Green for life…not just for Christmas
In a world where we all need to do more for the planet, I hope by offering choice of adopting a pot grown tree that can be green for life not just for Christmas is something you feel is a good thing to do.
But why hire a Rooted tree? Here’s a few reasons…
1. Better carbon Footprint
The Carbon Trust says a 2 metre real Christmas tree, cut with no roots, has a carbon footprint of 16kg CO2e if it ends up in landfill. This is because the tree decomposes and produces methane gas, which is 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. A 2 metre artificial tree is even worse, with a carbon footprint of 40kg CO2e, more than twice that of a real tree that ends its life in landfill.
“A real pine tree naturally absorbs CO2 and releases oxygen. The best thing you can do at Christmas is keep a tree alive and breathing. Disposing of a tree by composting produces CO2 and methane. An artificial tree has a higher carbon footprint than a natural one because of the energy intensive production process involved. By far the best option is a potted tree which, with care, can be replanted after the festive season and reused year after year.”
Darran Messem, Managing Director of Certification at the Carbon Trust.
2. Less waste
The government estimates that the nation’s 8m dumped Christmas trees generate 160,000 tonnes of waste every year. Not only is this a tremendous waste of resources, the cost of disposal is also eye watering – an estimated £14 million for local councils to send faded firs and sad spruces to landfill. Plus, as they rot down, the trees release harmful gases.
Calderdale Council make a tremendous effort to recycle dying trees after Christmas but the waste is still a problem, Cllr Scott Patient, lead member for Climate Change & Resilience at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council adds,
“By hiring a tree and letting it live on, we can reduce waste and support the Calder Valley’s flood management schemes and improve our air quality. I think Rooted is a kind business idea for our community that represents all that is great about living in the Calder Valley. As a flood warden and after witnessing the devastation floods in our area causes I hope people will switch to hiring a tree rather than buying a cut tree this year so we can build a better, cleaner and greener community for our children’s future.”
3. Supporting local charity
Once Rooted trees out grow their pots and your homes and become beautiful mature and rather large trees, we donate them to Slow the Flow - the local charity that is all about natural flood management and solutions to slowing the water flowing into our rivers to help prevent flooding in the valley.
Rooted trees are not just for Christmas. Rooted trees are ‘forever Christmas trees’ as they are donated to be part of tree planting in the uplands, absorbing water and supporting the Calder Valley’s natural flood defence. So, hiring a living tree can ensure the tree has a happy new year and it will be a forever Christmas tree helping to Slow the Flow year after year.
At the end of the day, we are all about happy trees that can support the happy Valley for decades to come. Rooted has pledge to plant 2030 trees by 2030 so by supporting us and hiring a tree you will help us achieve our vision.
I hope you feel this is the spirit of Calderdale’s Christmas future?
Thanks for your support.
Sara