by Imogen French

Created on: December 13, 2009   Last Updated: December 14, 2009

Christmas is a time for considering others and also the world that we live in, so the environmental impact of our activities at this time of year is an important issue. Christmas trees, however, do tend to be grown especially for the season, so I feel that the environmental impact is really quite minimal.

These trees are grown on large plantations, specifically so they can be felled for use at Christmas. It is well known that trees absorb far more carbon dioxide when in their early years, i.e. when they are growing most rapidly, than do mature trees.

For this reason it is possible that the cultivation and felling of Christmas trees actually has a positive effect on atmospheric CO2, provided they come from a sustainable forestry practice where new trees are planted to replace those that are cut, and also that native forest has not been cut down in order to grow these trees. You can usually check with your supplier where the trees have come from if you want to make sure they have been grown sustainably.

Another alternative, if you prefer not to buy a cut tree, is to buy a rooted tree in a pot. That way you can have the beauty of a natural tree, with that lovely fresh pine scent, and it can also be reused for several years, so long as you look after it. Once it outgrows your home you can plant it in the garden, and then your tree will benefit your local environment too.

Getting rid of the tree after Christmas can be an environmental problem if not tackled properly, but many local authorities now have facilities for disposing of trees, whereby they are shredded and used to make compost or mulch for re-use in parks or domestic flower beds.

If you have access to a shredder you could do this yourself, or perhaps you could chop it up to use in an open fire or solid fuel burner to heat your home.

If you choose to cut down a wild tree, or one that has not been grown sustainably, then throw it out on the rubbish tip to rot down and be of no further use after the festive season, then I have to agree that you are damaging the environment.

However, with a little forethought and consideration, there is no reason why you can't enjoy all the traditions and trimmings of yuletide without any negative impact to our beautiful world.

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