Are You an Eco-friendly Christmas Tree Family?
For those who care, there are some Razz-a-matazz alternatives on offer that won't cost the earth, and may even make Christmas 'special' like it used to be.
Many a Tradition is Born in Creative Endeavour ...
and followed because of a lack of it...
St Boniface assumed this as a sign of the Christian faith, and the whole town shared in the annual decoration of one growing tree in the town, as respect.
It was not until the 16th century – with the rise of a wasteful bourgeoisie class of society - who had become rich on the backs of the poor house factories of the industrial revolution - that the 'iconic' fir trees were first dragged indoors at Christmas time and decorated, more a symbol of wealth and social standing than respect to Christ.
The Incredible Facts
Whilst it is true there are about 21,000 commericial Christmas Tree growers in the U.S today, to compensate the annual demand, it is also true that it takes as many as 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height - approx. two metres (6 - 7 feet) - with the average commercial growing time around seven years.
However, it is also true that a global population of 12 billion is expected by the turn of the 22nd century, far exceeding the earth’s capacity to supply such a demand - for no other use than to die over a period of a week - releasing large amounts of stored CO2 into households throughout the world.
It takes only one (1) acre of growing Christmas trees to produce the daily oxygen needed to sustain 18 people..
It is sensible to expect that growing food may be more essential a market by 2100 than dying Christmas trees.
In a world that is slowly beginning to choke around us, it makes sense to seek out alternatives to cutting down anything that is living and converting CO2 into oxygen. If you are one of these new age thinkers, I salute you... and I would like to offer some creative alternatives for your Christmas Tree this and future years.
Some Alternatives to Cut Trees
1. Grow a Fir, Pine or Spruce Tree in the Garden and Decorate it each year, and once again the whole street can celebrate with you.
Before you select a tree, make sure it likes your climate. For example, Balsam firs are magnificent, but will do well only in cold climates. Also, ask about the tree's "mature size." An adorable five-foot tree could wind up reaching 60 feet high and 30 feet wide!
It will grow with your children and become a poignant memory of home, hearth, love and Christmas warmth. As your special Christmas tree gets bigger, it remains a source of endless fun for the children to climb it each year, and decorate.
You can leave the lights on all year round if you're going to use them. Remember there are also alternative solar lights available on the market, they may cost more initially, but won't cost you more later.
2. Potted Dwarf Christmas Trees by the Score
Like many others you can choose to plant your living tree at Easter, the season of death and rebirth, as part of a new tradition of remembrance.
There are many varieties of dwarf conifers that come in pots and grow to various heights. Check your nursery for the latest varieties.
3. Cloth and Recycled ‘Junk’ Christmas Trees.
A project for the whole family, making your own Christmas tree can become a great tradition, especially if you get the whole family in on the fun. Andrea of joytotheplanet says:
The only rule here is: use your imagination. How about a beautiful clear tree made from used water bottles, or a wooden tree from scrap lumber? Empty egg cartons, old computer parts, any kind of "junk” from your yellow recycling bin, can be made into a cool and unique "tree." Talk about the true meaning of Christmas with your children, whilst creating it ...”
4. Inflatable, Neon and Wall Hanging Christmas Trees.
You could also try a nice Neon Christmas Tree. It takes care of both the twinkling lights and the need for a tree, all in one hit.
Why not make your own? …try this page for patterns and ideas.
5. Bonsai Christmas Trees
6.. Why Not Go Troppo?
Remember : Axed Trees are Dying Trees, releasing CO2 into your home
WARNING : The cheap, typical artificial Christmas tree (found by the dozen in discount stores) are generally made from PVC or plastic-based materials, which are NOT good for the environment when found in landfills, so avoid them - unless (like me) you intend to reuse it for the rest of your life - establishing your family as a 'Merry eco-Tree Free' family.
Please feel free to share your creative way of being eco-tree friendly each year if you have one... maybe a pic?
Sources and photos :
Really Long Link
Really Long Link
Really Long Link
Public Journalist
Simple Gift Guide
Home Cooking on Recipeyz
Work From Home Online
Every Day Is A Food Holiday
We have an old artificial tree, that we've had for about 10 years now. It's falling apart, and my kids keep begging for a new one. Every year I'm tempted, but after reading this article, I think I'll keep the rickety old tree around for a couple more years, and then try one of the other alternatives.
