Greener Christmas: How Sustainable Is an Organic Christmas Tree?
Most Christmas trees sold in Germany each year had a toxic past: they were grown with fertilizers that pollute the soil and groundwater, and they were also treated with pesticides and herbicides. Depending on their origin, they also carry a more or less significant CO2 "backpack." It is understandable, therefore, that in more and more households, the call for an organic Christmas tree is getting louder. But how sensible is an organic Christmas tree really? Or, to put it another way: To what extent would it be beneficial for the environment if more organic Christmas trees were produced and sold instead of "conventional" Christmas trees?
Ecological, climate-friendly or local – what defines an organic Christmas tree?
"Organic Christmas tree in a pot," "organic Christmas tree from the region," or "cut your own organic Christmas tree" – these are often the advertising claims of tree suppliers. But what exactly makes an organic Christmas tree truly organic? Unfortunately, there are no firmly defined criteria for this. However, according to general understanding, an organic Christmas tree should be
- produced without mineral fertilizers and growth regulators,
- without the use of chemical pesticides (against insects),
- and without the use of herbicides (against weeds).
Furthermore, it would be desirable if the tree
- came from forestry – i.e., from a forest – (and not from plantation farming),
- was grown in Germany (and not in Denmark or Hungary),
- and ideally also came from the region.
Why foregoing chemicals is so important
The most important factor, however, is the absence of chemical substances. According to a study by the German Association for Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) from 2020, two-thirds of all Christmas trees on the market are contaminated with chemical residues. This is bad for two reasons: Firstly, it indicates that fauna and flora in the vicinity of the trees suffered during tree production. (For example, the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin was detected in half of the trees examined – this is considered the most harmful pesticide currently approved in the EU; it destroys bees and other beneficial insects.) Secondly, if the residues are released into the indoor air through exhalation, they can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tracts in humans. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics are particularly at risk.
How to recognize an organic Christmas tree
You recognize an organic Christmas tree by its seal – that's the simple answer. However, there isn't just one single seal that certifies a tree's organic quality. The Robin Wood action group defines an ecological Christmas tree (i.e., an "organic" tree) as one that has been produced either according to the guidelines of organic farming or according to the guidelines of ecologically oriented forestry. The seals listed here prove one or the other:
Where organic Christmas trees come from
For the most part, organic Christmas trees come from agricultural farms where farmers grow them as a sideline. The areas used for this purpose often cannot be profitably used in any other way. Around 15 percent of organic Christmas trees also come from forestry operations. However, forestry operations usually do not fell the trees in the middle of the forest, but on special areas (e.g., on forest routes under high-voltage lines or on pipeline green strips), where they are not missed by the forest.
Where can you get an organic Christmas tree?
Organic Christmas trees can now be bought everywhere, even in many DIY and garden centers. On the Robin Wood homepage, there is a list of organic Christmas tree sales points, sorted by federal state – here you can find out about offers in your local area. Many producers of organic Christmas trees also offer their trees for shipping online. If you wish, you can even cut your own organic Christmas tree: Google provides addresses for almost every region in Germany for the search term "cut your own organic Christmas tree."
Conclusion: An organic Christmas tree makes sense – if it absolutely has to be a real tree
Back to the initial question: Are organic Christmas trees actually better for the environment compared to standard Christmas trees? Yes, they are, because the cultivation of organic Christmas trees avoids chemical fertilizers, drainage measures, and the application of pesticides and herbicides. This not only protects the environment but also benefits the health of Christmas tree buyers. So, if it absolutely has to be a real Christmas tree, the organic option is preferable. Another way to celebrate Christmas sustainably (but with a tree) is to buy a sustainable wooden Christmas tree, the Keinachtsbaum®. Then no tree has to be felled at all; nevertheless, thanks to real fir greenery, you have the impression that there is a real tree in the room.