3 simple and eco-friendly alternatives to a Christmas tree

Instead of buying a freshly-cut or fake tree this holiday season, consider opting for one of these 3 simple, eco-friendly Christmas tree alternatives that are just as appealing.

Freshly-cut Christmas trees take about seven years to grow. They then often travel long distances from nursery to market. Both activities consume a fair amount of non-renewable resources before the tree arrives in your home.  Although it could be argued that "fake" trees are more ecologically friendly since they can be reused, they are often made from ecologically harmful materials.

So what are your options? Here are 3 simple, eco-friendly alternatives to a Christmas tree worth trying.

For those with enough backyard space, an eco-friendly alternative to a freshly cut evergreen is to purchase a live tree that can then be transplanted outdoors after the holidays.

• Be cautious, however, when purchasing a live tree, as they should remain indoors for no longer than one week. Leaving the tree indoors for an extended period could bring the tree out of hibernation, making it unable to survive outdoors during the cold winter months after it is transplanted.

Want a live tree for Christmas but lack the backyard space to transplant it? Several companies rent trees during the holiday season. A quick search on the Internet will help find one near you.

• The companies deliver Christmas trees from their nurseries and then pick up the tree after the holiday season in order to replant it.
• Renting a tree is a much more sustainable alternative to buying a freshly cut tree, which must be thrown away after the holiday season, generating waste.
• "Renting then replanting" as an approach can help reduce the ecological costs of transporting live trees thousands of kilometres from nursery to market by going through a local business. What's more, it's good for your neighbourhood as it supports local industry.

Another ecological alternative is to look for a local artist who makes Christmas trees out of non-traditional materials.

• These trees can be reused year after year and, in addition, those made out of recyclable and biodegradable materials leave behind a much smaller footprint than plastic trees, even if they are eventually replaced.
• The other plus is that you'll have a one-of-a-kind piece of art that will surely draw attention from everyone who sees it. You could even create a tree that compliments the décor in your house!

These are only a few simple, eco-friendly Christmas tree alternatives immediately available to the average consumer. With a little research and creativity, you could even make your own tree or inspire your local school to make some for the season as an art project. The possibilities are endless!