A GREEN-FINGERED Claines councillor has embraced a unique scheme which will see her rent a living Christmas tree for her home.
Coun Jessie Jagger is ushering in the festive season with a heartfelt commitment to sustainability by choosing to rent the much-loved Christmas centrepiece.
Customers can choose their preferred size of living Christmas tree.
The tree is then delivered to their doorstep in a sturdy pot with a watering saucer or people can collect it.
After the holidays, a scheduled pick up takes the tree back to the local tree nurser or the customer can take it back to its home, where it continues to grow for another year.
The following Christmas, the tree is ready to bring joy to another household, completing a sustainable and cyclical approach. The farmer makes therefore makes money on the same tree.
As a dedicated environmentalist Coun Jagger hopes to give strong support for farmers who cultivate Christmas trees, acknowledging the positive environmental impact of tree farming.
She has opted for a Norway Spruce, a traditional Christmas tree grown in a pot, symbolising a harmonious coexistence between holiday traditions and environmental stewardship.
“I never loved the idea of a plastic tree which will end up in landfill one day, so we opted for a real Christmas tree,” she said.
“Also, I’ve always been hugely supportive of farmers who dedicate themselves to cultivating real Christmas trees.
“Any tree planting effort is a fantastic contribution to the environment. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort about cutting down a healthy tree only to throw it away after a few weeks.”
“When I heard of the option to rent a tree, I thought it was the perfect solution. The potted Norway Spruce minimizes needle shedding, emits a delightful natural aroma, and eliminates the risk of toppling over, making it a practical and sustainable choice for festive decor.’
“We rented our tree from Roots Family Farm, a local Worcester establishment committed to sustainability,
“I just thought this was a great idea and decided to support it. I love that my tree will get to retire and grow old in a forest one day when it gets too big for Christmas”.
The ‘Rent-a-Tree’ scheme, individuals can support farmers, minimize environmental impact, and continue the tradition of a beautifully adorned tree in their homes.
