Environment
Why old Christmas trees are becoming surprising eco-heroes after the holidays
DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by BBC, click this post to read the original article.
BBCg to change the world just yet,” says Dineen Vanstone. “But we’re working to make our little corner a bit better and doing something that protects future generations.”
As the Christmas season ends, you might notice streets across London lined with discarded real Christmas trees. Every year, around seven million of these trees are thrown away in the UK, mostly ending up in landfills. This not only creates a massive waste issue but also contributes to carbon emissions. Thankfully, new eco-friendly options are emerging to help reduce this waste and give you a more sustainable way to celebrate.
One such option is renting a living Christmas tree. At London Christmas Tree Rental, you can choose a potted tree, take care of it over the holidays, and return it afterward so it can continue growing for future use. You even have the chance to reunite with the same tree the next year. This initiative has become popular, offering hubs across the city for easy pickup and return, and helping many Londoners reduce their festive carbon footprint.
In Peckham, the ORNA Group is taking a different approach by turning used trees into construction materials. Its founders started the project after witnessing how many trees were wasted during the holidays. Their workshop collects trees from homes and businesses, chips them, and mixes the wood with natural binders to produce eco-friendly materials. This process not only gives trees a second life but also showcases how small actions can lead to meaningful environmental change.
The environmental argument is strong—according to the Carbon Trust, a real Christmas tree can emit 3.5kg of carbon dioxide on average, but if it’s sent to landfill, that number jumps to 16kg. Artificial trees may have a lower footprint if used for several years. Most London boroughs now offer tree recycling schemes, and you can check your local council’s services through London Recycles. You have more sustainable options than ever to help make your holiday season greener.
