If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll likely want to have a Christmas tree. What are environmentally-responsible choices? An artificial tree to reuse every year is not the best idea—it’s usually made from non-renewable plastics and contains chemicals and non-recyclable, non-biodegradable components. When it starts looking sad and you’re ready to dispose of it, it will end up in a landfill.

Instead, consider buying a potted living tree from your local nursery that you can replant after the holidays. A single tree can absorb more than one ton of CO2 over its lifetime. Imagine how much CO2 could be absorbed if millions of people replanted their trees! Don’t have a yard to replant a tree? You could donate your potted tree to a local school, church, or park.

If your tree has been harvested, get a pesticide-free tree. Some growers use up to 40 different pesticides, as well as chemical colorants. Ask your local Christmas tree seller for an organic tree or search for one at localharvest.org.

Each year, 10 million Christmas trees end up in the landfill. The good news is, you can reduce holiday waste that takes up space in landfills and recycle your Christmas tree! Many cities offer programs to turn your tree to mulch or wood chips for gardens and parks. Visit earth911.org to find the tree-recycling program near you.

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