Cut down on Christmas waste and buy a living tree

The UK discards between 6 and 7 million Christmas trees a year, according to the BCTGA. Once these pines have served their purpose, they’re thrown on landfill piles where they emit approximately 100,000 of tons worth of greenhouse gasses.

As the impact of one of our most treasured Christmas traditions becomes apparent, some have turned to fake trees as a more sustainable choice, but neither of these options hold water.

Champions of the real reject fakes for being made of plastic – and it’s a whole lot of plastic if we’re talking about a full six-footer. The Carbon Trust estimates that a full-size plastic tree creates the same level of emissions as driving 120 miles in a car, with about two thirds coming from manufacturing and a final third coming from distribution.

That’s about ten times as much as a real tree, which means the plastic tree could be the friendlier choice, but only if used for eleven Christmases or more.

Bloombox Club is offering a third option: instead of buying a cut Christmas tree this year, buy a living plant that you can take care of all year round. They’ll drop far fewer needles than the trees your used to and they won’t lose their green brilliance in the run up to the big day.

After Christmas they can be kept inside as a houseplant or placed in a sheltered area of your garden in spring.

Check Out - Give Your Christmas Table a Natural Makeover

Our pines are a bit different to your standard fare. The Silver Crest is a Mediterranean mountainside dweller with a frosted blue tint and upright grow habit that will add a touch of magic to your home all year round.

The Prickly Pine has a dense growth habit, making it look lush and full with or without decorations.

It's a nod to the traditional Christmas Tree but not so much that it would look out of place come January, when it can be integrated into your houseplant collection or used to adorn doorways and terraces.

Of our collection of Christmas trees, Spruce is the most traditional. Abies nordmanniana was first brought over from Turkey in the 1840s when the Christmas tree was first becoming a staple in British homes.

In 1841 Queen Victoria installed a 20 foot high Nordmann fir at Windsor Castle, honouring her Hanoverian roots, and the nation quickly followed.

What do you think? Are living trees a viable solution to the problem of Christmas tree waste? Let us know on Instagram, Twitter and facebook @BloomboxClub #bloomboxclub