Eco-Christmas: The Tree

Decorating is one of the most fun parts of getting ready for the holidays in my opinion.  The way things look different at this time if year is part of the magic of Christmas.  Of course, the focus in Christmas decorating is often the tree.

Real or fake is the age old question.  Here are some comparisons from the National Christmas Tree Association.

Real Trees
-grown in your own country
-from farms - supporting ecosystems
-100% biodegradable plant tissue
-PVC and lead free
-carbon neutral - trees absorb carbon dioxide
-no chemicals
-renewable resource - new trees are planted every year
-"recycled" through decomposing and adding nutrients back into the earth

Artificial Trees
-majority come from China
-from factories - raw materials used, natural resources consumed, long distance transportation
-made of non-biodegradable plastics and metals
-contain PVC and lead
-not carbon neutral - plastic is a petroleum byproduct
-contain chemicals - PVC is dangerous
-not a renewable resource - petroleum and metals
-end up in landfills and will not decompose

 
Real trees are the clear winners here in the eco-friendly category.  There are other aspects to consider as well though, so I know real isn't always the easiest choice for some families, lifestyles, or situations.

I am really excited about the choice Brad and I made this year which a completely different alternative.  We got this idea from our friends who bought a Charlie Brown looking tree in a pot.  They keep it outside, bring it in for Christmas, and then have plans to plant it after the holidays.  This way they are giving back to the earth instead of taking from it.

We decided to buy a potted tree as well, though ours is a lemon cypress tree. (No needles to clean up!)  Lemon cypress are natively from a plant hardiness zone which is warmer than ours, so we can keep it indoors all through the cold months and will take it outdoors when it gets warm.  Our tree is currently 5 feet tall and will grow about 3-4 inches each year.  We plan to keep it for many years as a house plant most of the year and then our Christmas tree during the holidays.

Oh, you can see the nativity scene I am working on making in the background.

Because it is so young and fragile, we strung popcorn and made light homemade ornaments to hang from it along with some small wicker ones I had been given.  I also made a simple felt star for the topper.  I am really happy with how it turned out.  I think it's so cute.

Just for fun, I thought I'd share a few of our favourite Christmas songs as well since that's all I have been listening to these days, especially while I write my blog posts.  Check 'em out.

I Celebrate the Day - Relient K
Born is the King (It's Christmas) - Hillsong
Jingle Bells - Michael Buble
Joseph's Lullaby - MercyMe
Sleigh Ride - Carpenters

Do you have a real or artificial Christmas tree?
and
What are your favourite Christmas songs?