Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees That Support Sustainability: 6 Options

There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree. Buying and decorating a real tree is a cherished holiday tradition passed down through generations for many families. Real Christmas trees emit a delightful pine scent that fills your home with the classic holiday aroma, adding to the holiday spirit. For those who had a real tree every year growing up, the sight and smell of one evokes nostalgia and great memories. Buying a real Christmas tree also supports local businesses and farmers, contributing to the local economy.

But for environmentally conscious people, choosing an eco-friendly Christmas tree is an option. For many people, making eco-friendly choices aligns with their values and beliefs. Eco-friendly trees offer numerous benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and your carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, and protecting wildlife habitats. Put another way, choosing an eco-friendly tree is a way to celebrate the holiday season responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future.  

Here are six eco-friendly options for this Christmas season:

1. Live Potted Trees: Choose a small, potted tree that you can plant outdoors after the holidays. This sustainable option adds greenery to your home and supports local nurseries.
2. Artificial Trees: A high-quality artificial tree can be reused for many years, reducing waste from disposable trees. Look for trees made from recycled materials or eco-friendly plastics.
3. Recycled Trees: Some companies offer Christmas trees made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or cardboard. These trees are a unique and sustainable option.
4. Rented Trees: Renting a real Christmas tree is a great way to enjoy the beauty of a natural tree without contributing to deforestation. After the holidays, the tree is returned to the farm to be replanted.
5. Houseplants: Decorate a small houseplant, such as a Norfolk Island pine or a rosemary bush, with lights and ornaments for a festive, sustainable centerpiece.
6. Minimalist Trees: To reduce your environmental impact, look for a smaller tree or a tree with fewer decorations. Focus on quality over quantity and choose sustainable decorations.

Many eco-friendly options, like live trees and recycled artificial trees, can be easily recycled or composted. In some communities, recycling programs for real Christmas trees often support community projects and charities.

Tips on Picking a Real Christmas Tree

For those of you who must have a real Christmas Tree, we’ve provided nine tips on buying one. Keep the following tips in mind, and you’ll come home with the best tree for you and your family:

1. Measure the space first. Before going shopping, measure the area where you will put the tree. That way, you won’t buy a tree that’s too big or too small.
2. Look for a fresh tree. You want a tree with fresh green needles firmly attached to the tree and has a pleasant piney smell.
3. Shake the tree. If too many needles fall off, the tree is too dry to buy.
4. Bend the branches. They should be flexible yet firm. The branches shouldn’t snap easily, either.
5. Look for a tree with a strong central leader. It’s the main vertical branch that runs up the tree’s center. You want it to be straight and strong.
6. Inspect the trunk for damage. The trunk should be straight and free of cracks and splits.
7. Cut the bottom of the tree. Ask the salesperson to cut the bottom of the tree before you leave. Cutting the bottom helps the tree take up water.
8. Place the tree in a stand filled with water. Keep the water level constant while you have the tree, and check it daily.
9. Place the tree in a safe location. Keep it away from heat sources in your house, like fireplaces and radiators, to prevent it from drying out too soon.

Keep these tips in mind when buying your Christmas tree. They’ll help you find the perfect tree for you. Ultimately, the best tree is the one that you like the best.

Top Christmas Tree Farms

For places to buy a freshly cut Christmas tree, check out the Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association (RICTGA). It is an association of growers and retailers interested in promoting the Christmas Tree Industry. It lists Christmas tree growers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

You can also visit retail stores like Home Depot, Walmart, and Target. They also sell Christmas trees and carry a wide selection of artificial ones in various sizes and styles, making them a convenient option for those who prefer a prelit or hassle-free tree.

Enjoy the holidays!