01 December OUR PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE ECO-RESPONSIBLE TREE FOR YOUR COMPANY

Who says December says end of year celebrations and … Christmas tree!

Natural, artificial, potted or “upcycling”: many options are available to you, but you still have to choose the most responsible one to be in accordance with your CSR policy. 

If you too, as a company, are fond of this tradition and you cannot see yourself spending the holidays without this essential decoration, this article is made for you! 

Discover through this guide, which is THE most ecological Christmas tree model that will immerse your employees in this magical period that is the end of year celebrations. 

THE NATURAL FIR

The natural trees are grown specifically for the period and do not contribute to deforestation, which is one of the main causes of global warming.

To minimize the environmental impact due to their transport, it is necessary to be vigilant as to their origin: favor local productions from Morvan, Burgundy or Auvergne Rhône Alpes for example. But how can you be sure of this 100% French production? Thanks to labels like Flowers from France or even Blue Plant.

In addition, to avoid any use of phytosanitary products, which poison groundwater, turn to organic certification. Trees raised without pesticides or chemicals. And to choose it French go through France Fir Organic, one of the only brands on the market to offer certified organic trees. A project launched in 2013 which organizes sales events all over France via the networks Plants for All. 

Once the holidays are over, the inevitable question that everyone asks themselves: "What do we do with the tree?" An important element not to be taken lightly! Indeed, like all plants, the fir tree is a carbon sink: when it grows, it takes carbon from the atmosphere and therefore helps to clean up our air. However, the way you recycle your tree can have a considerable impact. Burn his tree? We have seen much better! Indeed, when you burn your fir tree, all the CO2 absorbed is directly released into the atmosphere... From an ecological point of view, the most responsible way is therefore composting: the fir tree is crushed then used to cover the ground.

If your ecological conscience is still not satisfied, opt for a potted tree for rent, which can be replanted! A sustainable alternative supported by the French company Treezmas who delivers your tree and picks it up for free after the holidays to replant it. 

Even if there are more responsible alternatives to the natural tree, it is still more ecological than the artificial tree...

THE ARTIFICIAL TREE

If you think that the artificial tree is sustainable and responsible, you are wrong! Indeed, there is nothing ecological about it. 

First of all, let's start with its so natural composition: plastic mixed with aluminum. A concentrate of petroleum-based products, far from being ecological! Elements that are also harmful to the health of people who are exposed to them. For the air quality of your employees, we have seen much better… 

Second, let's take a moment to look at its manufacturing process: assembly in industries with an energy-intensive production process and a catastrophic carbon footprint due to transport. In general, you should be able to keep your artificial tree for more than 10 years so that it emits less CO2 than a natural tree... but the average shelf life is on average 6 years. 

Last important element: the artificial tree does not recycle well and is not biodegradable! 

THE ZERO-WASTE FIRST

If you are still not convinced, we have THE solution that will make everyone agree! An "upcycling" tree to make yourself whose environmental impact is ZERO. Most ? A user-friendly way to unite your teams while raising their awareness of waste management! 

Here are some recovery ideas: 

• Pallets
• old boxes 
• Books
• Branches 

Let yourself be carried away by your creativity with this activity, for a 100% eco-responsible Christmas!