SHOULD YOU FAKE IT?

The debate continues: Should you go for a real or fake Christmas tree this year? Which is truly the most eco-friendly option? Having spent much time weighing up the pro’s and con’s of each, I’m happy to report that a real tree is the Greenest choice. The primary reason is because artificial trees are made from vinyl, which is a really eco-icky material. To take a detailed look at why a real tree may be better, visit the National Christmas Tree Association and look at their interesting table of the pro’s and con’s. The very best choice you can make is to go for a “Living Tree”. This is where you buy a tree with its roots intact, so that you can replant it after the holiday. The Living Christmas company will rent you a tree by delivering it to your doorstep and when you’re done, they’ll pick it up and return it to the nursery, and take care of it until next year. You’re basically “adopting” the tree, as you can have the same one year after year and watch it grow. I’ve decided to give this a try and so am waiting for my “elf” to deliver my tree. You get to pick which kind of tree you want, so I’ve gone for a Blue Cypress, as the “elf” told me that it’s the best kind to hang ornaments on – hmmmmm why else would I want a Christmas tree? Anyway, it should arrive shortly in it’s pot and I will take great care of it until it’s taken back to it’s orginal home. Hopefully, I’ll get the same tree back year after year, until it gets too big (after about 7 years,) at which time it’ll be planted in a forest. I’ll totally keep you posted on this little eco-adventure.

If you don’t have a tree rental company in your area, (Living Christmas only operates on the West Coast), consider buying a living tree and check out this informative article from  Hume Seeds about how to take care of it.

http://www.christmastree.org/debate.cfm