By Charmaine Peters
If you celebrate Christmas, chances are the Christmas tree is the main centerpiece that adds warmth and holiday flair to your home. And you’re not alone. More than 21 million live trees and upward of 12 million artificial trees will be purchased by U.S. households this Christmas season.
That’s a lot of trees.
After the holiday, the artificial ones will likely be tucked away and re-used next year. Some data suggests the average fake tree experiences 7 to 20 real Christmas seasons. A live tree, on the other hand, tends to meet its demise curbside, just a few days after the twinkling lights and decorations come down. It’s hard to say which is the better environmental choice. Some of the live trees get recycled, but most commonly they are carted away and it’s unclear what happens next. Perhaps in the spirit of Christmas, it’s time to consider some sustainable alternatives to the traditional tree.
Here are four ways to celebrate Christmas that are friendlier for the environment:
Decorate a Plant
Get creative with the plants that you already have at home. Place a tree skirt or decorative fabric around the base of the potted plant. Wrap a string of lights around the pot or the plant and choose LED lights for energy efficiency and safety. Hang small, lightweight, ornaments that won’t hurt the plant. This idea is a great way to decorate your home while keeping things eco-friendly and festive. Plus this way, you can have many trees throughout your home.
Repurpose a Ladder
Grab a ladder, or a step stool, that you’d typically use to get something from a hard to reach place and get creative! First find a safe and stable location in your home that’s clear from heavy foot traffic, such as a corner or against a wall, then, wrap a string of lights around the different steps of your ladder. Drape some garland to give it a more tree-like appearance. If you’re really feeling crafty, string some popcorn for a more nostalgic look. Don’t forget to add your favorite ornaments. You can also place a non-fragile tree topper at the top of the ladder. And, voilà, you have created a festive spot for your Christmas presents!
Make a Christmas Book Tree
If you like to read and have a ton of books at home, it’s time to transform your shelf-bound collection into a festive Christmas centerpiece. Select books of varying sizes, colors, and thicknesses to create an interesting and visually appealing book tree. Lay the largest books on the surface in the shape of a circle and build in – and up – from there. Make sure the spines on the books face outward so you can take advantage of the colorful designs (they’ll also serve as great conversation starters when friends come over). Keep stacking the books until you’re happy with the shape of your “tree.” Add some LED lights and a tree topper to complete the look.
Create a Wall Art Tree
Transform your wall into a festive masterpiece by arranging ornaments, lights, and garlands in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use removable hooks or adhesive clips to securely attach the decorations without damaging your wall. This makes for a stunning visual and is great for smaller living spaces that want to make a big impression.
Whether you choose plants or books or something else, there are many eco-friendly ways we can bring the Christmas spirit into our homes. This year, let us spread the spirit of sustainability and ensure a greener, more eco-conscious, holiday for all!