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Here's are the best to worst options when it comes to choosing an eco-friendly Christmas tree:

  1. Not buying a tree
  2. Buying or renting a living tree
  3. Buying an artificial tree made from recycled materials and using it for a decade
  4. Buying a chopped down real tree
  5. Buying a generic artificial tree and using it for a decade
  6. Buying a sustainably-made artificial tree every year
  7. Buying a generic artificial tree every year (please don't do this)

When it comes to living trees, you could plant the tree after Christmas or keep it in a pot for the following year. If you plant the tree, make sure you do your research to ensure the tree is appropriate for your climate and soil type. If you keep the tree in a pot, make sure to water it regularly and keep it in a sunny spot.

Renting a living tree is a pretty new and niche option. We've found one service that delivers through most of California, and you might have some luck asking neighbors if they've heard of something like this near you.

Artificial trees are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and even fiberglass. Some artificial trees are made from recycled materials, so they are a more eco-friendly option. If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it is made from recyclable materials and that it can be reused or recycled after Christmas. Typically if you're able to use an artificial tree upwards of 10 years, it will be more eco-friendly than buying a real tree every year.

If you choose to go the route of real trees, make sure to buy a tree that has been certified as sustainably grown. In the United States you can look for a certification from the Forest Stewardship Council.

You'll also want to consider the impact of the tree when it is disposed of. Make sure to compost it or recycle it, depending on the option you choose. If you choose an artificial tree, hopefully the recycling doesn't happen for a long time and you can continue to use it year after year.