For our Third Zero Waste Christmas blog we’re thinking about trees. Few things make us feel more Christmassy than getting our tree up and decorated but there’s a lot of debate out there over which trees are best for the environment, real or fake?
While fake trees can usually be re-used year on year, and a cut real tree just the once, The Ecologist reports that the average fake fir creates 40kg of CO2 during its lifetime, from production to landfill while a real tree creates 3.5kg if it’s composted. To even out that CO2 difference we’d want our fake tree to last at least 11 years.
But let’s think outside the box, a fake tree doesn’t need to be plastic. We’ve had our eye out and have seen some fantastic examples of reusable and reused Christmas trees out there. Cardboard, paper, driftwood, fabric. Have a walk down the High Street and you’ll see a wonderful variety. These alternative trees have an extra layer of Christmas fun, making your tree, and decorating it, can be a new family activity, and have that extra personal touch, which make Christmas all the more special.
When it comes to real trees there a few things to think about too, like where is the tree from, and how was it grown? You can ask your seller. Environmentally wise think local and ask about sustainable forestry, for example Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Potted trees are becoming increasingly common too, with these you can keep the tree inside for Christmas, and enjoy it in your garden all year long, just remember to look after it so it lasts.
When it comes to taking down your tree don’t forget to have it recycled. East Lothian Council have three ways for us to have our real trees recycled by composting them. For details see their website:
‘If you have a brown bin, please present the tree beside it on your collection day. Alternatively, contact 01875 824 305 to arrange an uplift, or take it to one of East Lothian’s Recycling Centres.’
We all have our own preference to the kind of tree we want in our homes but when we’re picking our tree here’s a few things to keep in mind:
If you choose fake, choose quality, invest in a tree that will last;
- Think about alternative trees, but don’t forget to think about the ‘end’ for your tree, make it recyclable and keep it out of landfill;
- If you choose real look for local, consider potted so you can reuse it and, when it’s time to let your tree go, have it recycled.
Do you have an alternative tree at home, share it with us on our Facebook page and check out our Pinterest for lots of inspiration and ideas.
We’re busy getting ready for our Zero Waste Christmas event this Wednesday and we’d love join us and help us decorate our cardboard Christmas Tree. Wednesday 10th December 7-9pm, the Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar.