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Originally Posted by Fern
i can't believe the author left out the most obvious one of all...using either an artificial tree that will last forever and wont' require cutting down a tree.
Or, if you must have a live tree, putting it out on your property to offer shelter for birds and wildlife during the coldest months of the year.
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I actually read an article last year ... may have been in Vegetarian Times, but don't quote me on that ... that said the live tree which is "donated" after the holidays to animals and birds for shelter is a more environmentally sound option. These trees are grown on tree farms, so the user isn't reducing forests by getting a live tree. Plus, the live tree will eventually compost itself, or it can be cut up and used for campfire wood (instead of cutting down a different tree) if you would use that. The artificial tree, on the other hand, will eventually be thrown out and it will take decades to decompose, if it ever does. I always thought the artificial tree was a more ecologically sound option, but the article changed my mind. I'll have to see if I can find it. I know it was from a reputable source.
Also, as far as "budget decorating" goes, my husband and I went out on Christmas Eve last year to buy our live tree. We got a very nice one for about $3 (they basically give them away by then) and we were able to spend Christmas Eve together decorating it. Most people leave their trees up until after New Year's anyway, and this way it stays fresh until New Years. If you decorate the old fashioned way with strings of popcorn and cranberries, you can leave those on when the tree goes outside. The birds and critters that "move in" to the tree will appreciate the treat.