pets or young children, as they contain antifreeze, which can be lethal if they smash.
East End Press is a one-woman empire in Glasgow, which makes lovely creative garlands and decorations made from layers of upcycled paper.
Eco Tinsel offers garlands from recycled paper over PVC tinsel. Handmade with precision cuts, each garland has wide strips in various colours, with rings for hanging.
Safer Christmas lights
- Throw away dodgy Christmas fairy lights.
- Check smoke alarms (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 transformers, keep away from carpets/furnishings.
- Never overload sockets, turn lights off when you leave house or sleep.
- Outside, use an RCD to switch lights off, in case of faults.
- Switch off to avoid light pollution to wildlife (and avoid string). Mass displays can cause circuit cut-offs to neighbouring houses.
