Every year, we go in search of the perfect Christmas tree: it should be green, beautiful, and ideally environmentally friendly. An ecological Christmas tree, in other words. Because although we love our traditions, we naturally wonder how appropriate they still are in the face of climate change and other challenges. But what exactly is an eco-friendly Christmas tree? How do we recognize one? And what differences are there? Let's take a closer look at the needles of the environmentally friendly Christmas tree.

With Seal of Approval

Classically, most "standard" firs come from large plantations inland or in neighboring European countries. Here, future Christmas trees are trimmed to a uniform size: equally tall, equally straight, equally beautiful. To achieve precisely this goal, the plants typically need to be treated with plenty of fertilizers such as herbicides and pesticides during their growing phase. It's clear that there's no eco-label for this.

But what about the certified Christmas tree alternative? Organic firs are fundamentally characterized by having grown without the use of chemical fertilizers. Different seals serve as proof of this, guaranteeing organic farming or organically oriented forestry.

Here, you are definitely on the safe side if you value a Christmas tree that comes from a toxin-free nursery and whose growth did not unnecessarily interfere with nature's balance. And that is already a big step forward. However, it is important to understand that ecological does not equal sustainable. If you want to think a step further in terms of environmental protection, then you should also ask yourself the question:

How sustainable is an ecological Christmas tree really?

Sustainability, as is well known, refers to the long-term and careful use of natural resources. Even though wood itself is a renewable resource, this essentially means nothing more than: A tree that grows is more sustainable than a tree that has been cut down. Because even an ecological Christmas tree has to be disposed of somehow after the holidays and is therefore initially considered waste per se.

Alternatives to the Alternative?

If the concept of an ecological Christmas tree doesn't fully convince you yet, it definitely makes sense to consider possible alternatives with which you can also celebrate the holidays festively.

(Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash)

The potted Christmas tree, for example, temporarily moves in with you, roots and all. The idea behind it: After the festivities, it returns to its natural habitat and can thus be reused naturally again and again. However, this is not always as easy as it sounds. Depending on its cultivation, the tree may have suffered root damage when being repotted, making subsequent growth difficult or even impossible. You should also ensure that this fir is adequately watered and cared for during its time as a Christmas tree so that it survives the holidays unharmed.

A artificial plastic Christmas tree has the advantage that it causes hardly any hassle and can be reused again and again with good care. However, you have to be willing to make certain concessions here. Neither in terms of feel nor regarding the unique scent of fir greenery can the plastic imitation hold a candle to the original. And then there's the fact that plastic is not a particularly sustainable material, as its production generally requires a lot of energy and fossil raw materials. And the disposal of plastic is also a complex chapter of its own.

The Keinachtsbaum - the sustainable alternative

An environmentally friendly Christmas tree entirely without plastic is the Keinachtsbaum. Made from sustainably grown ash wood, it can always be spruced up seasonally with fresh greenery without any tree having to be cut down. The fir branches, which you can purchase from local dealers or in the Keinachtsbaum e-shop, simply fit into the existing drilled holes in the stand. Thus, the Keinachtsbaum is an all-round ecological and sustainable alternative to all other Christmas firs. It lasts indefinitely, is completely natural, and also offers many design possibilities. This is how tradition works easily and with a clear conscience.