Buying a real cut Christmas tree might not be as green as you think!

Having always thought that the most eco friendly option was to buy a real cut Christmas tree I was astonished to discover that this may not be the case. Even if you recycle your tree after Christmas through a tree recycling scheme this can still leave a rather big carbon footprint.

Naturally we would assume that by buying an artificial tree we would not be doing the planet a favour taking into account the manufacturing process, the distance it has to travel to reach our shops (many are manufactured in China) not to mention the disposal of the tree once you come to replace it.

It may be of surprise for you to know that if you keep your artificial tree for more that 10 years this is less of an effect on the environment that buying a real cut tree each year!!

So if you are serious about the effect your Christmas tree might be having on the environment what do you do? Do you have a tree or not? If you live in the Dorset area you may not be faced with this dilemma any longer! How about renting a tree??

For the last couple of years a company in Dorset have been renting out Christmas trees to the public. This means taking the tree back after Christmas and replanting the tree. You can even request the same tree the following year!!

I think that this is a marvelous idea and one that I very much hope will catch on.

Trees For Rent Home

The thing about Christmas trees though is that they are an excellent source of renewable energy when they are finished with and a pile of dried sticks. The trees are used as biomass in an incinerator to produce clean energy. One of the biggest plants is at Drax power station which will produce 15% UKs renewable energy

Drax and biomass

So this year at least I can look at my lovely real Christmas tree with a clear green conscience!

you have to have a real Christmas tree.. There should really be no debate. Having a fake tree is like having your room decorated the same every year..

For all those looking for a vacuum to suck up all those pine needles....

Here you go



Merry Christmas

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Hi Katie, my problem was more to do with what to do with my real tree after xmas! The idea in Dorset sounds great. Would be good to see more UK based next year. And may help to combat the issue of old trees lying on sides of roads or on pavements like i have seen the past few weeks.

My flat is too cramped to get a big tree, real or otherwise, hence I decided not to put one last Christmas or previous Holidays for that matter. lol!

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Hi Green goddess where I live they offer a tree recycling scheme! I just had to call my local council with my address and leave my tree in the front garden then they come and pick it up about a week later!

Shiela I am horrified that you didn't get a tree, I couldnt possibly get through Christmas without the biggest tree possible! (we have to move the furniture and snip the branches so we can see the tv!) Although I do hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas tree or no tree!!