December 1st, 2007 · 1 Comment

O, CHRISTMAS TREE
According to most statistics, nearly 30 million Americans buy fresh Christmas trees each year, and though most of those are farmed and others replanted in their place, there is conflicting data as to how many of the trees get recycled. Not to mention that farmers often use pesticides and other chemicals in the growing process. So how about some truly sustainable alternatives?

How about a hardy rosemary bush? Sound silly? Au contraire. Some legends claim that Mary used a rosemary bush to dry the Christ Child’s swaddling clothing when the Holy Family were fleeing to Egypt. Naturally, you’ll want to avoid using lights because of potential fire hazard, but it’s easy to find a nice, chunky potted rosemary bush at your local nursery, then use it to start an herb garden in the new year.

Another thought: Use a large, potted succulent or cactus. Because they are, well, succulent and juicy by nature, these are safer to drape with lights (though all types of Christmas tree should be monitored carefully). And if you’re really feeling creative, buy a bunch of chilies, dry them and string them together in long swags. People in New Mexico and Arizona decorate with ristra wreaths and garlands, year-round.

Then there’s the really funky “feather tree.” Make one yourself by following instructions at Smileyme.com, or buy a kit at Goose Feather Trees, or drop a pretty penny on a designer “feather” tree.

If you want to stick with a good old-fashioned, farm-raised Christmas tree, the National Christmas Tree Association has developed a chart comparing the environmental impact of buying live trees vs. artificial to help you feel better about this choice. The chart shows that live trees are a “local” buy for North American customers compared with artificial trees that are largely made of toxic plastics (polyvinyl chloride) and shipped from China; they are 100 percent biodegradeable and carbon neutral (because they’re living trees before they’re chopped down for Christmas) and, you get the idea.

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