Looking for sustainable alternatives to the Christmas tree? Then you've come to the right place! The Christmas tree is a beautiful, old tradition - millions of people around the world put it in their living room every year.
However, the majority of Christmas trees come from plantations where they have been chemically fertilized and treated with pesticides. Many of these plantation Christmas trees also have long transportation routes behind them. There must be more sustainable and natural alternatives, right?
In this article, I would like to show you how to get a sustainable Christmas tree, what alternatives there are to the classic fir tree and what else is important. Let's go!
Here is a short overview for you in advance:
Tip: In the article sustainable Christmas without plastic you will find many more tips for an environmentally friendly Christmas season.
Advantages: What are the good reasons for a sustainable Christmas tree?
In 2019, the following were 29.8 million Christmas trees sold in Germany - And the trend is rising. First of all, I would like to give you the reasons why you should choose a sustainable Christmas tree rather than a cheap Christmas tree from a plantation:
- Growth duration: A Nordmann fir, for example, needs eight to ten years before it is big enough to be sold.1
- Service life: As a rule, the Christmas tree disappears from the scene by January 6 at the latest. So it is usually cut down only to have it in the apartment for a few weeks.
- Climate change: In times of global warming every tree is important - including fir trees. This is because they store the CO2 we humans emit and counteract climate change.
- Water consumption: In the decade in which the fir tree grows and thrives on classic plantations, it naturally also has a very high water consumption. Alternatives can reduce or eliminate this altogether.
- Poisonous plantation trees: Do you really want a cheap and with pesticides and chemically treated tree in your home? For the sake of your own health and the protection of animals, water and soil, the sustainable alternative is recommended.
- Disposable: A Christmas tree is often an expensive disposable item that you only use for a short time. So why not go for a more environmentally friendly alternative?
Tip: So the preference for a sustainable Christmas tree also has ecological reasons. In the article about the Environmental problems of our time you will learn even more about the greatest challenges facing humanity.
Sustainable Christmas tree: what alternatives are available to me?
Of course, there are plenty of more environmentally friendly alternatives to the classic plantation grown Christmas tree that uses pesticides. Here are some ideas for sourcing or replacing your Christmas tree sustainably.
1. organic Christmas tree from organic farming
Instead of growing up on monoculture plantations, organic Christmas trees usually grow up in mixed cultures, so that they can, for example, be exposed to the Species Extinction instead of promoting it. Organically grown trees are therefore also not as susceptible to pests and therefore do not need to be treated with pesticides.
When buying a sustainable Christmas tree, be sure to look out for seals that certify organic cultivation. The following, for example, are trustworthy Bioland, Naturland, Demeter, FSC or used, protected terms such as "Organic" and "Eco".
Tip: In the article about Greenwashing you'll learn more about trademarked terms and how to expose companies that greenwash themselves.
2. Christmas tree from the region
Another sustainable alternative to conventionally grown Christmas trees is the regional Christmas tree. This is because many trees come to us from abroad and actually have Longer transportation routes behind him.
As most Christmas trees are disposed of after the Christmas period, the emissions caused by transportation are completely unnecessary. Regional spruces, pines and firs from organic cultivation are therefore a much more sustainable alternative.
Tip: What applies to the Christmas tree, of course, also applies to your diet. You can learn more about this in the article about regional shopping.
3. christmas tree in pot
It also works completely without felling a fir tree. This is, of course, an approach entirely in the spirit of the Zero Waste Lifestyle and the Resource conservation. Because when the Christmas tree replanted after the Christmas season it can live on instead of ending up as temporary organic waste.
If this sustainable alternative is for you, take the following tips to heart:
- Ideally, the Christmas tree already grown in pot beforeso that the root system is intact and the chances of growth after transplanting increase.
- Give the Christmas tree in the pot a Chance to slowly get used to the warmer temperatures in the living room. For example, by leaving it in the cold hallway or garage for the time being.
- The Christmas tree should be rather smaller - a large up to 1.20 meters is recommended if you want to keep the chances of growth high.
- Find one location as cool as possible for the Christmas tree in your home, so that it survives the time in your four walls undamaged.
- Water your fir every two days and spray it a little water so that it does not dry up and so that the needles do not fall off.
By the way, the following varieties of trees are best suited as potted trees:
- Blue Spruce
- Nordmann Firs
- Serbian spruces
- and Sugarloaf Spruces.
4. fair christmas tree
By no means all Christmas trees are produced under fair conditions. But especially at Christmas, people want a fair cooperation.
To ensure that the festival of love lives up to its name, you should Starting with the seed - because this usually comes from Georgia and is harvested there under difficult conditions. Projects such as Fair Trees are committed to ensuring that local workers receive a decent wage and safe climbing equipment.
5. DIY Christmas tree without real tree
I know that a Christmas without a real tree is a tricky subject. Nevertheless, this is of course an alternative to the Christmas tree for manywhich should not go unmentioned.
As you can see in the picture above, you can also get creative and make your own Christmas tree alternative. For example made from natural materials such as branches and twigs. This way, no tree has to be cut down and you still have the chance to put presents "under the tree".
6. plastic Christmas tree?
Many people naturally think of a reusable plastic Christmas tree as an alternative. You can indeed Reuse as often as requiredHowever, these trees are often produced in Asia under low environmental standards and transported thousands of kilometers by plane or ship.
In addition the real tree is of course a tradition - the plastic tree does not.
