Many will be visiting Christmas tree farms this month
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Buying a potted Christmas tree is the most sustainable option, a London climate organisation has said.
The Carbon Trust says people should also consider how best to dispose of trees at the end of the festive season.
Is there a ‘right’ option?
The Trust based in Blackfriars says “there is no right answer” to what type of tree is the most ecologically efficient.
It says most of the decision will come down to the intentions of the buyer, how long they want the tree for, their plans for reuse and their disposal options.
What type of Christmas tree is more sustainable?
The Carbon Trust says “an artificial tree is only better for reducing emissions than buying a new commercially grown tree every year” if used for 7-20 years.
It says the biggest issue is what the material is derived from such as metals, plastic and even petrol which, depending on their recyclability, means the tree ends up in landfill.
The Trust claims “for real trees, those grown slowly and without fertiliser are preferable to intensively grown options”.
Londoners are urged to look for trees grown locally as it minimises high transport emissions.
Many people are now opting for potted trees as they come with their roots, meaning they can be reused.
According to The Carbon Trust, reusing potted trees “spreads the carbon footprint over multiple years and potentially avoids transport emissions by keeping the tree at the same property”.
There is, however, a difference between a potted tree and one sold in a pot.
Trees sold in pots grow in the ground and are placed in pots last minute. It’s these that are unlikely to live as long.
A new phenomenon of Christmas tree rental has risen over the last couple of years.
Companies across London such as Christmas on the Hill and London Christmas Tree Rental allow the opportunity for Londoners to have a tree delivered to their door.
Once the festive season ends, that same tree can be replanted and used next year. Londoners can even rent the same tree for several years and give it a name!
What is the best way to dispose of the trees?
When it comes to tree disposal, various methods can contribute to a larger carbon footprint.
The Carbon Trust says replanting a potted tree is best as there is no need for disposal. It says chipping is also a good option.
Putting it back into your garden “reduces the carbon footprint by 80%” claims The Carbon Trust.
Burning the tree emits what is already stored within the tree so there is no added carbon into the atmosphere.
If a tree is sent to landfill, it will produce methane during its decomposition. The Carbon Trust claims “methane is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide” inevitably creating a much larger footprint.
Is cutting down Christmas trees deforestation?
If Londoners do choose to buy real Christmas trees, they can do so with the mind that they are not contributing to deforestation.
This is because where Christmas tree nurseries are placed, was never a wooded area. Therefore, by cutting down the Christmas trees when they’re ready, there is no extra loss.
Twickenham Christmas Trees says “when the trees are cut down for Christmas, in their place, more are planted”.
While there may be many options this Christmas and investing in sustainability is never cheap, the gratifying sentiment might just make it worth it.
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HeadlineCarbon Trust claims potted Christmas trees are most sustainable option
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StandfirstWith so many options now available for Londoners, what type of Christmas trees are the most ecologically efficient option?
Buying a potted Christmas tree is the most sustainable option, a London climate organisation has said.
The Carbon Trust says people should also consider how best to dispose of trees at the end of the festive season.
Is there a ‘right’ option?
The Trust based in Blackfriars says “there is no right answer” to what type of tree is the most ecologically efficient.
It says most of the decision will come down to the intentions of the buyer, how long they want the tree for, their plans for reuse and their disposal options.
What type of Christmas tree is more sustainable?
The Carbon Trust says “an artificial tree is only better for reducing emissions than buying a new commercially grown tree every year” if used for 7-20 years.
It says the biggest issue is what the material is derived from such as metals, plastic and even petrol which, depending on their recyclability, means the tree ends up in landfill.
The Trust claims “for real trees, those grown slowly and without fertiliser are preferable to intensively grown options”.
Londoners are urged to look for trees grown locally as it minimises high transport emissions.
Many people are now opting for potted trees as they come with their roots, meaning they can be reused.
According to The Carbon Trust, reusing potted trees “spreads the carbon footprint over multiple years and potentially avoids transport emissions by keeping the tree at the same property”.
There is, however, a difference between a potted tree and one sold in a pot.
Trees sold in pots grow in the ground and are placed in pots last minute. It’s these that are unlikely to live as long.
A new phenomenon of Christmas tree rental has risen over the last couple of years.
Companies across London such as Christmas on the Hill and London Christmas Tree Rental allow the opportunity for Londoners to have a tree delivered to their door.
Once the festive season ends, that same tree can be replanted and used next year. Londoners can even rent the same tree for several years and give it a name!
What is the best way to dispose of the trees?
When it comes to tree disposal, various methods can contribute to a larger carbon footprint.
The Carbon Trust says replanting a potted tree is best as there is no need for disposal. It says chipping is also a good option.
Putting it back into your garden “reduces the carbon footprint by 80%” claims The Carbon Trust.
Burning the tree emits what is already stored within the tree so there is no added carbon into the atmosphere.
If a tree is sent to landfill, it will produce methane during its decomposition. The Carbon Trust claims “methane is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide” inevitably creating a much larger footprint.
Is cutting down Christmas trees deforestation?
If Londoners do choose to buy real Christmas trees, they can do so with the mind that they are not contributing to deforestation.
This is because where Christmas tree nurseries are placed, was never a wooded area. Therefore, by cutting down the Christmas trees when they’re ready, there is no extra loss.
Twickenham Christmas Trees says “when the trees are cut down for Christmas, in their place, more are planted”.
While there may be many options this Christmas and investing in sustainability is never cheap, the gratifying sentiment might just make it worth it.
The Lesnes estate in South London was earmarked for demolition in 2020, and residents say current plans will displace them and price them out of the area.
