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So you love the holiday season, but also love the planet? Enjoy the spice of festive spirit in the air, but not lingering carbon emissions? This can be a trying time of year for those who are more sustainably minded, with the holidays increasingly focusing on consumption. A common way in which many people try to minimise their environmental impact over the holidays is through opting for ‘real’ trees rather than plastic trees. In terms of combatting carbon emissions associated with producing devilish plastic, this option makes sense ². But what about such a decision in terms of biodiversity, that other crucial pillar of sustainability that we often overlook?

This article is part of a wider series of news items, made by Green Office staff and volunteers, in anticipation of the holiday season.

Where do our Christmas trees normally come from?

While many conifer trees are indeed endangered by deforestation today, this is not due to the Christmas tree trade. Most fir trees that are cast in this starry seasonal role across the Netherlands are trees which have been specifically grown for the holiday season ^1,5. In Europe, most of our trees come from large-scale farms which first began popping up in the 1980’s ⁴. These farms produce the majority of the 50-60 million trees we cut down and use annually, with our neighbour Germany being one of the major producers ⁵. In such regions as the Hochsauerland these farms cover large parts of the landscape and are characterized by an intensive use of agro-chemicals and intensive modes of production ⁴.

But aren't trees normally a good thing?

“Trees suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and serve as homes to all manner of cuddly critter” I hear you cry! This is of course true. On average, Christmas trees grow for 8 to 10 years before being harvested and standard practice dictates one tree is planted for every one cut down ³. During their lives growing up, fir saplings serve as a cosy habitat for birds and other wildlife ². When trees are felled, their decaying stumps are appetising to all manner of micro-organism who break down and return nutrients to the soil. Such stumps are also enticing home for insects who play vital roles in forest food webs.

The problem with such Christmas tree farms, as with much modern agriculture, is that these trees are grown in extensive monocultures ^1,2. Often Christmas trees are the only tree being grown across vast areas and agro-chemicals are used to keep other plants and animals, considered ‘pests’, at bay ^1,2. As such, while these farms can look beautiful and cover an area in green, they have extremely low ecological value.

Ensuring that your Christmas tree comes from a biodiverse farm is one of the best ways to ensure that your tree does not contribute to habitat and biodiversity loss.

What are the solutions that are out there?

To reduce the negative impact of Christmas trees on biodiversity, some farmers are now opting for mixed cultures of different trees ². Small plots of Christmas trees are integrated into a wider forest ecosystem and their harvest planned by environmentally conscious forest managers. By planting more than one species in the area, the variety of plant and animal life increases the overall resistance and adaptability of the system, making it less susceptible to harsh weather conditions or pests ². Ensuring that your Christmas tree comes from a biodiverse farm is one of the best ways to ensure that your tree does not contribute to habitat and biodiversity loss.

The other major problem with the way in which we use these trees is that after the holiday season, when they are shedding and starting to look sad, we throw them away or even burn them. In response to this glaring sustainability issue, there is an increasing interest in renting Christmas trees. Trees are uprooted for the holiday season and hired out to sustainably oriented folks throughout the festive season, potted with roots intact. After the holiday season the trees are collected and replanted. This alternative reduces the negative impact on ecosystems by allowing the tree to grow over the years and provide a continued habitat to local wildlife. Here in Utrecht you can avail of such a service at .

Of course, for those willing to break somewhat with tradition, the best option is to mix it up a little this year and refrain from buying a Christmas tree altogether. Why not use one of your larger house plants and stick some lights on it? Don’t have a plant big enough for the task? You can use this excuse to get a lovely new plant for your home that’ll last beyond the holiday season! 

This news item was written by James of the Green Office biodiversity committee, as part of our wider countdown to the holiday period.

The Green Office is where fresh hearts and minds come together to support Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��'s sustainable development.

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