Two of the biggest traditions for many families during the holiday season are the lights and the Christmas tree. Read on for tips on how to go eco with your tree and lights this year.
Your Christmas tree
If you are a traditionalist like me and just can't do Christmas without a real Christmas tree then follow this guide to getting the most eco friendly real tree you possibly can.
Buy a potted Christmas tree and plant it after the Holiday's. You can get a potted 3' Pine or Cedar from Home Depot for $24.97. You can also find a great selection of 4' - 5' Pine trees from Whole Foods for $34.99. To obtain the best results from your potted tree follow the instructions kindly provided to us by Garden Works - Capilano.
1. Gradually acclimatize the living tree to indoor temperatures by placing it in a garage or sheltered area for 2-3 days.
2. Bring indoors for up to 10 days, but keep it away from heat sources.
3. Water daily with 2-4 litres of water, mixed with tree preserver. (Some people suggest helping keep the tree cool by applying a layer of ice to the top of the soil and let that melt down, as a way of watering).
4. Decorate with LED lights and other tree decorations.
5. Gradually reacclimatize the living tree to outdoor temperatures by placing it in a garage or sheltered area for 2-3 days.
If you don't have the space to plant a potted Christmas tree purchase a farmed Christmas tree and recycle it after the Holiday's. There are many organizations in the Lower Mainland that offer tree shredding by donation. Keep checking back to get a list of tree shredding locations in your area.
Your Christmas lights
LED Christmas lights are all the rage again this year because they really are the easiest and the most eco friendly option for Christmas lights. LED lights use up to 95% less electricity than the old style of Christmas lights. LED lights also last longer, are less breakable and are becoming more and more budget friendly each year. You can find a wide selection of LED lights at Home Depot in The Village at Park Royal.
Solar power is a new technology offered in both LED and non-LED lights this year. The reviews on these lights indicate that they work but the technology has not been mastered yet to work around our many sunless Vancouver days. They may not be perfect yet but it sure shows how quickly we are moving in the right direction.
