| Ten Alternatives to Cutting Down a Tree for | | | | those trees that cause a great deal of damage to |
| Christmas | | | | the environment through pollution, chemicals and |
| First, congratulations. | | | | waste. |
| As someone who is considering an alternative to | | | | So when we recommend an artificial tree in this |
| the 'cut' Christmas Tree, I salute you for having a | | | | list, it's only carefully. And here's an example of a |
| mind that is open to creative possibilities! | | | | fake tree that passes muster, and is really rather |
| Here are Ten Alternatives to Cut Christmas | | | | elegant too. Reusable forever, this is a fabulous |
| Trees, with some direct links to for each option | | | | tree to pass down from generation to generation |
| whenever possible. I hope you enjoy creating a | | | | as you solidify yourself as a 'No Cut Tree' family. |
| new tradition and welcome you to the special | | | | Set the lights on a timer and way you go. This is |
| group of folks choosing against a cut tree. | | | | also a sharp tree for business offices that often |
| 1. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try a living | | | | go the PVC tree route. All you office managers, |
| tree, in a pot. | | | | stop! Before you commit to one of the plastic |
| A living tree isn't thrown out after Christmas, and | | | | trees, see if you can do better for the air quality |
| can continue to oxygenate your surroundings | | | | of the office. Your staff will thank you... |
| making your air quality better. If you choose to | | | | Available in specialty Christmas stores, and at this |
| plant your living tree outdoors in your yard or | | | | link: |
| garden after Christmas, you've now added value | | | | 7. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try a bonsai |
| to your property and beautified your surroundings. | | | | or miniature evergreen tree. |
| More on how planting a live tree helps the planet | | | | Especially if your space is limited, or you just |
| at this link: | | | | adore small, miniature evergreen trees are a |
| Your local garden store or nursery is a good first | | | | readily available alternative to cut Christmas trees. |
| try for locating a living Christmas tree in a pot. Or, | | | | They last a long time, and again, because they |
| try these links for more possibilities. | | | | are living trees, using them or Christmas will help |
| 2. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try designating | | | | the planet immensely. Remember, a cut tree is a |
| an existing outdoor tree as your Christmas tree. | | | | dead tree! |
| Perhaps you have a lovely tall evergreen in your | | | | Visit online retailer Red Envelope for more |
| front or back yard. Choose one and give it some | | | | information about the Mini Cypress Tree or |
| energy efficient lights set to a timer, and let your | | | | Rosemary Tree |
| Christmas tree shine in to your living room. Your | | | | 8. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, sponsor the |
| hardier ornaments and even popcorn garland also | | | | planting of 15 or more live trees in a damaged |
| work nicely outdoors...and attract birds too. | | | | ecosystem. |
| 3. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try an | | | | Those of you who read the regular issue of Joy |
| inflatable Christmas tree. | | | | to the Planet (88 ways to enjoy life AND help the |
| Inflatable trees are reusable and a treat to put | | | | planet) know I am a big fan of planting trees. And |
| away after Christmas, since they collapse into the | | | | doing so for Christmas is a truly perfect choice. In |
| size of a small bag once the air is released. With | | | | the face of the millions of trees that are cut |
| the potential for many decades of use, the | | | | down for Christmas, PLANTING 15 or more, for |
| inflatable tree can be used indoors and out, and | | | | US$15, is a bold and brilliant statement worthy of |
| inflates with a simple pump. No watering, and kids | | | | celebrating. |
| love these! | | | | The non-profit organization American Forests |
| Inflatable tree options are increasing, so check | | | | makes it simple and easy to do. Just click the link |
| with your local Christmas store for details. | | | | and consider hanging a Christmas wreath beside |
| Otherwise, these links may prove useful: | | | | the certificate they send you as thanks. |
| 4. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, make your | | | | 9. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, decorate a |
| own tree. | | | | completely different kind of household tree or |
| Making your own Christmas tree can become a | | | | plant. |
| great tradition especially if you get the whole | | | | In Hawaii, the Christmas tree of choice is actually |
| family in on the fun. What recycled material will | | | | the Palm tree, and the family at this link chose to |
| you use this year? When you succeed in building | | | | honor their banana tree with ornaments this year. |
| an especially great tree, you can keep it and | | | | (Thanks go to Tom Elliot's Alternative Energy |
| reuse. | | | | Information Centre for the photo and inspiration.) |
| The only rule here is: use your imagination. How | | | | What living room plant or tree can you dress up? |
| about a beautiful clear tree made from used | | | | 10. Instead of a cut Christmas tree in your house, |
| water bottles, or a wooden tree from scrap | | | | stop and make a point of enjoying all the |
| lumber? Empty egg cartons, old computer parts, | | | | Christmas trees that are already out there. |
| any kind of "junk" in your blue recycling bin can be | | | | Have you ever stopped and noticed how many |
| made into a cool andunique "tree." Talk about your | | | | Christmas trees - artificial, cut, potted, inflatable, |
| true meaning of Christmas! | | | | outdoor, what have you - you walk by every |
| 5. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, use a | | | | December? Last time I was out, I counted more |
| Christmas tree wall hanging. | | | | than thirty! |
| Christmas tree wall hangings are a new, and | | | | So this year, instead of cutting down a Christmas |
| awesome alternative to cut trees. Simple to hang | | | | tree for your own private viewing, why not take |
| and ultra slick to store, these are works of art | | | | a moment and enjoy the many trees that have |
| that can even sometimes be lit. Have a look at | | | | been decorated with care out there? Whether it |
| the sample photo and click the link to find the only | | | | be at the mall, on the Christmas television special, |
| source - so far - that I know of. If anyone else | | | | in magazines, the Internet, or the one in your |
| knows of another supplier, be sure to write me! | | | | friend's living room (until next year, when you |
| This is another super choice if your Christmas | | | | convince her not to get one!). There's plenty of |
| involves kids. | | | | tree to enjoy for all of us. |
| And oh yes, there's always the option of making | | | | Merry tree-free Christmas! |
| your own Christmas tree wall hanging, if you're | | | | Best regards, |
| handy with a needle. Try this link to a pattern and | | | | Andrea |
| some advice... | | | | Andrea To sign up for Joy to the Planet, the |
| The tree shown at is small and perfect for small | | | | ezine that shows you how to enjoy life AND help |
| spaces. A full size tree is also possible by altering | | | | the planet, just visit for more information. It's fun, |
| the dimensions of the pattern. | | | | and free! |
| 6. Instead of a cut Christmas Tree, try a | | | | Note: Although we have carefully researched the |
| (non-plastic) artificial tree. | | | | various links above, we cannot guarantee the |
| Your typical artificial Christmas tree (found by the | | | | quality or availability of products purchased from |
| dozen in stores all over during the Christmas | | | | other companies. Please inquire directly with the |
| season) is made from PVC or plastic based | | | | respective online companies for pricing, warranty, |
| materials and are actually NOT a good alternative | | | | and other detail. Thank you! |
| to the cut Christmas tree. Unfortunately this is | | | | ©2003 Andrea Lee. All rights reserved. |
| because of poor manufacturing processes of | | | | Questions? |