Christmas Trees: Really Green?
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Christmas Trees: Really Green? |
A real tree, an artificial one… or even one with roots? It’s a decision more and more of us our taking time to consider. Information in the press can be confusing and even conflicting. Recently for example Real Christmas trees have received an amount of bad press. Further investigation however seems to link this to Supermarket’s preference of artificial Christmas Trees as after many years of trying, real Christmas Trees were too difficult or unprofitable for them to sell. Real Christmas Trees can, if harvested sustainably, bring positive environmental effects. As well as acting as a carbon sink many plantations are on land that had previously been used for arable or equestrian use. Less fuel is now being used in the transport of trees as they are being grown more often at home rather than being transported across Europe. Most plantations have changed the way they cultivate; for each tree cut most British growers plant at least one new tree, ensuring that production is sustainable. Trees with roots too are a great option as they can be used year in year out, saving money as well as resources. Why not purchase a bay tree or other useful tree that can be kept in a pot all year round? Artificial trees in comparison are non-biodegradable, and their manufacturing process requires large amounts of fossil fuels and occurs in countries that have very few, if any, environmental controls on emissions of noxious gases. The transportation of artificial trees, halfway around the world, also adds significantly to the overall consumption of fossil fuels in their use. Real Christmas Trees a winner? Although a real Christmas Tree may well be the most environmentally friendly option at purchase point, this does of course very much depend on what you do with it after you have enjoyed its company over the festive period. Scary facts
Happy thoughts It’s estimated that nationally, we buy about seven and a half million real Christmas trees each year, and the industry contributes to the many positive aspects of England’s woodlands in that trees absorb the most carbon from the atmosphere when they are young. Recycling it means that your Christmas Tree becomes truly environmentally friendly. What to do with your tree: Household Waste Recycling Centres The Sort it site (www.sort-it.net) run by the Greater Waste Disposal Authority says that you can recycle your Christmas trees this year in the Garden waste containers at your Local Recycling sites. For further information on your local Household Waste Recycling Centre, please call Greater Waste Disposal Authority on 0161 911 3581 or email [email protected] ’s Household waste Recycling Centres are at:
Trafford’s Household waste Recycling Centres are at:
What to do with your tree: Chipping Six of ’s parks will have chipping machines from Sunday 2nd till Sunday 9th of January. Alexandra Park, Boggart Hole Clough, Debdale Park, Fog Lane Park, Heaton Park Horticultural Centre, Wythenshawe Park Horticultural Centre For more information please call Environment On Call on 0161 954 9000 What to do with your tree: Organisations Hulme Community Garden Centre on Old Birley Street in Hulme will accept your tree if you leave it by their back gate (Telephone 0161226 5565) Mersey Valley Warden Service will chip your tree for you at Chorlton Water Park (Telephone 0161 881 5369) For more information on the Woodland Trust scheme visit the website: Woodland trust scheme Don’t forget other green waste can be recycled and composted too! All your festive greenery, holly garlands and even mistletoe can be recycled, just remove all decorations and ensure that there are no nails etc. These can be put in your compost, out in your green waste bin (if you have one) or taken to the household waste centres. If you only have a small amount and you don’t have a compost pile or bin, why not see if a neighbour will put it in theirs for you. Many Christmas decorations have been made in sweat shops in China, why not check where your decorations are coming from; even better why not make your own! Leaflet about Christmas Tree recycling if you would like to publicise recycling (PDF, 163Kb). Christmas Recycling Tips from Sort It covering Ethical Christmas tips from Ethical Consumer
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Action for Sustainable Living, PO Box 382, , M20
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