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It's clearer than ever that our consumer choices and daily habits leave lasting impacts on the environment and the delicate ecosystems we rely on. Images of oceans overwhelmed with plastic waste, communities ravaged by natural disasters, and landscapes scorched by extreme heat show the consequences of our actions.
Matt Bertulli, a long-time waste management advocate and CEO of Pela, a sustainability-focused company, states that depending on the materials and sourcing of an artificial Christmas tree, it can be one of the most eco-friendly products. “By purchasing an artificial tree made from sustainable materials, you’re significantly reducing waste and harmful products from entering the environment,” he explains.
Robert Gibson, a professor at the School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo in Canada, emphasized the importance of considering the entire life cycle of products. For artificial trees, this includes the extraction of materials, manufacturing, transportation, usage, storage, recycling, and disposal.
Although artificial trees made in the U.S.A. are quite rare, Gibson’s insight suggests that locally made trees—likely with a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation—are a worthwhile investment if you can find one. Purchasing domestic products can also help mitigate some of the global supply chain issues that have been severely affecting the artificial tree market.
However, the most important factor is the amount of use you get out of the tree.
Fletcher explained, “The purpose of an artificial tree is to be reused year after year, thus sparing a real tree from being chopped down and discarded into a landfill shortly after the season ends. Therefore, the key to its sustainability is using it for as many years as possible.”
Check out some of the more sustainable artificial Christmas trees below for a greener holiday celebration.
1. A cream pampas grass tree
2. A full-branch wood tree crafted from sustainable timber
"There are more sustainable reusable tree options, such as a living tree in a pot or one made from driftwood, decorated branches, or sustainably sourced timber," Fletcher told us.
This unique Christmas tree alternative can be adjusted and designed in an endless number of ways and be taken apart easily for convenient storage. Standing six feet in height, the base and branches are handmade from recycled wood pine, poplar and oak by a carpenter in Pennsylvania.
It comes in either five or six feet and includes the X-base.
Get it from WelcomeToTheWoodshop on Etsy for $308.75+ (originally $325+).
3. An Oncor mixed Alberta fir Christmas tree
4. A pre-lit artificial Dunhill fir from National Tree Company
5. A laser-cut plywood tree that stores completely flat
Another alternative material Christmas tree option that also comes from Etsy is this handmade spiral tree made from laser-cut plywood. It has a slim design, so it can fit into smaller spaces and stands 75 inches tall without any tools required for assembly. The seller is based in Europe and recommends express shipping to the US to avoid any holiday-related delays.
Get it from LukaZajcDesignShop on Etsy for $200.25.
6. An Oncor aspen fir Christmas tree
7. Oncor's slim Parana pine Christmas tree