Thanks for a great read!
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
We only have a little tree. I decorate the pot with Christmas paper and ribbons. Put it on a coffee table and put ornaments round the base.
After Christmas, pick a spot in the garden and plant it and watch it grow. You try to remember which tree was from which year. (The older ones aren't necessarily bigger!)
Much more fun than dragging a plastic thing out or having to take a dead tree to the tip. Cheers.
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Nice to meet you, and wonderful to know you've already 'got the spirit' and will be keeping it going... Glad my post has been timely, now I'm sure your Christmas will be extra Merry
Lilla ...
PS I did think that when it was time, I would bury my old artificial tree in my own back garden. I'm sure that would be the wisest eco-solution under the circumstances.
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Thanks for sharing those ideas, they sound great. I especially like the growing trees from each year, what a wonderful way to remember the special message of Christmas.
...and what fun to choose a new one each year!
Thanks for sharing.
Lilla ...
PS Any ideas on this year's choice/species, yet?
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
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My Biz partner and I wanted to go to her rescue but we had to get out of the life, so there are two trees that will still be bought this year (unless they see your post of course,)
Here's hoping.
Cheers
Louie
P.S. maybe we should have an Orble anti-christmas tree drive and see where it goes..
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I think the red ones make fabulous Christmas trees!
It will be very merry...
Lilla ...
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Perhaps if you see her again you could give her the webdress of my post?
She sure was on the right road and it would be great to re-enforce it, least she loose interest from a simple lack of encouragement...people so often do, because they feel they are alone in a world that doesn't care anymore.
Perhaps that way too, next time she fights for the planet's rights, she'll have some decent comeback and even convert one or two more, to the light.
As for anti-christmas tree drives, I have to enlighten my neighbourhood first ... but what were you thinking?
Lilla ...
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''it's where you have to stand firm. We don't have to have what we are told to have to have a loving Christmas...I'm sure you see that?
Lilla ...
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We have a fireplace/mantlepiece and I have a small silver tree (probably a fiver from a cheapie shop) that I love and some lights and that's our tree. Who says a tree has to be a tree?
Great info, Lilla.
I have had the same 'artifical' tree for 6 years now and there's a lot of life left in her yet! And even though my ornaments are a bit scuffed and a bit 'yesterday' they are good enough! I also recycle my wrapping paper and my xmas cards (by cutting them up and re-working them!).
Thanks for all the tips.
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Your tree sounds lovely... and I know you'd be one to follow your own drumbeat, you are so right there.
I hate to admit this but I didn;t even put a tree up last year, I bought a pot plant instead and we put a few shiny things on it from around the house. Interesting things like coiled pieces of foil and what have you... but I remember the meal and the fun we all had that day making those shiny bits 'n' pieces.
I am not sure what is happening this year?
I may drag old branches down from the roof and decorate it ... then again I may not too... my girls want to decorate a lilly pilly outside with some solar lights... I'm still not sure if I want to buy them or not...no hurry?
Lilla ...
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Michaelie
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I hear you loud and clear... we call our's 'old branches.' and if you read my response to Tracy, you'll see that poor ole branches didn't get dragged down last year, and may well not see the light again this year.
*lol* my ornaments are as old too, but my girls and I have started crafting our own, with feathers, foil and metalic paints... Pine cones painted gold are such fun... one of the most treasured remains one streamer made from different pasta shapes, painted in gold, silver and bronze...Yes, I recycle all wrapping paper, ribbons, cards and everything., it's fun isn't it?
For us that is the spirit of Christmas, right there ... sounds much the same at your house too, it will be a merry one then for sure
thanks for stopping by
Lilla ...
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Thank you. It sounds great and I agree, the neon thing doesn't work for me either, although the inflatable one sounds great if you're heading out on a camping trip and want to take it with you ... mind you, when you think about it, why do you need one in the middle of nature?
*giggle* I'm such a doofus sometimes!
You trees out front sound wonderful, as does the one inside too. I'm actually surprised to see that the trend in Australia seems to be far away from cut trees, although I can remember seeing much carnage when I lived in Canberra and the Snowy mountains... must be the cold weather?
Your's sounds like it will be eco-merry too
Lilla ...
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The benefits were returend in kind as well - as everyone in the area would come around and view it - you added to the whole Xmas experience and you got to meet new people all the time.
It was a real win win.
