Overall it is estimated that the UK generates around 30% more waste over the festive period. Family traditions and get togethers, all the extra, fancy food, gifts and wrapping - and of course the centre piece of it all...the traditional Christmas tree. It's no wonder that its one of the hardest times to think about living sustainably.
We popped along to our local Christmas Tree Farm to speak to Russell Parkins who is a grower and seller of Christmas trees. We asked Russell lots of festive questions including what challenges his industry faces when it comes to being more sustainable, how long it takes to grow a Christmas tree and the all important question - it is better to get a real tree or a fake one?
How long does it take to grow a real Christmas tree?
We were really surprised at how long it takes to grow a Christmas tree! It takes between 8 to 10 years (weather dependent) to grow a 6 foot Christmas tree!
Are real Christmas trees better for the environment than fake ones?
As with all sustainability issues there is no one, clear cut answer. If you have a fake Christmas tree and you have a new one every year then this is very bad for the environment because it cannot be recycled. However, if you use your tree for over 10 years then it's carbon footprint will be very low.
The natural life-cycle of a real Christmas tree is very low compared to a fake one. However when you drive to your local Christmas tree farm to collect one every year, this increases the total carbon footprint. Not to anywhere near the levels of replacing a fake tree every year but it does mean that there is carbon associated with your making the purchase. However it is worth bearing in mind the many other benefits to visiting your local Christmas tree farm. Not least supporting a local, independent business.
It is also a special time you can spend with your family, connecting with nature and reminding yourself why it is so important to protect our natural world.
Your tree has been growing for around 10 years! And in that time it has provided a natural habitat for local wildlife.
And of course, for every tree that is cut, at least one (often more) trees are planted in its place.
For Russell, the most important thing is that you have a tree. Just make sure, if it is a fake one, you keep using it for as many years as you can. And if it is a real tree - recycle it appropriately!
What are your top tips to keep your real Christmas Tree fresh for the whole of December?
Top tip number one: When you get your tree home, fill up a kettle and pour boiling water into the bucket / tree stand. The warm water softens any hard sap and allows the trunk to draw up the water easily.
Top tip number 2: Choose carefully where you place your real Christmas tree. Avoid placing it next to a radiator. And also avoid locations where there is a draught. No one like a draught and it will dry your tree out.
Top tip number 3: You can buy your tree in November as long as you stand it in a bucket of (boiling) water and keep it outside. It will happily stay fresh out there until you are ready to bring it inside.
How can I recycle my real Christmas tree?
There are many ways to recycle your real Christmas tree.
Check to see if your local council will take it away. If they do then chop it up and pop it in your brown garden waste bin.
There are many local organisations and charities like the Scouts that will come and collect your tree for a small donation (usually around £5). Just do a quick search for Christmas tree recycling in your area.
You can always take your tree back to your local Christmas Tree farm who will happily chip it and use it for compost
What are the biggest challenges outdoor garden centers and farms face when it comes to being more sustainable?
Russell explained to us that as an industry, one of the biggest challenges farmers and growers face is how to reduce their use of plastics. Being outside all the time, they need materials that are durable and can withstand the elements. One such challenge comes in the form of the netting that a real Christmas trees are wrapped in, allowing you to carry it and transport it easily.
“There have been previous so-called eco-friendly netting products out there for some time.” Russel explains. “But whilst they breakdown, they do so into micro plastics…which as we all know now are just as harmful as solid plastics when discarded. But we have managed to source a plant-based plastic which can be composted, and I’ve just secured enough to cover 100% of our requirements for next season”.
Russell is also keen to encourage his suppliers to reduce their single use plastics. Even the price tags on his trees are all now recyclable.
What do Christmas tree growers do for the rest of the year?
Apparently growing Christmas trees is a full time job from January right through to December! From preparing the soil, planting them, tending to them and pruning them to the perfect Christmas shape. There is more to growing Christmas trees than we thought.
Thank you to Russell and the Dane End Christmas Tree farm for contributing to our video.