Not-So-Green. Cut trees are a long set tradition that catapult us into the holiday spirit. However, the thought of each family cutting down around 80 trees in a lifetime is staggering. If you decided you can’t live without that fresh pine smell for Christmas, make good use of it! Compost it or recycle it after the holidays. A quick visit to Earth911.com can locate a Christmas tree recycling program, pick-up, or drop-off location in your area.
Greener. Artificial trees have not traditionally been made of good, sustainable materials. Most are laden with pesticides and use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastic. Instead choose a USA-made tree from recycled PVC from Mountain King Christmas Trees or trees made from PET (polyeurothane), a more eco-friendly plastic as made by Christmas Trees for Me. Reusing trees is better for the environment and they can be donated to charity or recycled for metal once it’s run it’s course.
Greenest. Try a living tree in lieu of a cut tree. Living trees are brought into the home for about 10 days, then replanted after Christmas. Living trees are potted so they can be reused for 2- 3 years without having to plant or re-pot the tree. Be sure to anticipate the full-grown size of the tree, and avoid planting near foundations or underground services. You can rent a living tree from The Living Christmas Tree Company in California or find a lot near you.
We have a real living tree in a pot! I'm not much of a green thumb but I am hoping to keep it going as a potted Chrissy tree for a few years :)
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