Recently we experimented with a potted Rosemary herb as one of the possible eco-friendly Christmas trees options this year. Straightaway, people are delighted to find a solution to the cultural norm killing gentle, sentient beings like trees. A friend recommended the concept of decorating an outdoor tree. In fact, decorating outdoor trees is how to whole Christmas tree tradition began. People would decorate existing trees outside with candles and popcorn and cranberries for the birds. This is an earth-friendly alternative to cutting tree down. Certainly, the practice brings joy to many around the country.
Native Species Eco-friendly Christmas Trees.
Purchasing native species trees from a local nursery in a pot with roots intact was another suggestion from many colleagues. Local farmers receive support this way. People plant the trees at a later date, so conifer habitat is added to the local ecosystem. Cedar Waxwings need the conifer dominated habitat to live. Buy organically grown trees. Basically, the pesticides used at Christmas tree farms (Round-up and Malathion) are toxic to humans and pets.
Eco-friendly Christmas trees.
If people decide to continue the practice of killing a live tree, Rodale has some suggestions for eco-friendly end results, rather than a simple waste of cellulose tissue. Folks can chip the tree into mulch once the holiday fun ends. People will then add the mulch to garden beds, feeding plants and suppressing weeds.
Wetland Erosion Mitigation.
In Louisiana, conservation groups rally together to re-use Christmas trees by adding them to coastal wetlands and so contribute to erosion mitigation. A similar method is the custom of conservation groups in Illinois. These visionaries augment the nesting habitat of native herons by thoughtful placement of Christmas trees.
Eco-Wreath Construction.
Rodale also suggests, in the same article, a way to acquire branches for wreaths and other decorations that won’t involve cutting branches from native trees that are trying to make a living in our eco-system. The tree nurseries will naturally have LOTS of downed branches, which are available upon request. They smell as lovely as a live tree. Therefore, no intentional violence has been engaged in by the consumer. This creative response may be the best idea for eco-friendly Christmas trees: a more thoughtful use of existing resources.
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