According to studies, a plastic tree also has a better ecological balance only after 17-20 years of use than natural trees. In my opinion, there are more sustainable and natural alternatives to plastic trees.
7. Christmas tree for rent and loan
Yes, that's possible too! There are many providers and Rental services for Christmas trees.
You borrow a tree in a pot, slowly acclimatize it to the warmth of your home and give it back after the Christmas season. Often this is even offered with delivery and collection.
8. a no Christmas tree
The Keinachtsbaum is a Wooden tree to put togetherwhich you then decorate yourself with fresh twigs. A particularly charming and cool solution, in my opinion.
This is because no trees are felled for the fresh branches, only the branches are shortened. The Christmas tree is therefore preserved. And the cost of the branches is absolutely reasonable at 25 to 35 euros.
So you can a "fresh" Christmas tree every year without having to cut down a tree. And if you buy fresh fir branches, they will last between 2 and 4 weeks, which is just as long as a "normal" fir tree. v
You can order the Christmas tree here*.
Additional tips to make your Christmas tree sustainable
A sustainable Christmas tree is all well and good. But for the tradition to be preserved, we still need Jewelry and giftsthat adorn it. I've also put together a few eco-friendly tips to inspire you here.
Sustainable Christmas tree decorations
Plastic baubles and constantly new colors on the Christmas tree? Is that really necessary? If you want to make your Christmas tree completely sustainable, you can also rely on natural jewelry set. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
- Do it yourself: How about making your own Christmas tree decorations? For example, a straw star! Instead of having it transported thousands of kilometers from Asia, you can simply tie it yourself and do without the plastic packaging.
- Jewelry made of wood: Stars, Santas and baubles are also available in natural materials such as wood. Make sure that they are not tropical woods, so that you can use the illegal deforestation do not promote.
- Christmas tree decorations from nature: Of course! Why not simply hang real pine cones on the tree? For example, you can decorate them and reuse them every year.
- No harmful substances in Christmas tree decorations: Heavy metals, plasticizers or toxic dyes are often found in Christmas tree decorations. For example, some manufacturers still use Lead for the production of tinsel. Rather opt for healthy, sustainable alternatives.
Sustainable gifts under the Christmas tree
Not only on the tree, but also under the tree everything should fit! Use the following tips for the most environmentally friendly gifts possible:
- Wrap gifts plastic-free: Why not wrap your gifts without plastic - and a little more creative and natural instead? In the article Wrap gifts plastic free you will learn more.
- Vegan Christmas Gifts: Are you looking for a cool gift for vegans or would you like to give someone an animal-free present? Then take a look at the article about vegan christmas gifts and gift ideas.
- Plastic-free Christmas gifts: Sustainable gifts are always well received. Read the article about Christmas gifts without plastic inspire.
- Personalized gifts: Think about something personal, such as a self-designed voucher for a romantic evening, a delicious meal or a massage. This way, you can reduce your consumption at Christmas time and still Save money sustainably.
Question: Do you have any other ideas for sustainable gifts and eco-friendly Christmas tree decorations? Then please write a comment below this post.
Disposal: How do I dispose of my Christmas tree sustainably?
The Christmas season is over and January 6 at the latest the felled Christmas tree is then taken out of the house. But how do you actually dispose of it properly and as environmentally friendly as possible? You can also get a few tips on this here:
- Before disposal: Your Christmas tree must be completely decorated, of course.
- Do not use artificial snow and decorative sprays: These contain solvents and propellants and ensure that the tree can no longer be disposed of as organic waste.
- Do not dispose of in the forest: Please do not simply throw the tree into the forest after Christmas. It will take too long to decompose completely. It is also illegal.
- Proper disposal: Many municipalities publish collection dates when Christmas trees are collected from the street. Do you do the same? Then you can simply place the tree at the roadside or at the prescribed collection point on collection day. Otherwise, recycling centers and composting plants are the right places to go!
Tip: How about giving a tree as a gift for Christmas or planting one yourself? You can for example have trees planted online with Treedom and watch them grow. Small farmers take care of the tree and can finance their work from the harvest.
Christmas tree? That is also possible in a sustainable way!
As you can see, there are quite a few more sustainable and sensible alternatives to the plantation Christmas tree.
Here again for you summarizedwhat is important for sustainable Christmas trees:
- It is best to buy no plantation treeswhich are only felled for the Christmas season. Plantation farming is not sustainable due to water consumption, CO2 emissions and pesticide pollution.
- If you really want a "classic Christmas tree", then go for a regionally and organically grown tree - or even better - a Tree in a potthat is not disposed of after one season.
- Excellent alternatives are also the No Christmas tree*, Fir trees for rent or DIY Christmas trees made of wood.
I hope you read this article in time to put a sustainable Christmas tree in your living room this year 🙂
Do you have any questions, tips or your own experiences with sustainable Christmas trees that you would like to share? Then I look forward to your comment under this post.
Stay sustainable and have a wonderful Christmas season,
PS: If you haven't got all your presents together yet, you can also register with the Gifts from my sustainable store that I wrote for you.
References:
- VRM GmbH & Co. KG: How long does a Christmas tree grow?, available at https://kruschel-kinder.de/wissen/natur-und-forschen/Wie_lange_waechst_ein_Weihnachtsbaum_13698950.htm. [10.12.2024]. ↩︎
Great ideas
Thank you Yvonne 🙂