Ever Green

What to do about the tree


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Published: Dec 5, 2007

Despite its color, the Christmas tree is far from a "green" tradition. In fact, you could probably light a small village with the energy used to illuminate the holiday centerpiece you uprooted from Mother Earth. Most artificial trees are made from PVC, the production of which is by no means enviro-friendly, so don't hit Kmart just yet. If you're stumped (oh, the pun was so intended) for alternatives to the conventional evergreen, here are a few ideas ranging from the kitschy to the ridiculous.

1. A growing trend is to get a living tree in a pot and then plant it in your yard once the holidays are over. However, most evergreen trees can't survive long in the warm, more humid temperatures of indoor environments. If you do, keep the tree indoors no longer than a week.

2. The Wagner Companies in Milwaukee, Wis., have manufactured the beloved and unadorned symbol of anti-commercialization: the Festivus pole. While Frank Costanza might be outraged, couldn't we all use a little airing of grievances? Get yours at festivuspoles.com.

3. If you're lazy and want to reverse some of that bad luck with holiday cheer, take a ladder, open it, string lights and ornaments around, call it a day.

4. Depending on your creativity, a Christmas tree wall hanging could be a festive idea. But then your kids will be the kind who only have a picture of a tree at their house. They'll be friends with the kids who water their pet rocks by New Year's. Proceed with caution.

5. In 2005, Sierra Club national secretary Eric Antebi had this to say in regard to alternatives to cutting down trees: Just celebrate Hanukkah. His reasoning was that the use of candles in the menorah is energy-efficient. So, ya know, just change your religion and you're good to go.

6. Finally, if you end up sticking it to the hippies, there are 3,800 locations nationwide that will recycle your Tannenbaum into tree food. Check out earth911.org for a spot near you.