MNG
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I like the pot plant idea, I think I might do that and then plant it afterwards...that would be perfect.
One of my friends did a branch tree and it looked amazing and was original...
And the lights we use we've had for years and years...no need to fall into any marketing traps and get more...no way
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I am asuming it was a growing tree ... outside the palatial grounds of MNG residence?
Lilla ...
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It sounds absolutely wonderful, especially the branch tree. Yes I love the pot plant idea the best too, although as I said, we do drag 'old branches' down every now and then.
The lights thing is another issue with me at the mo., because although I too have some ancient electrical lights, I am now aware of the cost in running them. I agree that initially the waste might be horrendous in throwing them out and buying new solar powered ones, but ultimately - over the coming years - the whole planet gets to benefit and surely the savings of that, outweight the initial losses of switching to something renewable... better?
.. what do you think?
Lilla ...
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I was wondering the same thing about lights, I might look at the type you mentioned as I haven't seen them yet. I only have a row of lights, nothing outrageous but I guess it all adds up.
Rich and I are running away for Christmas, not because we don't like it but because we found a deal that was cheap and it will be nice to have a quiet day together. Our Christmas days are usually jam-packed and painful for me and my family (after my sister's death). I feel weird/guilty about going but at the same time, Rich had to take mandatory leave from work and it will be good for me to stop trying to fill that gap from my sister. So we will have a celebration a few days before we leave and that should be great. Sometimes, it all just gets so complicated doesn't it?
Sorrry, I seem to have told you my life story.
Trace xx
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I'm not so sure about that, a roast dinner (if nicely made) is celebration enough...yummo...admittedly, it gets harder with young children around... and, luckily, they grow up just as quickly.
I guess soon they'll have their own plans for Christmas.. *woo hoo* but I note some truth in your statement, that we should celebrate goodwill all year, unless it's a matter of religion?
I hope it's merry for you with or without an eco-friendly tree, I'm sure the meal will be.
Lilla ...
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...running away sounds like the best thing you can do and I have only one question... can I come along too, I'll split as soon as we get there and won't be in your way, honest?
/seriously/ I am glad you could tell me and feel that if you're unencumbered by children, and do not have to be where all the memories and extended family are, then going somehwere else - just the two of you - is perhaps the best medicine for renewing hope and faith.
The mandatory holiday sounds like a nudge from spirit to me, as does the 'special' deal... and a chance for some great healing to start.
I wish you both a very merry one ...
Lilla ...
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Not only growing - but thriviing.
Tough part each year was getting a friend to organise the cherry picker to put the star on top.
MNG
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I agree about not going out into the woods and randomly cutting down a tree - that's totally not environmentally friendly. But what about tree farms that plant and grow trees specifically for the Christmas tree market? They are growing trees much closer/denser than can be grown in nature in areas that didn't have much growing there before they were converted into tree farms.
North Carolina currently grows 18% of the trees used in the United States Christmas tree market. North Carolina has over 1,500 Christmas Tree growers, with approximately 42 million trees growing on over 30,000 acres. That's a lot of oxygen!!! Yes, it does take up to 10 years to grow a tree to commercial height but the tree farms aren't clear cutting the trees. They have trees of various ages all over their property producing tons of oxygen. And as soon as an area is harvested it is immediately replanted with sapplings to start the process all over again.
We were just on vacation in Western North Carolina this past summer. There was an area just before Marion, NC that is where tons of Christmas tree farms are located. Every available piece of land had trees of various ages growing on it. Even the mobile homes had trees growing around them. Each tree nursery we saw had areas where they had tons of sapplings growing in pots ready to be transplanted to wherever they were needed.
But I'm still going to keep using my fake tree and keep the real ones planted in the ground. We bought land in North Carolina 2 years ago - if we ever decide to build on it (4 1/2 acres) we are going to carefully clear the land so there is just enough room to build our house. There are many pine trees on the property that are beautiful and we don't want to disturb any of them.
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You’re right, this holiday just seemed to fall into our laps. I agree, I think the change will help with healing, even though it’s been 8 years, there’s still much pain. anniversaries, Christmas etc can be hard.
It will also be good to have the time alone as my husband works really log hours!
So we are toddling off and I’m looking forward to it,
Thanks for your wishes,
Tracy
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*lol* thanks for that image ...
Lilla ...
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Nice to meet you, welcome.
