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As the holiday season gets closer, many of us look forward to decorating a beautiful Christmas tree.
But have you ever thought about a more sustainable way to celebrate the holidays?
In our family, we celebrate every festival in an eco-friendly way.
To celebrate Christmas in an eco-friendly way, finding a sustainable Christmas tree is essential. In this article, I’ll share some sustainable Christmas tree ideas that can help you enjoy a greener festival without sacrificing joy.
Also Read:
– How to Celebrate Christmas in an Eco-Friendly Way
– Eco-friendly Christmas Gifting Ideas
– Eco-friendly Lighting Ideas for this Christmas
– Biodegradable Christmas Ornaments Ideas
– Natural & Sustainable Wreath Ideas for Christmas
Real vs. Artificial Trees: Which Is More Sustainable
Real trees are cultivated on farms. These trees look natural and are biodegradable too. But need lots of resources to grow and move.
Selecting a locally sourced tree can help reduce the carbon footprint from transportation, which is why I always try to purchase from a nearby farm here in New Jersey.
In contrast, artificial trees can be reused each year saving on waste. The only problem is that these trees are made from PVC, a plastic material.
The PVC is both non-biodegradable and made with the use of non-renewable fossil fuels. Also, 80% of these artificial trees used in the U.S., are imported from China, so, the shipping also contributes to pollution.
So, If you have an artificial tree already, continue to use that for as long as you can. A real tree bought new is usually the more sustainable option, especially if you can buy locally.
Potted Christmas Trees
One fantastic alternative I’ve tried in recent years is a potted Christmas tree. This tree can be replanted after Christmas.
One year, I had a medium-sized potted spruce that later became part of my parents’ backyard garden. You can also try plants like Norfolk Island Pine or a large ficus.
To keep a potted tree healthy indoors, be sure to provide enough water and a cool spot, away from direct heat.
I’ve learned that keeping them inside for too long can stress the plant, so it’s best to place them back outside after the holiday.
Rent a Christmas Tree
Another good idea I’ve come across is renting a Christmas tree. Yes, you can actually rent a tree for Christmas.
Some farms in the U.S. offer potted trees for rent, which you can return after the holidays. This allows the tree to continue growing.
This method is sustainable and convenient too. No need to worry about what to do with the tree once Christmas is over.
It makes me feel part of a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. Here in my place, many farms provide this option, so check your local area for similar offerings.
# DIY and Creative Christmas Trees:
If you’re interested in something unique, you can make your own DIY Christmas tree. It’s a creative way to upcycle materials. Also, it adds a personal touch to your holiday décor.
DIY Wooden Christmas Trees
For people who enjoy a good DIY project, crafting a wooden Christmas tree is a good weekend activity. Last year, my friend Clara created one using reclaimed wood from an old fence. Here’s a simple guide:
- Gather wooden planks of various lengths
- Arrange them in a triangular shape
- Secure with screws or nails
- Sand and stain if desired
- Decorate with lights and ornaments
You can reuse it every year, adding a cozy, rustic feel to your holiday decorations.
Cardboard Christmas Trees
Got a stack of cardboard boxes from all that online shopping? A cardboard tree is a fun, eco-friendly option, particularly for smaller spaces. Here are some tips for creating your cardboard tree:
- Cut the cardboard into a tree-shape
- Use multiple layers for durability
- Paint it green or leave it in its natural state for a modern appearance
- Decorate with sustainable ornaments
I made one for my apartment a couple of years ago, and it was a hit at my holiday gathering.
Book Christmas Trees
A book tree is a creative way to showcase your love for reading while celebrating the season. Here’s how to make one:
- Stack books in a circular formation, largest to smallest
- Use green books for a traditional aesthetic, or choose colorful ones
- Add lights and small ornaments between the books
As an avid reader, I adore how this idea blends someone’s passion for books with the holiday spirit.
Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree Alternatives
Living in an apartment in Jersey City taught me the significance of space-saving decorations. Wall-mounted trees are ideal for those who may be short on floor space but still want to embrace holiday cheer.
Ideas for wall trees:
- String lights arranged to mimic a tree-shape
- Create a washi tape tree on a plain wall
- Use floating shelves arranged in a triangle, adorned with ornaments
These options are not only efficient in space but also incredibly Instagram-worthy.
Driftwood and Branch Christmas Trees
For a natural, beachy feel, consider designing a tree from driftwood or branches. It’s a lovely way to bring the outdoors inside. Here are some tips:
- Collect fallen branches or driftwood
- Arrange them in a tree shape and secure them with twine
- Add lights and natural decorations like pinecones or seashells
LED Light Christmas Trees
Setup is easy with pre-made LED tree structures, which are dazzling and energy-efficient. Benefits of LED trees include:
- Using up to 80% less energy than traditional lights
- Lasting longer, which helps reduce waste
- Often featuring fun color-changing options
A few years back, my sister, who was expecting, switched to LED holiday lights.
Edible Christmas Trees
Why not merge your holiday decorations with delicious treats? Edible trees are a fun, waste-free option that will surely impress your guests. Ideas for edible trees:
- Stack cookies or cupcakes into a tree-shape
- Create a cheese and fruit platter in the form of a tree
- Assemble a tree out of stacked macarons
Eco-Friendly Decorations
No tree is complete without decorations, and there are plenty of ways to make them sustainable. I enjoy using natural decorations—dried orange slices, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks.
They not only look gorgeous but also fill the house with a delightful aroma. I also create my own ornaments from recycled materials like old fabric scraps and paper.
I have written a detailed blog on how to create DIY sustainable ornaments for Christmas.
For lighting, LED lights are the best choice. I even found solar-powered string lights for outdoor use, which completely minimizes electricity consumption. Read my detailed post on Eco-friendly lighting decoration.
Whether you opt for a potted tree, rent one, or craft your own from upcycled materials, many options exist for maintaining an eco-friendly celebration.
I’ve discovered that these alternatives also add a personal touch to the festivities.
This year, I encourage you to try one of these sustainable Christmas tree ideas. Let’s make Christmas joyful for both our homes and our planet!
