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Festive Crafts | Festive Foods | Winter Solstice | Article - Make The Holiday What You Want Them To Mean

As the Christmas season approaches and tree lots spring up, the choice of trees seems astounding. Is it better to go with a real tree or an artificial one and what should a person look for if buying a real tree? And while the idyllic dream of snow shoeing into the woods to chop down the perfect family tree lingers in the back of some minds, there are few places left that look favourably on that kind of thing (though some areas will allow you to pick out and chop down your own tree – check local listings for how to obtain permits).

So what is a modern, ecologically conscious family to do? Well, comparing the options and making an informed decision is definitely the most aware thing to do.

Artificial Tree Real Tree No Tree Recycling Christmas Trees Bird Trees

Option 1:

Use an artificial tree:

If you have one already tucked away in the basement or storage shed that you like, this seems like a fine way to go. If you don’t have one, but desire the convenience of one, ask around and see if anyone you know has one they won’t be using or check garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores for one. You’ll save money and the re-use option is always a better ecological choice.

Benefits

• The artificial tree is convenient: you won’t need to water it, thereby saving on water consumption and it won’t have needles that constantly need to be swept or vacuumed (saving energy if you’ll have to vacuum them).
• An artificial tree can be used for years and years and years with very little wear and tear (assuming it is stored properly and handled with a bit of care as it ages)

Disadvantages:

• An artificial tree is just that: artificial. It won’t provide that lovely piney scent (though this can be remedied by using an essential oil in the house to achieve a similar effect – we suggest Balsam Fir or Pine) and it won’t have the feel or energy of a real tree.
• Artificial trees are not recyclable. While they can be re-used for many years, in the end they will end up in a landfill.
• Artificial trees are manufactured with plastics and dyes – not materials that are generally made with a beneficial impact on the environment

Option 2:

Purchase a real, cut tree:

Even if it’s not a hike into the woods to pick it out, it can be a lot of fun choosing the perfect tree for your family. If you do use a real tree, be sure to cut at least an inch off the bottom just before placing it in the tree stand and adding water. This will remove the sap barrier and help the tree absorb water. Keep your real tree away from all flame (including candles) and keep it well watered.

Benefits (from www.care2.com):

• Christmas tree farms provide oxygen to the earth – one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support 18 people
• Tree farms are often planted where few other plants will survive and they increase the soil stability as they grow
• The tree farms provide habitat for birds and various other wildlife
• For each tree cut on the farms, 2-3 seedlings are planted
• Christmas trees can be recycled ( check back at the end of December for ideas on recycling) and, as a natural material, will easily be incorporated back into the environment if handled properly (i.e. not thrown into a landfill or burned)

Disadvantages:

• Trees may have to be shipped long distances (ask how far they have been shipped and choose a lot that is from locally farmed trees to cut down on the transportation costs to the environment)
• Tree farms sometimes use pesticides

Option 3:

Go without a tree

If you choose not to put up a tree at all, but want to decorate, try decorating an outdoor tree with bird-edible items (see below for ideas), or try decorating an indoor houseplant festively. Of course, there are many other ways to decorate with materials you have on hand, too – you’ll just need to think outside the box (or tree in this case).

Of course this is very ecologically sound, as no new resources are required to create a holiday atmosphere and you are choosing the reduce option (as opposed to re-use or recycle). However, if you are used to a tree and really want one, it may just feel like deprivation rather than ecological consideration to do without and that’s not a win-win situation.

Option 4:

Buy a live tree and re-plant it in the spring.

Check local nurseries to purchase a live tree. Be sure to check what type of evergreen will thrive in your area, what they will need in the time before they can be planted in the spring, and what they will require while in the house.



Christmas tree farms provide wonderful habitats for wildlife and birds and a great amount of oxygen to the atmosphere. They often help establish better soil in areas in desperate need and usually 2-3 seedlings are planted for each tree that is cut down. But when Christmas is over, what do you do with that tree? Be sure to remove any plastic decorations and tinsel and try one of the following ideas to maximize the tree’s contribution to the earth.

1. Bird Shelter – donate your tree to the birds in your yard. Many Christmas trees will stay relatively fresh and green in a cool outdoor climate and will look pretty in your winter garden. You can decorate it (see below) for the birds and provide them food at the same time. Of course, if you start to feed them, be sure to keep it up throughout the winter as they will likely come to depend on your tree as a food source.
2. Mulch – have your tree chipped and use it as mulch in flower beds or your garden. You can even place the whole tree over top of your garden as a winter mulch (though you may want to tie it down to keep it from blowing away in a winter storm).
3. Donate it to local agencies: many cities and towns have drop-off spots for Christmas trees. They may turn your tree into mulch for city parks or use it in the local zoo enclosures for the animals. Check your newspaper to see if your city has a recycled tree program.

Christmas for our feathered friends

This is a great activity to share the abundance of the season with outdoor critters.

Materials:

Cotton string
Needle
Cranberries
Popcorn
Pinecones
Peanut Butter
Birdseed

To make garland for your outdoor tree, string cranberries and popcorn on the cotton string and loop it in around your outdoor tree.

To make ornaments, tie a piece of the cotton string on a pinecone, smear it with peanut butter and roll it in bird seed. Hang your ornaments from your outdoor tree.

A feast fit for the feathered friends is a fun way to extend the season outside.

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