Christmas Content // Tips for an eco-friendly Christmas tree*

Everyone loves the holiday season, but it can take a heavy toll on the environment. All those piles of rubbish, including gift wrap, disposable plates, food leftovers – the list goes on. However, New Year is a time for new beginnings, so why not make an early resolution to make this a green Christmas? And where better to start than with the centrepiece of your yuletide celebrations, the tree itself?

Credit

The Great Christmas Tree Debate
It’s the question that divides families – real or artificial? Even from an ecological perspective, the answer is not clear cut (no pun intended). The worst thing you can do is buy a cut tree that will shed needles in your living room and then be thrown away. However, if an artificial tree just won’t do, why not buy a live tree in a pot with soil. It will live happily through the festive season and then you can plant it in the garden, where it will continue to grow.

Here’s some more good news for the real tree fans. Artificial trees are not as green as the shops like to suggest, as most are made from plastics that derive from petroleum products. If you choose an artificial tree, try to find one made from recycled PET bottles, waste paper or other recycled materials. If you are feeling creative, you could even make your own Christmas treeusing the most unlikely-sounding materials!

Tree decorations
Whatever tree you choose, the most environmentally adornments are those made of wood, glass or paper – they can be used for several years and then recycled. Try to avoid plastic.

If you are ready to do a bit of work and create your own green tree decorations, turn to the technology. All you need is your computer and a printer with high-capacity ink or toner cartridges. This Epson printer ink is a perfect choice.

If you have a live tree growing in your garden from a previous year, ice decorations are, quite literally a cool idea. Get the kids involved, they will love it!

Lighting
The other important ingredient for a perfect Christmas tree is the lights. If you are still using the type of fairy lights that you remember your Dad wrestling with in Christmases from your own childhood, it’s time to join the rest of us in the 21st century! LEDs are the way to go. They use far less energy, as well as being more robust and reliable. They are also safer, as they do not get as hot as traditional bulbs.

On the subject of Christmas lighting, you might think that candles are a bad idea from an ecological perspective. That is not necessarily so, however – it just depends what sort you choose. Avoid old-fashioned paraffin candles and instead choose ones made from soy.

Gifts
The finishing touch is to put some gifts under the tree. This year, why not ban wrapping paper entirely – it will certainly make the family think! You could wrap gifts in a handkerchief or perhaps use a fabric bag – this is more than just packaging, it is another gift in itself!

You could even make your own hand-made eco-gift, such as a photo collage in a wooden frame or handicrafts made from recycled or natural materials like pine cones, acorns and dried flowers