So which is the most sustainable Christmas tree? The real one, the plastic one or simply no Christmas tree at all? We have investigated.
Christmas is just around the corner, and with it the anticipation of the festivities - including the decoration of the house. The Christmas tree is a central part of this. But here, too, many people are increasingly asking themselves: how do I combine tradition with the new need for sustainability? Is there even such a thing as a sustainable Christmas tree?
Sustainable Christmas tree: what's wrong with the real tree
The traditional fir tree that we decorate for the festive season is a consumer good like many others. Real Christmas trees are grown in plantations, i.e. extensive monocultures. The young trees grow for several years among their "peers". Once they have reached the desired size, they are cut down, sold, decorated - and disposed of again after a few days. In view of the threat to forests worldwide, this is a practice that seems increasingly questionable.
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Sustainable Christmas tree: the alternatives
If you don't want to fall back on a short-lived and then "used up" tree, you have other options. Probably the most sustainable: bouquets or arrangements made from fir branches or other softwoods, which can be taken from the forest floor without damage. Of course, this is a far cry from the classic tree, but it is worth it for the environment and the conservation of resources.
Sustainable Christmas tree: simply rent
It can also be a whole tree - but with roots. It is now possible to rent sustainable Christmas trees. These are then called "living Christmas trees". You can get a Normann fir from 39 francs. But you can't keep them in your warm room forever. The sustainable Christmas tree for rent is gladly out in the cold again after about 7 days. You also have to water it, otherwise you won't have a proud Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. In this sense, this option is also not climate-neutral in terms of transportation and water consumption.
Sustainable Christmas tree: made of plastic and with a design
Plastic trees are also a possible alternative. However, depending on the source , these are only considered sustainable if they are used for a long time. Some articles speak of up to 16 to 17 years. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether they really want to use the same plastic tree for that long. There are also artificial trees made from wood, stainless steel or wrought iron . Whether these are suitable as a sustainable Christmas tree must be assessed in each case with regard to the place of manufacture, transportation and material.
Sustainable Christmas tree: there is still a trade-off
Now it's time for you to weigh up what meets your needs and for what and how long you need your sustainable Christmas tree. Those of us who are not really attached to the Christmas tree can do without it altogether for the sake of nature and make a small alternative from found branches. For those who don't want to give up the beloved tradition completely, there are a variety of alternatives, all of which have their justification and can be quite sustainable if handled correctly.
