A “Greener” Christmas Tree

Courtesy of the San Diego Reader

A “Greener” Christmas Tree

by Laura McMahon
November 30, 2023

The scent of pine needles, twinkling lights, dangling ornaments – for many, the Christmas tree is the hallmark of the holidays. We joyfully found some sustainable Christmas tree options that are environmentally friendly and festive. Living Trees - Enjoy the splendor of a traditional Christmas tree and embrace sustainability with living Christmas trees. These trees come with their entire root system intact, allowing them to be re-planted after the holiday season, instead of ending up in the local landfill. If you are replanting the tree in your landscape, make sure you research soil and maintenance. A potted live Christmas tree can be moved outside once the holidays are over. Rent a Living Tree - Companies such as Rent a Live Christmas Tree (https://rentalivechristmastree.com/) offer customers the option to rent the same tree each year until it grows to maturity. The potted trees are nurtured in the mountains near LA. The Living Christmas Company (https://www.livingchristmas.com/) offers a selection of locally grown tree varietals, and replants mature trees in the local community or nearby forests through an Urban Reforestation Project. They also have a selection of ecologically sensitive ornaments and Fair Trade decorations. Support a worthy cause - Boy Scouts Troop 2 Santa Monica are celebrating their 50th Annual Christmas Tree sale at a new location on 2919 Wilshire Boulevard (at the Staghorn Garden) on the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Stanford. Proceeds go to fund Boys Scout programs and trips. Artificial Trees - The popularity of artificial trees is on the rise. While artificial trees are re-usable, thereby saving a living tree from being cut down, most are made from PVC. This year search for ones made from recycled PVC, sustainable products and materials, or PVC-free. Also look for ones that are fire retardant. Once you have a tree… DECORATE - Dust off the much loved family ornaments, consider making new homemade decorations, hang natural wreaths and biodegradable garlands. Light up your home with energy efficient LED lights. Then Do One Last Thing – At the end of the season, after removing all of those new homemade decorations, make sure your (non-artificial) tree goes into the municipal compost stream. There is a reason why compost is called “Black Gold”; it is the best gift you can give to the environment during this season of giving.