So you want an eco-friendly Xmas tree but don’t know what’s the best option? Here are some ideas for eco-friendly trees.

1. Buy a used fake tree on eBay or pick one up on Freecycle.

2. Buy a real tree and when you’re finished with it, dispose of it by taking it to a council collection point. The council will chip and compost the trees.

3. Grow your own Christmas tree. It’s a bit late for this year, but now’s the time to plant one for next year. This kit from Ethical Superstore costs just £1.99 and contains the seeds, pot and soil, as well as full instructions on how to successfully grow your own miniature Christmas tree.

4. Grow a grass Christmas tree. For small spaces, or for a windowsill or desk, this grow your own grass Christmas tree is just the thing. Fun for children too. And yes, it’s real grass.

Arrives complete with decorations and pre-grown, the idea is to water it and trim it to keep it in shape. Further growth depends on how you look after it. Makes a great gift. £12.99 from Nigel’s EcoStore.

5. Here’s another real tree, and a good reason to grow your own. Real Christmas trees are more eco friendly than artificial ones. Real trees are carbon neutral. These Christmas tree saplings are delivered to your home, and will grow up with your family year after year and help make Christmas a little more sustainable.

There are a variety of different types of trees available, including the Scots Pine. Scots Pines are native to Scotland and a favourite with many families at Christmas. Pine was once known as the ‘Sweetest of the Woods’ and was said to symbolise fertility. This tree can grow to around 36m after 10 years, but will keep nicely in a pot for the first 2-3 years. It comes with full care instructions. £24.99 from Nigel’s EcoStore.

6. The cardboard christmas tree was designed in Chicago, IL and is made in the USA from recycled cardboard. This 3ft tree is perfect for the urbanite who wants a sustainable Xmas tree. It can be decorated any which way you like.

Designer Director Nick Ng says “We wanted to give people living in smaller spaces a stylish alternative to a plastic artificial tree or a large living tree. As well as being perfect for apartment dwellers, the tree can be used to decorate school and college dorm rooms, offices, or shop window displays. It can be either left in it’s original state for a clean modern look; or customized to suit the decor of the room it’s in.”

The cardboard christmas tree comes flat packed, is easy to put together, and easy to take apart again to store for next year. It costs $22.95.

7. If you like the idea of the above tree, but don’t want to order your tree from the US, then here’s a similar tree available in the UK. It’s a recycled cardboard Christmas tree to paint or decorate as you wish. It’s 70cm tall, so great for small spaces or for use as a table centerpiece. The kit includes tree, paints and brush. £6.99 from Party Pieces.

8. Make your own recycled cardboard Xmas tree. Full instructions here.

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