Since buying a Christmas tree, real or plastic, negatively impacts the environment, we are going to give some eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree. Christmas trees, real or fake, aren't eco-friendly when you consider that 96% of America's 308 million people will be using or purchasing one this season.

Fake Christmas trees are made of non-biodegradable plastics and are generally manufactured in China and then shipped overseas. The production of plastic Christmas trees contributes a ton of pollution and greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. On the other hand real trees, the greener alternative to a fake tree, also have to be cut down and regrown.

These trees take a few years to regrow and are generally sprayed with a lot of chemical pesticides in the process of growing. If purchasing a real tree this season, try opting for one with the roots intact. These can be replanted after the Christmas season and thus don't contribute to landfills. Also try looking for organic local growers. Organic growers don't use chemical pesticides or fertilizers that are detrimental to our environment.

So now for the good part! Here are some green alternatives to a traditional Christmas tree that provide fun for the whole family.

-Make your Own Christmas Tree

Bamboo Christmas Tree
If you don't already know about bamboo and it's great environmental uses, check out our bamboo category to the right on this page or by clicking here. You can find step-by-step instructions on making your own eco-friendly bamboo Christmas tree on ehow's article How to Make a Bamboo Christmas Tree.


If you're in for a bigger project try making your own recycled water bottle tree,













or even try making your tree out of recycled cardboard.












Whatever you decide to do for your Christmas Tree this year, try to keep it eco-friendly and fun! If you liked this article, you might enjoy some more of our Green Christmas Tips.

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