Solarpunking Christmas Trees

Can we get that festive feel in a more solarpunky way?

As the holiday season is upon us, you may want the magic a Christmas tree can provide but feel angst about its potential environmental impact. Is there a way to get its special atmosphere while treading lightly on the earth? Can we solarpunk Christmas trees?

Renting Christmas Trees

This innovative solution allows you to enjoy a living tree during the holidays, which is then returned for replanting. In the USA services like Rent-A-Christmas offer this option. In the UK London Christmas Tree Rental allows customers to rent the same pot-grown Norway Spruce year after year.

Potted Christmas Trees

Potted trees with intact roots can be replanted after the holidays. UK-based companies like The Stem and Green Elf Trees offer pot-grown spruces that can be replanted or reused.

Opting for a pot-grown tree offers the flexibility to replant it in your garden after the holidays or keep it in its pot for reuse next year, minimizing waste. Even better, each tree is delivered by an electric van, helping to reduce its carbon footprint.

[Service with a smile IMAGE: Green Elf Trees]

Greener Tree Farms

When purchasing a real tree there are better and worse options. In the UK, The Christmas Forest partners with TreeAid, planting a tree in Africa for every Christmas tree sold. In the USA, the National Christmas Tree Association promotes sustainable farming practices.

DIY and Alternative Trees

For a zero-waste option, consider creating a DIY tree from materials at home. Scalable Designs in the UK offer handmade, wooden Christmas trees as an environmentally friendly alternative. The Naked Larder has a free guide on how to make your own ‘Tree Pod’ from re-usable bamboo poles.

[Pitch your tree for Christmas IMAGE: The Naked Larder]

Housing the pre-loved

If for some reason a plastic artificial tree is necessary you need to use it for at least 12 years to offset the environmental impact of it being made of fossil fuels. Purchasing a second-hand one helps prevent these ending up in landfill. Remember plastic trees aren’t just for Christmas, they’re forever!

What would you like for Christmas?

If Santa were to get you one of these trees which would it be? Do you already use one of these options? What’re your thoughts on solarpunking other Christmas decorations? Let us know in the comments below.

Build solarpunk

[A merry solarpunk Christmas to you IMAGE: Popongo Etsy Store]

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See you in the sunshine,

Alex Holland

Founder, SolarPunk Stories