I agree growing these trees is absolutely fabulous as pine needles also generate a nigh degree of negative ions (about 400,000 per sq. inch in a pine forest, about 400 per sq. inch in a city)…
The problem lies in the cutting down part each year. When 35 million trees are cut, they release all their stored CO2 back into the atmosphere. This doubles the original amount that wouldn’t have existed if they didn’t … and that's without mentioning the pain felt by the planet in the subtle bodies, either. You will know how we all share that…
To me it is just another obtuse tradition built on consumerism, which no longer bears resemblance to the original sentiment, but more a case of being rich enough to keep up with the Jones’… not the spirit at all.
I remember reading about these people that built a new house after chopping down all the trees. They did not replant as they concreted and astro-turfed everything. Their Karma was awful and the children were always sick, he lost his job and she had the worst time each month. It was a last straw effort, Feng Shui consultant, who suggested that they start planting eight trees for every one they had chopped down, if they wanted to improve their ‘luck.’ Especially things like Honeysuckle around the front door to stop the children’s fevers and orange/mandarine trees to bring "money luck" into the house again.…and you know it really worked too.
I mention it because of your plans for your property, and I know, you are sure to have many wonderful days throughout your life as a result of them. It sounds idyllic … my favourite kind of plan and I wish you every success.
Thanks for stopping by,
Lilla …
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Oh I am still in mourning for you too … as I said, I feel this kind of loss so keenly – so crazy, as much as a human loss - if that’s possible - it’s no less to me… and I agree, that watching a tree (plant) die is the next worst thing...especially when you can get Pine incense these days.
I love the smell of it and also found some oil that is called “White Christmas.” It is lovely and I wear it sometimes as perfume *chuckle* (don’t worry my husband and children are all well used to me by now)
What do you use these days since you stopped getting ‘cut’ ones?
Lilla …
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Well done post! Every year I decorate a potted plant (very Charlie Brown's Christmas). I keep Christmas decorating very simple. I have a few precious hand me down items that mean a lot to me. I abhor the amount of decorations that are thrown away every year.
Friend you have outdone yourself!
Mis
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Thank you for the lovely compliment Miss, always so very encouraging.
I am with you all the way here. My favourite two pieces being two white doves of peace made out of polystirene covered with real white feathers. Their little red feet are wires that attach to the branches and they come out regardless of wether the tree (old branches) does, or not.
I have two glass angels too that are out all year... why not, I'm sure good will is welcome in heaven, anytime
I Hope yours is extra special... it would be lovely to see snow again at Christmas, I must plan a trip... does it snow in Texas in December. (excuse my ignorance).
Lilla ...
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Not technically, no... because 35 million (healthy) cut trees, release all the stored CO2 for those years and more... stale mate.
The ground could have grown food for eating,(like corn) which would have soaked up as much CO2 and because it is mature when harvested, releases less CO2.
win-win.
Lilla ...
Ars Poetica
One bored afternoon........
.......my daughter got inspired, and decided the place needed some decorations, so she made a looong paper chain, two paper lanterns (remember those?), two paper spirals (one decorated with gold stars). Everything is white except for the gold stars. Now they are all hanging in my wee dining room, sharing their white love with little winks of gold when a breeze catches the spiral. She also made four snowflakes for the window. I'm still finding little snippets of paper... better that than tinsel.
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It sounds absolutely wonderful... oh those laterns... wow, I can remember making them myself when I was a youngen...
I have a magical picture in my head Lily and it looks lovely... I hope it ends up being a very special Christmas for you all this year.
I have not been well, (tummy virus) .. please excuse lack of enthusiasm...but I am a bit Bah Humbug atm, having just got back from grocery shopping too ... phew, that makes 835 since I was married. *laughs* God help me.
Lilla ...
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Thanks for your thoughts, but you may be missing the point. It takes seven years for a tree to reach it's full 'breathing' capacity ... that is, to have the ability to convert CO2 into oxygen. Short of that it is not doing much other than storing CO2. This stored CO2 is all released when it is cut down, so the Christmas Tree Farms do absolutely nothing to help the environment at all, savvy... in fact they detract from the overall usefullness and management of the earths soil by depleting large areas of earth of valuable nutrients for a ridiculous 'fashion' industry.
I would think growing food crops would be better, at least on rotation of one in five years?
Lilla ...