This Christmas, try a ‘sustainabiliTREE’
UC professor offers advice about green decorating alternatives this holiday season
Dreaming of a green Christmas? Why not try a “sustainabiliTREE?“
Americans will buy as many as 30 million live Christmas trees this holiday and another 13 million artificial ones. But University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor-Educator Teri Jacobs said there are other more sustainable options.
She teaches in UC’s School of Environment and Sustainability.
Teri Jacobs
Jacobs recommends buying a live potted tree that can be planted in the yard after the holidays.
Cut trees can still provide valuable backyard wildlife habitat after New Year’s, she said.
“It’s best if no pesticides or fertilizers were used in its production. Farms that employ agroecological safe practices safeguard water, soil, air and biodiversity,” Jacobs said.
Artificial trees have their merits if you can find one at a thrift, antique or vintage shop, she said.
“My parents gave me the tree I grew up with,” she said.
“I wouldn’t suggest buying a new artificial tree. I’m 100% against plastic. But research shows that an artificial tree that is kept for more than five years is more sustainable than cutting down a real tree each year,” she said.
While a tree is traditional, Jacobs said there are other ways to get into the holiday spirit.
“You can refuse to buy any Christmas tree and just create a festive home with crafts. This reduces consumption, pollution and waste,” she said.
And who says a Christmas tree has to be a Christmas tree? Jacobs said decorating indoor plants can be fun.
“Buy an indoor Ficus tree and decorate it!” she said. “Bonus: It will freshen your indoor air.”
Featured image at top: 'Tis the season to make wise environmental choices, UC's Teri Jacobs says. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC
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