London is tackling the environmental impact of discarded Christmas trees with innovative schemes that are turning festive waste into reusable resources. Every year, an estimated seven million real Christmas trees end up in UK landfills, but a growing movement of businesses and local councils is offering sustainable alternatives.
Renting Living Trees: A Growing Trend
One increasingly popular option is renting a living Christmas tree instead of buying a cut one. Companies like London Christmas Tree Rental provide potted trees that are returned after the holiday season to be grown for reuse the following year. Founder Jonathan Mearns explains the simple process: “Rent, water, return.” Customers can choose from four hubs across London, pick their tree, care for it over the holidays, and then return it to a farm for continued growth. Some customers even get reunited with the same tree year after year, watching it grow slightly taller.
This model appeals to customers seeking eco-friendly options. “I just like the idea, it’s more environmentally friendly,” said one customer to BBC London.
Repurposing Waste: From Trees to Construction Materials
Beyond rental schemes, some companies are finding new uses for discarded trees. The ORNA Group in Peckham converts unwanted trees into construction materials. Co-founder Hugo Knox describes how the idea originated from firsthand experience selling trees: “I saw all of the waste first-hand in the streets of London, and that’s what led to ORNA Group.”
The group chips trees and combines them with natural binders to create new materials, effectively diverting waste from landfills.
The Environmental Impact: Real vs. Artificial
The environmental impact of real trees is significant, but not necessarily worse than artificial ones. The Carbon Trust estimates that a 2-meter real tree sent to landfill can have a carbon footprint of 16kg, compared to 3.5kg for a tree that decomposes naturally. However, an artificial tree used over multiple years can have lower overall emissions.
Most London boroughs already offer recycling programs, and you can find information on your council’s scheme at London Recycles.
In conclusion, London is pioneering sustainable solutions for Christmas tree waste, from rental programs that reuse living trees to repurposing discarded trees into construction materials. These initiatives demonstrate a growing awareness of environmental responsibility and a shift towards more circular approaches to festive traditions.
