As Christmas approaches, many households are looking for ways to reduce waste during the festive season. One area where eco-friendly choices can make a significant impact is in the disposal of Christmas trees. Rather than sending them to landfill, there are several sustainable options available.
Real Christmas trees can be recycled through local council schemes, which often chip them into mulch for use in parks and gardens. Alternatively, trees can be used as wildlife habitats in gardens, providing shelter for birds and insects. Some charities also offer tree collection services for a small donation.
For those with artificial trees, the most sustainable option is to reuse them for as many years as possible. If an artificial tree is no longer needed, consider donating it to a charity shop or selling it online to extend its life.
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, an environmental organisation, encourages people to think about the lifecycle of their tree. “The main thing to becoming more sustainable at Christmas is changing our outlook,” says Jodie McAneaney, the organisation's Live Here Love Here manager. She suggests opting for a potted tree that can be replanted after the holidays.
By making small changes, such as recycling or reusing Christmas trees, households can contribute to reducing the 231 tonnes of waste thrown away in Northern Ireland during the festive season each year. “There are always more environmentally friendly options available if you have to buy something,” adds McAneaney.
