Metal fir trees in Coesfeld: sustainability or artistic flop?

Metal fir trees in Coesfeld: sustainability or artistic flop?

A very special sustainability project will be implemented in Cologne this year during Advent. In addition to the popular natural fir trees, there are also six innovative models made of metal on Bernhard-von-Galen-Straße, reports azonline.de. These metal Christmas tree alternatives are the result of a competition in which a school class designed a model that is now to be produced. However, the unconventional choice of materials has already raised critical voices in the city.

While some complain about the minimalist metal trees, others are enthusiastic about the advantages of sustainable reusability. But the concerns cannot be dismissed: experts express doubts about the sustainability of these trees, especially when considering the energy-intensive steel production. A clear environmental assessment of the metal upgrades is still pending, and so the question of sustainability remains open. These trees are intended to be made from flat iron and round tubes, which may have environmentally friendly aspects, but at the same time does not eliminate the ecological concerns, such as christmastime.net highlights.

Tradition and innovation

With a budget of almost 3,000 euros, 80% of which is covered by a funding program, the city marketing department and the city administration are considering the implementation of the project both creatively and sustainably. The aim is to present a long-lasting and creative solution and to gain experience with these new variants. In addition to the six metal trees, the city center will also be festively decorated with 54 natural fir trees, and the traditional Christmas tree on the market square will also be put up again.

There was positive feedback last year about alternative tree lighting in Lette, which shows that the people of Cologne are open to new ideas. Nevertheless, the city did not want to comment on the criticisms. Reference is made to the history of the competition and the emotional aspects of the topic, as Coesfeld for Future makes clear, which also recognizes the emotional ties to the Christmas tree tradition.

Sustainable Christmas tree alternatives

The discussion surrounding metal trees comes at a time when sustainability is more in demand than ever in all areas of life. Families are increasingly looking for Christmas trees that are grown in an environmentally friendly way. The short service life of just four weeks is also a reason to think about alternative solutions. At this point offers christmastime.net a variety of creative options for sustainable Christmas tree alternatives:

• Weihnachtsbaum im Topf: Kann nach den Feiertagen umgetopft werden.
• Weihnachtsbaum mieten: Baum im Topf leihen und nach den Feiertagen zurückgeben.
• DIY-Weihnachtsbaum: Kreative Alternativen aus Ästen und Zweigen gestalten.
• BIO-Weihnachtsbaum: Aus ökologischem Anbau, meist in Mischkultur, ohne Pestizide.
• Regionaler Weihnachtsbaum: Bäume aus der Region, keine langen Transportwege.

With these alternative approaches, it becomes clear that there are also environmentally friendly options that can minimize the ecological footprint of the celebration of festivals. But even if the new metal Christmas tree ideas are met with some skepticism, it remains to be seen how they will be received by the people of Cologne and whether they will perhaps become a completely new part of the local Christmas culture.