Creating a "Green" Holiday Tree

Eco-Friendly Alternatives For Your Holiday Tree

This is the season to decorate a holiday tree and bring some festive cheer into your home.  Decorating can be both fun and eco-friendly, just remember the following tips and tricks to prepare any home for this holiday season:

1) Artificial vs. Real: When purchasing a holiday tree it is important to know that artificial trees are actually very dangerous for the environment.  Artificial trees are often made from a type of plastic.  Oftentimes, artificial trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other chemicals, and as such are non-recyclable and eventually just become cumbersome waste.  Real trees produce oxygen and rid toxins from the air.  Another option would be an organic tree.


2) Alternative Trees: This year, alternative holiday trees are all the rage.  People can make trees of recyclable materials or even supplies found around the house.  Try a tree made out of coffee filters, shredded paper, scraps of wood, or an old bookcase.  A great gallery of alternative trees can be found on the HGTV website here.

3) Holiday lights: Hanging up lights and outside or on a holiday tree can be a fun, seasonal activity.  This holiday season, remember to utilize LED lights as those lights use less energy and last longer. Further, always turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home: this is not only safe but will save money.

Grady Management, Inc. was founded in 1965 and continues to provide full service residential, commercial and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area. Learn more about Grady Management on our website or Facebook page.