Every year thousands of Americans have the Christmas tree debate. Is it better to have a real tree or an artificial tree? Some families get a live tree that can be planted after the holidays and that's certainly an eco friendly solution. Not everyone has a place to plant a living tree though and many people think that a real cut Christmas tree is a waste of resources, so they do their decorating with an artificial tree.
The truth is that a real cut Christmas tree is a better choice for the environment. Christmas trees are grown on tree farms and harvested carefully. For every tree that is cut, a new tree is planted. Real trees are biodegradable and most communities have places where Christmas trees can be brought for disposal after the holiday. They use the trees to make mulch and wood chips for gardens and playgrounds.
Artificial trees use non renewable resources like petrochemicals and metal. Although they last more than one year, very few families keep the same tree for more than four years. Artificial trees aren't biodegradable and they end up in landfills. Clearly, real trees are a more environmentally friendly choice for Christmas decorating.
It isn't just the tree that needs to be considered when choosing Christmas decorations. Consider the decorations on the tree. Try to avoid ornaments made from plastic and other materials containing petrochemicals. Chose glass ornaments or ornaments made from natural fibers. You can make your own ornaments by taking three cinnamon sticks, gluing them together and tying then with a brightly colored bow. Eggshells make great ornaments as well. Burnt out light bulbs can be painted and turned into lovely ornaments. Paint the light bulb with a Santa face and put a felt hat over the screw in end.
Christmas decorating can be a great family activity. Everyone can come up with ideas for environmentally friendly ornaments and decorations. If dad is handy, he and the kids can make some wooden ornaments. If he's not so handy, you can purchase wooden ornaments and card board ornaments at craft shops along with paint to decorate them. String popcorn and cranberries like people did many years ago and use the garlands instead of tinsel. The whole family can have fun making eco friendly ornaments and family activities are really what the holiday should be about.
Consider using newspaper or recycled paper for wrapping gifts. Fabric can serve as wrapping too. A gift wrapped in a scarf is really two gifts. Challenge your children to come up with decorations which are natural. Use real real pine greenery and live poinsettias instead of artificial flowers, wreaths and garlands. Make sure your poinsettias come in clay rather than plastic pots.
Eco decorating for Christmas and other holidays is easy and fun. It's a great way for families to spend time together. Your kids will love getting in on the act and finding ways to repurpose discarded items into fun ornaments and decorations. If you don't have kids or grandkids, consider sharing your knowledge with a local school or daycare and spread Christmas cheer and the green message at the same time.