Without fail, we all get asked the same two questions about Christmas trees:
“What tree are you going for?”
“When do you put your tree up?”
Whatever camp you sit in – here are some tips to make your Christmas tree a little bit greener.
Why not buck the trend and make your own Christmas tree? There are things you can use around the house and turn into a Christmas tree. Here are some of our favourites.
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A real tree has a significantly lower carbon footprint than an artificial tree. If you want to lower your carbon footprint even more, choose one that is locally grown or pick one up from your local garden centre to reduce your car miles.
You can get real trees complete with a pot from garden centres, so you can replant it in your garden – this is a great option if you want a real tree but don’t want to splurge out on one every year or if you don’t have the storage space for an artificial one. Ask at your local garden centre to see what they have available. Some may even offer a rental service.
The good thing about a plastic Christmas tree is that you can reuse it year after year. Some artificial trees are made out of recycled plastic too. However, you would need to use it for around 10 years for its environmental impact to be lower than real trees (Carbon Trust.com). If it’s in good condition but you don’t need it anymore, donate it to your local charity shop.
If it’s seen better days, take it your local Recycling Centre. Even though plastic trees can’t be recycled, they don’t go to landfill, they will be used to make electricity.
If you are opting for a real tree, recycle it! Your tree will be turned into compost which could be used to grow next year’s Christmas trees! You can either take it to your Recycling Centre or chop it up and put in your food and garden waste bin. You can also arrange a collection through JustHelping who provide a Christmas tree collection service in partnership with hospices and charities.
Please share your Christmas tree pics with @recycle4gm on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
C’mon Greater Manchester, it’s time to get #InTheLoopGM ♾️ Liz has been doing her bit for years. Every time she recycles a steel can, she knows it’ll be back in someone’s hands in no time Get in the loop - youtube.com/watch?v=7chq4I… pic.twitter.com/u1uzBd3LOX
