There’s been an increasing interest in renting Christmas trees this year, according to a Dumfriesshire grower.
An estimated 8 million Christmas trees are bought in the UK every year, with 7 million ending up in landfill site after the festive period.
Now consumers in Dumfries and Galloway are seeking out eco-friendly options.
Georgina Davies has more.
Georgina VP:
The Carbon Trust has long warned that real Christmas trees are far more sustainable than their artificial counterparts.
It says a fake tree needs to be kept for ten years before its carbon footprint matches that of a naturally grown one.
This year, however, Rory Young from Glaisters Farm at Kirkgunzeon says there’s a growing demand for perceived eco-friendly alternatives:
[Rory Young CLIP
Inwords: Actually, believe it…
Outwords: …about these things
Duration: 0’29’’]
Georgina VP:
Plastic trees are also often shipped long distances before arriving in the shop, and then your home.
However, it’s the manufacture of the artificial tree that creates most of its carbon footprint - with around two thirds coming from the process.
Laura Moodie of the Dumfries & Galloway Climate Group has this advice when selecting your tree this Christmas.
[Laura Moodie CLIP
Inwords: If you’ve already…
Outwords: …after it carefully.
Duration: 0’25’’]
